Motorex: Used around the world for maximum ropeway safety

For over two decades, Garaventa, part of the Doppelmayr Group and a leading company in ropeway construction, has relied on high-performance hydraulic fluids from MOTOREX. These help to ensure maximum operating reliability in the world’s most spectacular systems– in snow, ice, heat or humidity.

While passengers enjoy the views, technical components inside Garaventa’s ropeway systems perform their job precisely. One of the key safety functions is the brake hydraulics. In an emergency, it needs to react immediately and flawlessly. The requirements increase significantly in extreme weather conditions, such as those found in high alpine regions or tropical coastal zones. Traditional hydraulic systems focus on the drive, and thus the transmission of power, while ropeways focus on controlled stopping. This requires a hydraulic fluid that reacts immediately and absolutely reliably, even without prior circulation.

Hydraulic oils for emergencies and special cases

With ALPINE COREX POLAR S 370 and ALPINE COREX POLAR S 320, MOTOREX has developed two hydraulic oils that work reliably over a wide temperature range. Their specially tailored formulations are based on decades of practical experience and ensure consistent performance even under the most stringent requirements. The S 320 variant remains fully operational at minus 40 degrees with a viscosity of just 600 mm2 per second – well below the pour point of conventional oils. This makes it also suitable for safety-critical applications such as hydraulic rescue equipment.

The excellent material compatibility ensures that seals remain supple and perform their function over the long term. Another quality feature is the oil’s high cleanliness: ALPINE COREX POLAR can be finely filtered and remains homogeneous and stable, making it ideal for long-term applications. Its striking red colour also makes it easier to monitor for leaks.

Locations with different characteristics- from Stoos to Hong Kong

When Garaventa plans new ropeways, the challenges are as varied as the places of use. In Hong Kong, for example, the traditional Peak Tram has been travelling up Victoria Peak – the city’s highest point – in extremely humid conditions since 1888. Every year, more than six million passengers enjoy a ride on this funicular railway and the spectacular view of the skyline and harbour. In Ha Long Bay, Vietnam, one of the world’s longest tri-cable ropeways crosses the sea. The tropical climate, salt mist and enormous spans place extremely high demands on the entire construction.

Reliable partnership right from the start

Swiss ropeway specialist Garaventa has been using hydraulic oils from MOTOREX for over 20 years. With the trend towards steeper, larger and more powerful systems, the requirements placed on hydraulic oils are also increasing. Today, ALPINE COREX POLAR S 370 or ALPINE COREX POLAR S 320 is used in every new Garaventa system – depending on the technical design. Garaventa fills the safety systems with these tried-and tested products as early as the original equipment stage. The safety brake system is particularly critical. In an emergency, it must be triggered in milliseconds – precisely and reliably. External influences such as temperature changes or humidity cause hydraulic fluids to age over time. In order to guarantee long-term functional reliability, MOTOREX specialists therefore replace the fluids at intervals of six to fifteen years, depending on their location and load. In addition, regular system tests and oil analyses are conducted in the in-house laboratory; MOTOREX supports the entire life cycle of the Garaventa systems.

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