BY: Mike Chalmers
[This article originally appeared in the September/October 2024 Issue of Wire Rope Exchange. Read the entire issue online at this link.]
Ropeblock B.V. has carved out a significant place in the crane and rigging industry by focusing on one simple, yet crucial, element—wire rope. Since 1994, the Netherlands-based company has been honing its expertise in lifting and rigging solutions, developing crane blocks, sheaves, and wire rope terminations that have become indispensable across industries like construction, oil and gas, and renewable energy. As a result, Ropeblock has earned a global reputation for precision engineering—alongside an unwavering commitment to improving both safety and performance.
Joost Eertman, Technical Director at Ropeblock, pays that commitment forward by extending his passion beyond Ropeblock’s design rooms and presenting his technical expertise at industry events around the world. His presentation, “The Science of Cabling and Optimization Solutions,” has become a key resource for crane and rigging professionals—providing invaluable knowledge about wire rope and sheave interactions, block rotation, and the latest technological advancements in the field.
Eertman has presented at major industry gatherings connected to SC&RA (Specialized Carriers & Rigging Association), CCRA (Canadian Crane and Rental Association), AWRF (Associated Wire Rope Fabricators), and CONEXPO-CON/AGG, consistently leaving his audience with a deeper understanding of wire rope’s critical role in crane operations.
In his most recent presentation at the 2024 SC&RA Crane & Rigging Workshop in September, Eertman unpacked the intricacies of wire rope behavior, offering practical insights into the challenges faced by professionals working with cranes every day.
“Wire rope is an incredibly complex piece of hardware,” he explained. “Its performance can be significantly affected by how it’s used, and without proper care, you’re not just risking the rope—you’re risking the whole operation.”
For Eertman, wire rope is far from a one-size-fits-all solution. Different environments, applications, and equipment require careful consideration, he added, and Ropeblock’s continuous research and development efforts are aimed at tailoring solutions to meet these varying needs.
“There are countless variables at play,” he emphasized. “From the fleet angle to the sheave material, everything affects how the rope performs. Our goal is to make sure that professionals are not only aware of these factors but know how to address them to extend rope life and improve safety.”
Direct Impact
In 2002, while working on a high-stakes 1800-ton sheerleg project, Eertman had what he describes as an epiphany. “I realized then that wire rope isn’t just a component—it’s the most complex machine element in a crane,” he recalled.
This revelation became the foundation for Ropeblock’s Rope Care® initiative, a program that focuses on the longevity and optimization of wire rope through a science-driven understanding of its behavior. It also eventually inspired Eertman’s passion to deliver this information to the industry at large.
To that end, he has been giving presentations since 2013, starting with the CCRA, and refining his message along the way. Each iteration is shaped by the latest R&D findings, as well as feedback from his audience.
“The presentation has evolved,” he noted. “We’ve tweaked it over time to incorporate new studies and advancements in rope technology, and each audience brings its own unique perspective.”
According to Eertman, the feedback is overwhelmingly positive, with many attendees seeking copies of the presentation or further guidance on how to improve their wire rope systems. That said, while much of the information is proprietary, he and his team strive to provide advice and insights whenever possible.
A significant part of Eertman’s presentation centers around the role of sheaves and blocks in the overall performance of wire rope. He highlights the importance of managing the fleet angle, which directly impacts how the rope wears over time.
“Fleet angle is a major factor,” he acknowledged. “While you can’t eliminate it entirely, understanding how to minimize its effects can make a world of difference in rope longevity.”
To address these challenges, he noted, Ropeblock has developed a series of innovations aimed at improving wire rope interaction with its supporting components—particularly within their sheaves. One such example, said Eertman, is their DryLube sheave, engineered specifically to reduce friction and wear.
“These products are the result of our commitment to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with wire rope technology. Our goal is always to improve safety, efficiency, and the overall performance of crane systems.”
Truly Optimized
Despite advancements coming from Ropeblock, as well as from within the larger industry around the world, Eertman recognized that one of the biggest hurdles facing the industry is resistance to change. Many crane and rigging professionals prefer to stick with traditional methods, he admitted, even when presented with data that shows a better way.
“It’s a challenge. There are always people who are hesitant to adopt new technologies. In the U.S., for example, there’s a legal framework that encourages operators to avoid changing established practices because of liability concerns—which I can appreciate. But in Europe, we’re seeing a bit more openness to innovation.
“Even still, if we came up with a patented solution, whereby we use automation to manage rope twists and keep them twist free—something we’ve been presenting to some crane companies in the world, as the phenomenon is known to exist, and the solutions look viable—predicting on which crane it is going to happen, knowingly when and where to implement said solution, is still a bridge too far. As such, most companies currently leave it to the common practice of driving out the rope from the crane, untwisting it, and then pulling it back in.”
Underlying themes being what they are, within his presentation, Eertman stressed the importance of keeping up with technological advancements in the industry, particularly as crane systems continue to evolve. He underscored that, with taller cranes and new demands from sectors like wind power and renewable energy, the need for optimized solutions is more pressing than ever.
“We’re seeing continuous developments, like fiber ropes, which are not yet widespread but are definitely on the horizon. The key is staying informed and being willing to adapt.”
He was also keen to shine a light on common oversights in the industry. “Many professionals are unaware of the complexities of wire rope selection, usage, and maintenance, leading to premature failure or suboptimal performance,” he said. “But the message is clear: staying educated and informed is the best way to avoid these pitfalls. The more you know about your rope and how it interacts with other components, the better decisions you can make about its care.”
As for key takeaways from Eertman’s presentation, he’s quick to point out that, while he might be delivering this information to different audiences around the world—including those in different industry sectors—the overall significance remains universal.
“Wire rope is not just another piece of hardware—it’s a complex system that requires continuous attention, care, and optimization. At Ropeblock, we will continue to drive the industry forward, providing professionals with the tools, knowledge, and insights they need to succeed in an ever-evolving landscape.
“And by embracing the latest advancements in wire rope technology, crane operators can improve safety, extend equipment life, and ensure the success of their operations for years to come.”
Ultimately, Eertman added, collaboration is paramount. “Whether it’s between crane operators, wire rope manufacturers, or engineers, open communication is essential for finding the best solutions. The best outcomes happen when everyone involved is transparent with each other. By working together, we can ensure that the solutions we develop are truly optimized for the application.”
Visit www.ropeblock.com to learn more.