When it comes to stopping and holding heavy loads safely, you need a brake engineered for industrial reliability. HYDRASTOP from Force Control Industries, Inc. is a proprietary AC thruster brake designed to deliver dependable stopping and holding performance in demanding applications. Used on cranes, movable bridges, and other heavy movable structures, HYDRASTOP brakes provide controlled braking where safety and uptime matter most.
HYDRASTOP brakes are a spring-applied, electrohydraulic-released thruster brake that provides true fail-safe operation. When power is applied, the thruster releases the brake. When power is removed, the springs automatically apply braking force. This design allows equipment to stop and hold securely during power interruptions, emergency shutdowns, or routine stops, without relying on external controls.
Thruster Brake Assembly Design
HYDRASTOP brakes are typically supplied as a complete thruster brake assembly, engineered for straightforward installation and long-term performance. Each thruster brake assembly integrates an external spring mechanism, electrohydraulic thruster brake frame into a single, coordinated system. The brake is designed for bi-directional operation, providing flexibility for a wide range of equipment layouts.
The cast aluminum, anodized thruster casing protects internal components from dust, moisture, and debris commonly found in industrial environments simultaneously offering corrosion-protection. The thruster employs an internal wet motor design that is sealed for reliable operation under heavy loads, while the sealless, labyrinth internal piston design guarantees smooth, precise piston travel and extended service life.
HYDRASTOP’s engineered piston movement, combined with adjustable lifting and lowering valves, allows fine control over flow rates and delay times, providing smooth, predictable brake application and release. The system is rated for continuous operation, ensuring reliable performance even under repeated cycles or sustained heavy-duty use.
Standard Features
- Asbestos-Free Friction Linings
- Steel-Weldment Construction Frames
- Internal Wet Motor Design
- Sealless Internal Piston Design – Labyrinth seal eliminates wear resulting in smooth, precise piston travel and long service life
- Lifting / Lowering Valves – Adjustable check valves control the flow rate allowing for a wide range of lifting and lowering delay times
- Rated for Continuous Operation
Optional Features and Accessories
HYDRATSOP thrusters and brakes can be configured with optional accessories to match specific operating conditions and maintenance preferences. Available options include:
- Auto-adjusters to compensate for friction lining wear
- Heaters for cold-weather or outdoor environments
- Limit switches indicating brake brake-released, brake-engaged and manually-released.
These options allow the thruster brake assembly to be adapted for a wide range of industrial requirements while maintaining consistent braking performance.
Drum Brake Configuration (HBDR Series)
HYDRASTOP HBDR series brakes utilize a drum/brake wheel configuration to deliver high torque capacity (from 35 – 9,000+ Lb-Ft) and controlled stopping. The drum brake design leverages asbestos-free friction linings to provide safe and reliable engagement with the drum. This design supports consistent stopping and holding performance across repeated cycles and variable load conditions.
The HYDRASTOP drum brake arrangement is suitable for integration with standard, AIST industrial drum sizes:
- 6 to 13” drum sizes currently available for sale
- 16 to 30″ drum sizes under development
HYDRASTOP is well-suited for both new equipment designs and retrofits. Its spring-applied design guarantees dependable holding force for static loads, while the electrohydraulic release allows for smooth, controlled operation during normal motion.
Applications and Performance Benefits
HYDRASTOP brakes are designed for heavy-duty industrial applications where safety, reliability, and controlled braking are essential. As an integrated AC thruster brake system, it simplifies installation while delivering dependable performance in demanding operating environments.
Key benefits include:
- Fail-safe braking action during power loss
- Consistent stopping and holding force for heavy loads
- Drum brake design suited for repeated cycles and high torque demands
- Configurable options to match environmental and operational needs
HYDRASTOP Product Highlights
- Made in America and compliant with the Build America, Buy America Act (BABA)
- Designed to AIST Technical Report 11 standards
- Spring-applied, electrohydraulic-released AC thruster brake
- Available in a wide range of torque capacities for industrial applications
- Designed for continuous-duty operation in demanding environments
Why Choose HYDRASTOP
Force Control Industries, Inc. has decades of experience designing and manufacturing industrial braking solutions. HYDRASTOP reflects that expertise, combining proven AC thruster brake technology with a rugged drum brake design built for real-world industrial use. Manufactured in the USA and BABA-compliant, HYDRASTOP brakes are a dependable solution for critical stopping and holding applications.
Contact Force Control today to request product documentation or to discuss how HydraStop can be applied to your specific equipment and operating conditions.
BABA Compliant – Adhering to U.S. Federal Procurement Regulations
The HYDRASTOP® product series meets the compliance standards set forth by the Build America, Buy American Act (BABA) and is fully compliant with applicable provisions in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), including Title 49, Part 661 for transportation infrastructure.
Buy American vs Buy America:
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Buy American Act (BAA) aims to encourage government spending for American-made products. A
pplies to direct federal procurement of goods, as outlined in 41 U.S.C. 10a-d and FAR 25.1 and is not only limited to infrastructure projects. -
Build America, Buy America (BABA) governs transportation and infrastructure projects funded by federal funds, aligning with 49 U.S.C. 50101.
Applies to federal financial assistance in infrastructure projects, which are broadly defined to include “construction, alteration, maintenance or repair of infrastructure in the United States.” (IIJA, PL 117-58, November 15, 2021, 135 Stat 429, Sec. 70912(7).) For purposes of BABA, infrastructure includes, but is not limited to, the structures, facilities, and equipment for: roads, highways and bridges; public transportation; dams, ports, harbors and other maritime facilities; intercity passenger and freight railroads; freight and intermodal facilities; airports; water systems, including drinking water and wastewater systems; electrical transmission facilities and systems, including structures, facilities and equipment that generate, transport and distribute energy, including electric vehicle (EV) charging; utilities; broadband infrastructure; and buildings and real property.Force Control ensures the Hydrastop® brakes series complies with both statutes and contributes to American manufacturing. For a copy of Force Control’s BABA self-certification, please contact
info@forcecontrol.com.
