Vast range awaits operator's choice
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A VAST RANGE of equipment is available to the transport operator who has storage and warehousing facilities. But it would neither be sensible nor cost effective for any one operator to buy a sample from every type of device available on the market.
Before considering the mechanical handling equipment he requires, the operator must first review his storage and warehousing facility, writes Brian Chalmers-Hunt.
CM regularly publishes details of new equipment available and this guide is aimed at summarising the types transport operators need to look at.
There are more than 1200 equipment manufacturers or importers in the UK alone. No prices are quoted since most items are available in a vast range of standard forms, and a host of optional extras can be offered to meet individual requirements.
Industrial lift trucks are in use at most operators' premises. Recently a new "high visibility" mast has been added to the Yale range as a standard fitting to electric and ic-engined lift trucks up to 2721kg (60001b) capacity. New from Eaton is the model MC pedestrian-controlled truck of 3307 to 3968kg (1500-18001b) capacity.
For container lifting an addition to Yale's range is the Series H diesel lift truck. Eaton Ltd Materials Handling Division, Waddensbrook LanelNednesfield, Wolverhampton INV11 35W; tel: 0902 66955.
Aimed at the smaller operator, the Motown PEG Junior diesel or lpg 1361kg (3000Ibl forklift truck has a lift height of 3.7m (12ft) with standard mast and hydrostatic steering. Motown Fork Truck Services Ltd, 6670 Walsall Road, Perry Barr, Birmingham B42 1SF; tel: 021-356 9696.
From Titan comes a compact yet versatile power-operated pedestrian-controlled tow trailer handier. It is designed for a maximum rolling load capacity of 3000kg (66141b). Titan Mechanical Handling Ltd, Whitehall Street, Stockport, Cheshire SK5 7L1N; tel: 061477 4040.
To reduce on-site vehicle delivery time the adjustable width lorry-carried Kooi dap lift truck can be a boon to lorry drivers. These forklifts, with integral petrol or diesel engine and hydrostatic transmission, can be attached by brackets and travel as part of the load. Weylode, Horton, Bristol BS17 60Y; tel: 0454-313305.
Crown Lift Trucks have three new models: the RR, a narrow aisle stand-on reach truck; the SSR slip sheet handling truck; and an order picker with electronic wire guidance.
The RR is available in 1134, 1588 and 2041kg (2500, 3500, and 4500Ib) capacities, lift heights up to 6m (20ft) and has a pantograph-type reach mechanism.
The electric side-on SSR has a capacity of 1361 kg (30001b) and could be used for container stuffing as it has a 1.5m (5ft) lift and 102mm (4in) sideshift.
In a sophisticated warehouse, an electronic guidance system fitted to an order picker will improve the driver's working cycle. The guidance unit is simply bolted into the order picker. Crown Lift Trucks, Fishponds Road, 1Nokingham, Berkshire; tel: 0734 783505.
Coventry Climax has two new diesel-engined lift trucks, designated DA.2.0 (2.0-tonne) and the DA 2.5, both fitted with the Perkins 4.2032 Squish Lip engine.
Representative of the new 7-to 10-tonne-capacity range of diesel trucks is the DA 8.0 with 600mm (23in) load centre and Perkins 6.3544 six-cylinder direct-injection engine.
For smaller applications the EA16 battery model has 1.6tonne capacity at 500mm load centres. Coventry Climax Ltd, Sandy Lane, Coventry CV1 4DX; tel: 0203 555355.
For large warehouses Jungheinrich (GB) has a range of Ameise ETX narrow aisle stackers. An energised wire embedded in the aisle floor means guide rails at the base of rack structures are no longer necessary. Jungheinrich (GB) Ltd, Southmoor Road, Manchester M23 9DW; tel: 061-998 7919.
The new Barlow Handling D18 narrow aisle order/pallet picker lift height varies from 5.3 to 7.6m (17 to 25ft) or 3.9 to 6.2m 112.8 to 20.3ft) when retracted, Load capacity is 1.5 tonnes. Barlow Handling Ltd, Airfield Estate Maidenhead, Berkshire 516 3QN; tel: 062-882-2151.
Bonser Engineering is promoting the D20 (2000kg; 44091b) and the D5 (2500kg; 5511Ib) as the trucks for the Eighties. Both employ hydrostatic transmission to provide stepless speed variation, directly related to engine speed and load. The heavy-duty D5000K (5000kg; 110221b) model incorporates side shifting masts, tight manoeuvrability and its controls are laid out in a conventional manner. Bonser Engineering Ltd, Nottingham Road, Giltbrook, Nottingham NG16 2GX; tel: 0602 383621.
Among the small stacking trucks the new Coolie 500 series will lift 500kg (11021b) at 400mm load centre to 1.5m (4.92ft). It can be supplied as a manualpropelled hand hydraulic lift unit, fitted with battery pack for power lift, or battery lift and traction.
Also in the Coolie range is the 10,000 Series pallet stacker, a pedestrian-operated batterypowered lift unit with a 1 tonne capacity at 3.5m. Polymathic Engineering Co Ltd, Fazeley Road, Tamworth, Staffordshire B78 3JR; tel: 0827-3441.
Special lift-truck attachments can speed loading. A new contender is H. D. Bower of West Germany. Its range includes clamps for holding iron hooped or steam type drums, a parrot beak grip for steel drums, tip-up hopper, shovel or scoop attachment telescopic crane aim, and a mobile safety cage. There is also an automatic plastic drum lifter.
The weight of the load draws the clamps together to give a safe method of moving full plastic drums. Bower (GB) Ltd, Road One, Industrial Estate, Winsford, Cheshire C1N73RL; tel: 0606-551334.
Ladybird Appliances have • introduced the Swedish Basaab hand truck, which uses leverage to make it almost self-loading. The weight is 8.5kg and it has a capacity of 100kg. Also in the company's range are a threeway barrow-trolley-sack truck; a special truck for loading "whit goods"; and a versatile va loading hand stacker. Ladybir Appliances Ltd, 20-2, Queens Road, Reading, Berli shire; tel: 0734-594033.
Atlet Ltd is a household nam in materials handling. Its 1000k (22051b) swivelhead VRF side: tacker has a 5.5m lift and ca operate in aisles only 1550mr wide. Masts are fitted for Ii heights in the 4.75 to 7.6m (15. to 24.9ft) range.
The fork carriage turn through 180 deg. to reach pallet on each side of the aisle.
The range includes model with capacities for load length of 1000, 1100, and 1200mm. Al let Ltd, Thames Industrial Eg tate, Theme, Oxon; tel: 08. 421 3531.
Linde Hydraulics Ltd produce counterbalanced engine-drive lift trucks from 1.2 to 8 tonne capacity, and has launched nel, generation H20, 25 and 3 models -.0, 2.5 and 3 tonne capacity. Features include split-type hydrostatic transmit sion; 83 x 9 10 tyres; choice c visibility masts interchangeabl with electric trucks; Deutz F3 912 two-stage clean engine; an single control lever. Linde HI draulics Ltd, Nuffield Way Abingdon, Oxon 0X14 1RJ tel: 0235-22828.
Lansing Ltd (Lansing Bagna and Lancing Henley) offers th -leimes 25TR — a tug unit parti:ularly for ro/ro operation.
For the smaller lifts the new =RER9 reach truck has a capacity )f 1500 or 2000kg. Its new FOER 15 electric counterbalanced forkift truck has a lift capacity of 1.5 .onnes. Lansing Ltd, KingsThere Road, Basingstoke, Hants 3G21 2XJ; tel: 0256 3131.
Lancer Boss has a vast range )f lift trucks. Eight diesel front ifts in the H series can handle 4:o 7-tonne loads. These have the =ord 2712E engine and are fitted Nith a full power-shift torque onverter with two forward and :wo reverse speeds. Multi-plate lydraulic clutch packs ensure 3natch-free operation. Lancer Bros Ltd, Grovebury Road, Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire, LU7 8SR; tel: D525-372031.
Electric platform trucks for larger warehouses can reduce the time from load selection to the loading bank. Geest Materials Handling says its Series 2 Tractomatic has special steering for stability; more ground clearance — 95mm; thy rister control and automatic braking.
Geest's model TR 750V can carry 1000kg on its 1525 x 750mm platform, has 300 x 100mm wheels with four-ply pneumatic tyres, travels at 12km/h and has a platform height of 400mm. Four batteries fitted have 100 Ah capacity. Geest Materials Handling, Marsh Lane, Boston, Lincs; tel: 0205 69019.
An exhaust gas turbocharger gives a boost to Datsun's new 40H model which is fitted with a six-cylinder 3.2-litre diesel engine. This forklift truck has 4000kg capacity at 500mm load centre. The outside turning radius will allow right-angle stacking in a 3.275m aisle. Datsun Plant and Machinery Ltd, New Road, Worthing; tel: 0903 68561.
Handling Analysis has introduced into the UK the Komatsu three-wheeled batteryoperated FBM range for 1to 1.5 tonnes. Features are optional pneumatic or cushion tyres and Hitachi solid state controls. Handling Analysis Ltd, Home Farm Works, Little Billing, Northampton NN3 4AG; tel: 0604 06711.
Danks of Netherton have introduced a new range with BASEEFA explosion-proof ratings. Covered are a 1361kg straddle truck, a 453.6kg counterbalanced model and a 501.6kg counter-balanced truck. The company also offers the Dinkie 4 0 8kg pedestrianoperated stacker, and a DH15, 1588kg tool and die handler. Danks of Netherton Ltd, 257 Halesowen Road, Netherton, Dudley, West Midlands DY2 9PG; tel: 0384 66417.
JCB has introduced a 525 telescopic handler with a capacity of 2.5 tonnes, Specification includes a 6.4m lift height and 3.62m reach.
Forklift attachments are receiving more attention — not before time. E. V. Leonard & Co offers a self-tipping scoop. The truck drives into it and does not need clamping to the fork blades. It then operates as a 0.75cum (26.7cuft) scoop for loose materials, and is selfdumping when a lever is pulled. This is accessible from the driver's seat. E. V. Leonard & Co, Nutsford Works, Pink Bank Lane, Longsight, Manchester M12 5GH; tel: 061-233 1241.
New from R. S. Stokvis & Sons are a triple sideshift for forklift trucks and a large dockside clamp. This unit, known as the Duramo P350, is made in Finland and is 30 per cent lighter than other similar equipment. R. S. Stokvis & Sons Ltd, Poole Road, East Molesey, Surrey KT8 OHN; tel: 01-941 1212.
Handling beer kegs can present problems. Now Stockport Manufacturing produces a keg handler clamp which comprises three times and a top stabilising frame for taking four 36-gallon barrels.
This company's triple sideshift has four forks for handling two pallets at a time with a combined top weight of 3175kg. There is a back sideshift for moving all forks in unison, while the front sideshift moves the forks independently. Stockport Manufacturing Co Ltd, Demmings Road, Councillor Lane, Cheadle, Cheshire; tel: 061-428 8323.
Simplex produces a revolving Brudi rotator attachment which has a 2495kg capacity and can give continuous 360 deg. rotation. The unit operates on the Brudi gear system, with two hydraulic cylinders working in a se quenced oscillating action. Simple Mechanics Ltd, Simplex Works, Elstow Road, Bedford MK42; tel: 023456422.
The transfer of goods from a loading bank to the front of a 40ft trailer can be time consuming. Many operators are now using boom loaders.
Newland Engineering produces a range of conveyor systems. The standard twin booms models are now supplemented by a loader designed to deliver from a raised loading bank. These are all telescopic boom designs with extensions up to 11m. One of the Chadlink models (Newland recently took over Chadwick Conveyors) is a light container loader which has a gravity roller feet table articulated to allow it to telescope. It is intended for the lighter parcel or carton work. Newlands Engineering Co Ltd, Broadway Ind Est, Hyde, Cheshire Ski 4RE.
WCB Containers Ltd has two ranges of powered conveyors, Series-1000 for loads up to 125kg; and 1200 for 25kg. These are closed systems with chains running inside steel tracks, and loads hung directly from the chain, and have automatic loading/unloading. Manual systems are available for 500kg 111021b) and 1000kg (2204.61b). WCB Containers Ltd, Stamford Works, Bayley Street, Stalybridge, Cheshire; tel: 061330 6511.
Transport operators handling parcels could benefit from the Sandvik parcel sorting system. Parcels may be redirected from its polished steel belt.
Destinations are recorded by a bar coded label which is scanned and entered into the control system memory.
Sandvik Conveyors Ltd, Hereward Rise, Halesowen Industrial Park, Halesowen, West Midlands B62 BAN; tel: 021-550 7671. The OWL system is a pallet handling conveyor of Swiss de sign. It has a modular multi motor roller and chain conveyor system, turntables and 90 deg.
transfer units. Control is by program logic or higher computer levels. The conveyors operate only when manning a pallet. Paterson Hughes Eng Co Ltd, Tubs Hill House, London Road, Sevenoaks, Kent; tel: 0732 55233.
Driveguard Ltd's flat belt conveyors are based on easy-to assemble components for as sembly on site. The main frames have a neat bayonet fitting, there are a standard head and tail plates and reducer with integral motor is used as the drive. Flat belt, roller base and semi-trough
designs are available. Driveguard Ltd, Enterprise Works,
Long Lane, Honley, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire HD7 2EA; tel: 0484 661226. Rotational handling is not practised to any extent in the UK. Turning pallet loads through 180 deg. can allow a change from expensive house pallets to cheaper ones for dispatch, or can be used to extract damaged pallets or to change from flat. boards to pallets. Lodematic Machines Group, No 1, 2, & 3 Primrose Works, Clitheroe, Lancs; tel: 0200 22233.
From Shovex Marshall Ltd come conveyor elevators for vehicle loading/unloading. The Extendaveyor has telescopic booms operating on a cantile vered suspension and requires no support from within the vehicle or trailer. The Pacemaker series may require limited support. Provided there is room for them to be moved manually into position, extended into or withdrawn from the vehicle, however, the manufacturer claims that they will provide effi cient loading or unloading at a lower capital cost. Sovex Mar shall Ltd, Carlton Nottingham NG4 3DY; tel: 0602 249271.
Operators involved with air freight should look at the new Edbro scissors-lift Commissary Van. Up to now there has been no suitable standard fourwheeled chassis which would allow high-lift equipment to service all aircraft. The new Edbro Universal Hi-Lift provides a low bridge-over-cab height enabling it to be positioned up to sills as low as 2.1m. Edbro Group, Lower Street, Bolton BL3 6DJ; tel: 0204 28888.
Splitz Ltd has developed an alternative to full-loading bay facilities. It is called the Loadsafe S200 and comprises a mobile and adjustable steel platform. It is equipped with a steel loading lip that is positioned over the rear of a vehicle's deck. A forklift truck is used to place or remove the loaded pallets on any of its three sides. One of five independent safety barrier rails can be removed to provide access for the fork truck. Splitz Ltd, St Peter's House, 1 Bishop's Road, Peterborough PEI 1YE; tel: 0733 41285.
Safe access to the top of a tanker can be difficult, particularly in bad weather. Vulcascot Ltd has designed a sturdy platform to cope with a range of heights and is operated by a simple hydraulic system. The platform can support a weight of 90.9kg though in most cases the access platform itself is gently lowered to rest on a tanker's catwalk. Vulcascot Ltd, 43 Wales Farm Road, London W3 6XH; tel: 01-992 8862.
A tandem-type scissor lift has many uses. One is used in a bus paint system for the Merseyside Passenger Transport Executive. The lift has a maximum lift height of 4.88m and is to be used to lower and raise bus bodies. Zoete Sales Batevale Ltd, Coppice Side House, Coppice Side Industrial Estate, Brownhills, West Midlands; tel: 0905 28201.
The Shuntmaster yard shunter from Lyka Cranes Ltd can be built on most chassis. It is a rebuilding of time-expired tractor chassis reworked for a new life for trailer handling. The chassis receives an automatic transmission, fully tilting steel half-cab and a Shuntlift elevating fifthwheel. This device is available separately for fitting to normal tractors where the existing cab structure is retained. Lyka Cranes Ltd, 382 Blackpool Road, Preston, Lancashire; tel: 0772 727927. vans. The vehicle is fitted with a Tuk-A-Way tail-lift and a 3m portion of sliding roof which can be moved to allow the bundles to be loaded through the roof.
The Tuk-A-Way has no overhead hydraulics and cannot obstruct the supporting chain between the crane and bundle. Ratcliff Tail-Lifts Ltd, Bessemer Road, Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire AL7 1ET; tel: 070 73 35061.
Tay Textiles market flexible intermediate bulk containers under the Taybag brand. They are able to offer a Polylift bag with a load capacity of up to 2000kg. The bag is claimed to be robust, easy to fill and empty and can be handled by crane or conventional forklift truck. Tay Textiles Ltd, Park Mill, Dundee DD1 9NA; tel: 0382 23100.
From Automated Container Loading (Sales) Ltd comes a lift truck satellite which enables loads to be moved into warehouses, trailers or containers while the conventional lift truck remains outside. Automated Container Loading Sales Ltd, 2 Bloswood Lane, Whitchurch, Hampshire RG28 7AY; tel: 025 682 2880.
A simple yet unusual cargo handling aid which is aimed primarily at improving safety standards for warehouse, transport depot and factory goods inwards and dispatch bay personnel has been developed by Lawrence David Ltd.
The cargo transfer platform overcomes the need for forklift trucks working at ground level to lift pallets directly into or out of the vehicle loadspace on large vans. It also eliminates the ri of depot/warehouse staff bein accidentally trapped betwee the inside wall of the van and th stack of cargo on the pallet as is manoeuvred in or out typically with the lift truck c tight lock.
The pallets are moved b tween the van interior and tt transfer platform using conventional hand-operated IN let truck. Each pallet truck oper tion becomes a straight mov ment, avoiding the potenti hazard of swinging a loaded pz let truck inside the van.
The same forklift employed f, handling the pallets can be us( to position the LD cargo transf platform — provided with forkl "pockets" against the rear doc way of the van.
In its initial 2 tonnes capaci form the transfer platform 4.11m (13.5ft) long, and its wict is 2.44m (8ft), enabling it to t positioned end-on against tt vehicle's rear door openir without obstructing other mov ment in the vicinity.
One end of the platform is a, justable in height betwee 1219mm (48in) and 1525mi (60in) to match the deck heigl on all vans from 16in-wheele 7.5-tonners up to skeletal traile mounted ISO containers. A rai fed from a hand hydraulic purr powers the pivoting platform.
The tilt facility enables ttplatform to double as a portab deck leveller, if required, wil the platform's guard rail suitably repositioned. Lay rence David Ltd, St Peter' House, 1 Bishops Roac Peterborough PE1 1YE; te 0733 47480.