Handler unloads 26 pallets
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• Frigoscandia is operating four Schmitz Cargobull reefers with a novel load-handling system, which allows 26 pallets to be unloaded at once.
The system is in place at Ross Young's distribution centre at South Quays, Grimsby. Frigoscandia will trunk deepfrozen produce from six manufacturing plants to the 186,000m3 Grimsby cold store as part of a 10-year contract.
The trailers are fitted with a second kingpin at the back, which engages with a fifth wheel plate mounted at the entrance to the loading bay.
With the trailer aligned, a Transco unloading system comes into operation. Four sliding arms extend from the bay into channels in the trailer's floor, then rise and retract, taking the whole load in at once. The pallets are moved directly onto a network of conveyor belts for positioning within the store without using forklift trucks, Similar systems are well established in other industries, especially for sensitive loads such as newsprint, but are unusual for temperature-controlled loads.
The four triaxle trailers have been supplied through Central Trailer Rentco and are fitted with Thermo King SMX II 50 diesel fridge units, ROR axles and Flexair suspension.