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AUTO ADVANTAGES
Page 57
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Automatic loading systems are designed For handling of palletised goods in primary distribution operations and eliminate the need for fork-lifts or pallet trucks.
Conveyors or powered floor skates are used mainly on distribution operations between factory and warehouse because they need the right kit to be installed not just in the trailer, but on the loading dock, too.
They dramatically speed up dock loading operations because the entire load is moved in a single operation. The complete trailer loads is assembled on the load dock on a conveyor which is connected to a complementary system in the trailer.
In the UK, the best-known systems are from Liverpool-based Joloda, which now owns the Hydraroll system. Originally developed in Holland Cargofloor also offers a chain-driven automatic slat system called Cargomatic, and Legras sells the MAP system which has electrically-driven aluminium slats.
Joloda has just receive a £250.000 grant from the Welsh Assembly government to rebuild its Hydraroll factory at Anglesey.
The plant will manufacture the Hydraroll Air Cargo Rollerbed and a new Auto Loading System which will be unveiled at the RAI show in October.
Joloda's Slipchain is used for intensive short shuttle runs between production lines and warehouses. The operation is exceptionally fast, taking as little as 90 seconds to load and unload, but there is a weight penalty of 1.5 tonnes.
Powered skates are more flexible and at 500kg rob less payload, but cost about three times as much as a slip-chain system. Joloda reckons that with more than eight trailers in shuttle operation, it is more economical to install a powered skate system.