Simple Method of Pallet Handling
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GREAT strides in mechanical handYling have been made by the French Rkilways, and by May next year it is expected that over 150,000 pallets of different kinds will be in use. About 50,000 of these will be employed by the traffic department and the remainder by the rolling-stock and motive-power departments.
Four types of pallet are available to customers. One is a simple base pallet measuring 80 cm. (2 ft. 7 in.) by
120 cm. (3 ft. 1 in.) and capable of supporting a stack of 8. cu. m. (282 Cu. ft.). An open-box pallet and a closed-box pallet have similar base dimensions and are 100 cm. (3 ft. 31 in.)
deep, also having a capacity of 8 cu. m.
A closed waterproof pallet measures the same at the base, but is 53 cm, (1 ft. 9 in.) deep, its capacity being 3 cu. m. (106 cu. ft.). The weight of load which may be carried is 900 kg. (17 cwt.) for the three first-mentioned types and 500 kg, (ID cwt.) for the last.
At goods depots there are petrol or electric fork-lift trucks, whilst smaller stations are equipped with manually operUted hydraulic appliances. Most senders and consignees, however, have no mechanical-handling equipment S.C.E.T.A.. the road transport subsidiary of French Railways (S.N.C.F.), have overcome the difficulties presented
by this lack of facilities by using a modified hand pallet truck and a swan= necked crane. The crane is mounted at the near-side (right) rear corner of a lorry and can swivel through . 360 degrees. When in use, a telescopic jack is let down underneath the crane mounting to stabilize the vehicle.
Loading technique is as follows: A pallet is placed on the truck and brought to the vehicle. A beam is suspended from the jib of the crane, and is connected by chains—one on each side of the pallet—to the truck itself for lifting. Thus no stress is imposed on the pallet, which is built to be as light as possible and has no bracing.
The crane is manually operated and is stated to be five times less expensive than an alternative power-operated crane or automatic tailboard loader. It can he quickly dismantled.
S.N.C.F. estimate that soon half their goods-van traffic will be palletted: Favourable rates for such loads are being .offered. Charges are based on net weight plus a small addition for the use of the pallets. A pool of pallets is available to users, and by availing themselves of it they avoid the expense of the return of empty units.
Privately owned pallets , of an approved pattern may be used, the rates for these being based upon gross weight less pallet weight up to a maximum of 25 kg. (55 lb.) for a base pallet and 100 kg: (220 lb.) for a box pallet. A reduced rate is levied for the return of empties.