LOAD LIFTING
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• Demountable systems and tail-lifts are important and complementary elements in many finely-tuned distribution organisations, whether engaged in normal trtmking work or using stockless depot Systems.
Swap bodies can be simple or sophisticated, depending on an operator's needs: below we have listed manufacturers that specialise in tailoring their equipment accordingly. Skip loader and container-lift manufacturers have been listed separately.
Competition is strong for the estimated 10,000-plus lifts that are sold annually, so great emphasis is placed on installed weight, durability, efficiency and safety, as well as meeting the requirements of the recently-introduced BS6109. They fall into two broad categories: column lifts for lighter vehicles, and cantilever lifts for medium and heavy trucks and trailers.
• DEMOUNTS
ABEL DEMOUNTABLE SYSTEMS
As part of York Transport Engineering, Abel Demountable Systems has a £2.5 million turnover and claims to have a 33% share of the swap body market.
Among its wide range of systems, Abeis Uniswop pneumatic-lift design is perhaps its most popular. When the first of these went into service with Diversey in 1969, it helped the company reduce its stockholding by 40%.
More recently systems have been developed for the likes of BICC, Distillers, Magnet & Southern and the Southern Electricity Board.
Abel also builds swap body systems using hydraulic lift and direct-contact equipment.
Abel Demountable Systems, Station Road, Tipton, Chesterfield, Derbyshire S42 6DA, phone (0246) 851175.
ADCLIFFE ENGINEERS
Adcliffe is best known for its Clearlift demount system, which uses a steel subframe with four hydraulic lifting rams and body frames that locate on cones, locking down with twist-locks. Springloaded latches secure the legs.
For vehicles from 10 to 24 tonnes the 80 swap body system can be used for single or multiple body trunking on all
types of vehicle chassis. The design caters for the 7.5-10 tonne GVW sector.
Adcliffe also manufactures the Surelift ground access system, which can be supplied with a self-contained or independent power supply. Its hydraulic circuits have flow dividers for even lifting, and automatic locking to stop leaks. Adcliffe Engineers, The Outwoods, Remp stone Road, Coleorton, Leicestershire LE6 2HR, phone (0530) 222010.
CARTWRIGHT FREIGHT SYSTEMS
Three Dobson systems are offered by Cartwright for swap body chassis, all with a six-year fabrication warranty.
The most popular is the ClearLifter, which is normally used on 7.5-24 tonne GVW trucks, It uses two independently operated pairs of hydraulic rams to raise and lower the body, while two-stage locating cones ensure accurate positioning, prior to locking down with ISO twist locks. Support legs are secured by springloaded locking pins.
For chassis below 7.5 tonnes Cartwright offers its lightweight Contact Lifter design, while for ground-level applications where no gantry is available the Dobson LeveLifter can be used. Cartwright Freight Systems, Atlantic Street, Altrincham, Cheshire WA14 5DH, phone 061-928 0966.
CRANE FRUEHAUF
Two of Crane Fruehauf's systems for vehicle combinations up to 32.25 tonnes gross demonstrate its use of the latest pneumatic equipment alongside its wellestablished electro-hydraulic design.
The SL Straight Lift comprises two lifting frames which are mounted front and rear of the chassis under-frame and pivot upwards on air bellows fed from the vehicle's air supply. Body rollers locate along a guidance rail and retention is by bolsters and BSI twisdocks. These are also used on its out-rigged legs.
The GRA Guide Rail track system uses hydraulic lifting rams set at the rear of the chassis, while the body is secured by front hooks, and cross locks at the rear.
Trailers using CF's T-air suspension provide the power source for the optional air lift.
Acco Europe is among the companies to reorganise its distribution system using CF's Straight Lift on T-air suspension. Crane Fruehauf, PO Box 12, South Green, Dereham, Norfolk, phone (0362) 67011.
McDONALD KANE
McDonald Kane was founded just five years ago, but with an annual turnover of almost .£2 million, it claims to be Britain's second largest manufacturer of swap body equipment.
It specialises in tailoring its basic ground loading and Clearlift systems to suit customers' needs, and uses some well thought out components.
An example is the fully-automatic system built for the distribution of Hitachi goods, and operated by Dodds Transport. It uses pneumatic twist locks, an electro hydraulically-powered body lift and powered legs that lift and pivot automatically.
McDonald Kane produces its Groundloader in Holland and West Germany under licence and is currently in discussion with a Dutch company to expand in this area.
McDonald Kane, Quorn Road, Sherwood, Nottingham NO5 1DT, phone (0602) 603204.
RAY SM1111 DEMOUNTABLES
Ray Smith supplies demount equipment for multiple body sets or truck and trailer combinations.
For chassis between 10 and 32.5 tonnes gross, its Ten-Plus system uses a four-point mounting sequence which includes body roller guides on the chassis runners, sturdy travel stops and locking pegs, a hydraulic lifting bridge and two twistlocks to secure the body. Robust body legs lock into place with springloaded plungers. Options include pneumatic operation, a stepped underframe that straddles the chassis, lowered suspension and low profile tyres.
Ray Smith's Seven-Five system is similar to the heavier design but designed for non-HGVs. CVs in the 3.5-tonnes GVW class are catered for by the ThreeFive design which is available with either a manual or electro-hydraulic lift or with an optional light alloy base frame that relies on a trolley jack for demounting the body.
Ray Smith Demountables, BotoOh Bridge, Oundle Road, Peterborough PE2 9QE, phone (0733) 63936.
BCT EQUIPMENT
BCT Equipment produces the DeItrack DL range of column lifts which use a roller chain-driven hoist with high-tensile alloy slides and an electro-hydraulic power pack installed within the cross-beams.
De'track lifts range from the 300 and 400kg versions to suit most one-tonne pick ups and panel vans, to the heaviest 750kg models for the largest non-HGV box-bodied or drop-side trucks.
The lighter lifts are closed manually, while those over 450kg capacity have adjustable torsion bar assistance, For vehicles with extra-low platforms the D500 has an optional side-mounted ram assembly.
Two heavier versions, the S1000 and S1500 for trucks and semi-trailers, can handle 1.0 and 1.5-tonne loads. With steel platforms they weigh 275 and 305kg; an aluminium option saves 40kg.
Retail prices range from 21,155 for the 300kg DL300FL, to 21,595 for the 1.5tonne S1500. Options include remote control, side ramps, raised lift above floorheight, and a tip-through platform. BCT Equipment, Adan House, 58-66 Birmingham Road, Kidderminster, Worcester DY10 2SH, phone
(0562) 740555.
HENDERSON MOBILE
Henderson Mobile has added three new models to its 500 to 1,500kg range of column tail-lifts.
The Easifit is a wheel-up, weld-on 1,000kg lift that is delivered ready for fitting and is priced at around 21,450.
Its underchassis Hide-a-Way, which was shown at Vancouver's Expo86, is a 300kg lift aimed at the light van market. It weighs 80kg and retails at 21,260. A PSV version costs 2285 more.
Henderson's link with Hydris has resulted in the 1,500kg Fold-a-way from the French manufacturer's range of underchassis tails lifts and retails at 21,800.
Henderson's standard range of column lifts add between 300 and 420kg to the chassis weight. Platforms are mainly steel, but plastic-lined and aluminium versions are also available. All lifts carry a two-year warranty.
Henderson Mobile, Tangent Works, Harold Hill, Romford, Essex RM3 8UL, Phone (04023) 45555.
JOLODA LOADING SYSTEMS
Joloda offers cantilever tail lifts in four categories. The latest addition to the range is the Slide and Hide, which is suitable for both artics and drawbars. It stows away horizontally beneath the rear of the chassis to allow unimpeded rear door access and clear dock loading.
Its electronic control has an unusual memory feature that allows single-button use for each loading cycle.
The Tuck Under lift has a folding platform which descends vertically and tucks under the rear of the body for unhindered dock loading. A smaller onepiece-platform is also available. As well as the standard full length cantilever lift there is a drawbar version with tuck-under folding platform which features a VBG coupling.
Prices for the Joloda range start from 22,130 with a one-piece platform, to 22,765 for the Tuck Under.
The drawbar lift with folding platform starts from 22,880, while the Slide and Hide costs between 23,400 and 24,000 depending on the lift capacity. All prices are ex-works and exclude fitting.
Joloda Loading Systems, Unit 12, Garston Industrial Estate, Blackburne Street, Liverpool L19 8JA, phone 051-427 8954.
AULRIBA AVOLIFT
A wide range of lifts from Mariba of Holland is marketed in the UK by Shire Transport Designs.
The Rollaway, one of three Maribamade cantilever models, is designed for clear-deck loading, particularly with demountable systems. It slides back hydraulically or manually on rollers to stow away folded beneath the tow jaw assembly. Platform lengths vary between 1.3 and 1.4m.
Other cantilever lifts are conventional, with either a normal type of tailgate or one fitted with a vertical descent.
All three can be supplied with lift capacities of 500, 1,000 or 1,500kg and are available in demountable form. Installed weights range from 225kg for the basic 500kg tailgate model to 680kg for the three-tonne Rollaway lift.
List prices are 21,950 and 24,103 respectively. Aluminium options are available. All lift platforms operate with four hydraulic rams and have a tilt facility. Shire Transport Designs, 32 Broad Street, Wokingham, Berkshire RG11 7AB, phone (0734) 791737.
NUMMI LIFTS
Finnish Nummi cantilever lifts are sold in Britain by Multilift of Shrewsbury.
Lifting capacities range from 500 to 1,500kg and they operate using two hardchromed hydraulic rams: one lifts while the other tilts the platform.
The lighter models have been joined by a recent 700kg addition, the KL700, which, with the largest 1.4 x 2.3m platform, weighs 215kg and retails at 2.325.
Among its heavier 1,500kg lifts Multilift has a KLTR model suitable for full-length drawbar outfits where the standard KL lift will not fit. Platforms are limited to a maximum 1.5 x2.4m with the assembly mounted further under the frame to dear the towing jaw.
Multilift also has a 1,500kg KLTA model which allows normal tail-lift work up to a maximum height of 1.49m but, when dock or fork lift loading is required, retracts against the underside of the chassis with the platform folded flat. A third ram is used for the retraction operation.
With an all-steel 1.5x2.4m platform its installed weight is 640kg. It is priced at 23,190.
Multlift, Harlescott Lane, Shrewsbury SY1 3AG, phone (0743) 63232.
RATCLIFF TAIL LIFTS
Possibly the widest UK-built range comes from Ratdiff Tail Lifts which, along with its associated companies in France and Belgium, makes both column and cantilever models. Its Foldaway column lift for welfare or light van use can be supplied with a 300 or 500kg limit, weighs around 150kg and retails from £1,290 to £1,520.
Heavier RV and RT column lifts with overhead or floor beams are available in 500, 1,000 and 1,500kg load ratings. These can be built to the Slandock design with grouped controls, or as the Stowlock for extra security. Both feature safety mechanisms such as platform locking and anti-tilt devices. List prices range from 21,330 to £1,800.
Underrun bars are standard on all models; GRP livery panels are standard on Stowlock lifts and optional on Slamlock models.
Ratetiffs latest RQ1003 one-tonne Quickfit column lift with underfloor beam is one of a number of stock models and is supplied in kit form for the customer to fit. It comes in two standard widths to suit floor heights of 1.0 to 1.4m and retails at £1,450.
Ratcliff Tail Lifts, Bessemer Road, Weluyn Garden City, Hertfordshire AL7 JET.
RAY SMITH (TAIL-LIFTS)
Ray Smith's established D' series range of cantilever power-closure tail-lifts have lifting capacities up to 2,000kg.
All are manufactured at the Peterborough plant and are suitable for chassis from 7.5-tonne GVW upwards, to suit demountable bodies, artics and drawbars.
The D5 500kg lift with a full, half or one-third width platform is built for panel vans or multi-drop delivery trucks and adds up to 270kg to the chassis weight.
Also in the range are the 1,500 and 2,000kg D15 and D20 which, with standard 1.22m-long steel platforms (other lengths are available) weigh 450 and 470kg respectively.
Alongside the standard D10 lift is another 1,000kg lift, the RS10M, which is claimed to be the lightest on the market. It weighs only 295kg (115kg less than the D10) and uses a single compact hydraulic ram with gas strut assistance for easy stowage and a simple two-button operation that should find favour among rental fleets. In standard form it is priced at £1,480 and is available with a vertical descent option.
Ray Smith (Tail Lifts), Botolph Bridge, Oundle Road, Peterborough PE2 9QP, phone (0733) 46524.
ROSS AND BONNYMAN
One of Britain's more successful tail-lift manufacturers, Ross and Bonnyman continues to develop its Autostow range, which now combines the cantilever principle with the slim platforms of its column-type lifts.
The latest 1,500kg slideaway version is intended for large rigids or full-length semi-trailer bodies.
Its 1.07m-deep platform is for metric roll pallets and is powered hydraulically using a separate ram.
For transit the platform is folded manually, then slides away on rollers under power, stowing beneath the frame to allow clear dock loading.
Installed weights are between 400 and 450kg; retail price is around £1,800.
The 1,000kg Easistow version is designed for 7.5-tonne GVW trucks with a minimum rear height clearance of 990mm.
Its 914rnm-deep folding platform has a 356mm-deep ramp. When stowed, the lift assembly protrudes from the rear by some 355mm.
Ross and Bonnyman, Orchardbank Industrial Estate, Forfar, Angus DD8 1TD, phone (0307) 66262.
STOLL TAIL LIFTS
Gilbridge Equipment markets West German manufacturer Stoll's all-aluminium and steel underframe Platforms are available in half-board, folding or complete board, and lifting capacities range from 500 to 2,000kg. Standard versions weigh 240kg, while steel-supported models are 80kg heavier.
A folding lift which has a steel underframe weighs 325kg. Lifts are supplied as complete assemblies which include the electro-hydraulic control unit and foot-operated switches in the platform. Self-levelling is automatic. Gilbridge Equipment, 11A Farthing Road, Ipswich IP1 5AP, Phone (0473) 47222.