Container frame has ornm-o lift-off
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BY USING a standard lift truck, one man can now load, unload or transfer any type and size of ISO container or flat.
The device that enables him to do this has been introduced by Modular Distribution Systems Ltd, of 79 High Street, Fletton, Peterborough.
Marketed world-wide through the fork lift truck manufacturing industry, the MDS transfer frame handling system can accommodate loads up to 40.6 tonnes (40 tons) and handle relatively low throughput at, its manufacturer claims, much lower cost than other current equipment.
Transfer frames, each of which is free standing and incorporating a self-contained diesel or electro-hydraulic power unit, are forklifted into position at either end of the container to be unloaded.
Once in position they are locked in place on the container to form an integral part of it.
Next, the guided and stabilised telescopic lift posts are powered downward individually.
The lift posts, which can be used in conjunction with spreader plates (380mm (15in) square, find their own level on any surface which is capable of supporting the transporting vehicle.
By operating the posts either singly or together the container can be raised or lowered.
Three-way fail safe protection is built into the lift posts and comprehensive warning devices are included.
A 4.9m (16ft) extension lead on the hand-held control console permits the operator to stand in the best position to load or unload.
For reloading, the vehicle is reversed beneath the container and the procedure reversed.
A certain amount of flexibi lity is built into the system to allow a degree of lateral differential — up to 132mm (6in) between the transit vehicle and the container.
Two types of the MDS sys• tern are available, the MDS 7 which comprises two self contained frames and the MDS16 multiple unit system.
The former caters for single 1S0 containers between 10 and 40 tons gross, while the latter can be used for multiple containers or where space is limited.
On the MDS7, a choice of three-phase electricity of self contained power, by means of an air-cooled diesel engine, may be specified. Prices for the equipment vary from around 0,500 for a basic manual unit up to E20,000 for a comprehensive set.
For about £,10.000 an operator could buy two MDS7 frames and ancillary operating equipment.