Compact Sidetracker is
multi-purpose handling solution

A specially designed Sidetracker multi-direction reach truck with front-loading and side-loading capabilities is providing aluminium glazing contractor Colorminium with all-purpose handling capabilities at its manufacturing site in Essex, minimising manual handling and improving productivity.

The truck has been designed to perform all load-carrying functions at the site, including six-metre-long stillages containing aluminium profiles, steel box pallets, glass carriers, timber pallets and steel waste bins.  It has to lift loads six metres high, pass through a doorway 2550mm high x 1680mm wide and unload delivery vehicles.

The previous lift truck was unable to unload delivery vehicles, so incoming loads had to be pushed manually from the yard into the factory on trolleys.

To overcome this problem and provide maximum load-carrying capabilities, the Sidetracker's forks can be extended and spread hydraulically by the driver in the cab from 1350mm to 2300mm in length and 300mm to 1500mm wide.  The forks can also be tilted hydraulically between 2° upwards and 5° downwards, while the mast remains vertical.

The mast has an overall extended height of 6750mm and a lift height of 6000mm, to enable it to stack the stillages to the maximum height possible in the factory.  To enable the truck to also access a rear storage yard through a doorway only 2550mm high, the Sidetracker has a four-section mast with a closed height of only 2500mm.  It is rated to lift 2750kg at 600mm load centre to full height.

The truck itself measures 1550mm deep x 1250mm wide, which allows for the width of the doorway and generally meets the need for a compact, symmetrical shape that is easily manoeuvrable within the production areas, assisted by a full 360° turning capability.  It is powered by twin electro-hydraulic power units through high-torque hydrostatic transmissions, with the motors automatically running singly or together to suit demand. 

For further information, e-mail: info@sidetracker.co.uk or view website: www.sidetracker.co.uk

New robust flat panel PCs from DSL

DSL's new range of powerful ARM9 based compact and robust flat panel PCs are ideally suited for automotive,logistics, materials handling and kiosk applications. The new fanless AHM 6xx0 PCs have moulded plastic NEMA4 IP65 compliant 5.7, 8, 10.4 or 12 inch front panels with optional resistive touchscreens.
 
The AHM 6xx0 is built around the Samsung S3C2440A-40 400MHz CPU and an SI SM502 graphics controller, providing 128MB SDRAM and 16MB Video memory. An SD/SDHC Plug & Play card slot to the rear of the unit provides up to 32GB of additional storage capacity.

 With its plastic front bezel, steel chassis and VESA mount provision, the AHM 6xx0 operates in temperatures from 0 - 50 deg C and features a wide range of user interfaces, most of which are brought out via downward facing connectors on the rear of the unit. These comprise a 3-pin 9-32 VDC input, two DB9 com ports, two USB 1.1 host ports, a single RJ45 LAN port and line out.
 
For further information view website; www.dsl-ltd.co.uk/productspec.aspx?ProdID=AHM-6xx0

UROCHAIN VR: The new
generation of VERLINDE electric
chain hoists for loads from 63 to 5.000 kg

With its completely new design, EUROCHAIN VR is VERLINDE's new range of electric chain hoists. Thanks to its new,  fully ergonomic design,  EUROCHAIN VR offers a wide range of innovations that guarantee the highest levels of safety,  productivity and ease of maintenance.

The EUROCHAIN VR is designed to provide users with the maximum level of safety. In its standard version,  it features a new lifting load wheel concept with intermediate teeth to drive the chain,  a button unit punch-type On/Off switch,  a torque limiter,  a disk lifting brake,  a very low voltage command (48V),  direction speed version variation,  a safety electric limit switches for up and down position and complies with the CE machine directive.

EUROCHAIN VR increases productivity. All models offer a wide range of speeds,  25% quicker than the previous generation. The lifting motor is also dual speed as standard for smoother operation. EUROCHAIN VR can lift up to 2.5 tonnes on 1 wire in FEM 2m,  providing the possibility of working at higher lifting heights while reducing the chain bag dimensions and so making the lifting unit more compact.

Lubricated for life to reduce maintenance,  the reducer is designed for extremely long operating periods of up to 3200 hours. The high precision machining on the gear trains also guarantee operation with a very low level of noise annoyance. The clutch is very easy to access for occasional maintenance operations and its position in the reducer holds the load via the brake regardless of the machine's operating conditions.

A new patented concept,  the 5-slot lifting load wheel has 5 intermediate teeth for perfect control over the lifting chain,  enabling better guidance for the chain and avoids any risk of jamming. The lifting hook's maximum up and down positions are secured by the electric limit switches located under the chain guidance system. The switches are activated alternately by the lifting hook's upper cone or the slack chain stop.

The electric unit's printed circuit boards are fitted with removable plugs to facilitate maintenance operations and the lateral flanges can also be dismantled easily for all interventions. The motor device,  which can also be dismantled easily for all replacement or maintenance operations,  is fitted as standard with a thermal protection probe. The motor's forced ventilation is provided by a fan at the end of the shaft and a developed air evacuation circuit (side and front vents). They provide optimum cooling to the hoist body and an increased lifetime for the lifting motor. The hoist body is protected by 70µm epoxy powder paint and is able to operate in aggressive thermal environments (-20C° to +50 C°).

The lifting hook has an ergonomic gripping zone and the block is protected by a rubber coating. The lifting hook has a large opening for easier connection with the under hook lifting accessories. The upper cone has a dual function: activation of the electric end of run and collection of the surplus oil used to lubricate the chain. The button unit is available in a 2,  4 or 6-button version depending on whether the hoist operates in fixed hooked position,  travelling trolley on monorail or travelling crane with crossing movement or electric rotation jib. As standard,  it is IP55,  with a 48 V low voltage command and a removable plug.

Multiple options are proposed: gear limit switch,  second brake on lifting motor,  attachment by eyelet to replace the upper hook,  automatic closing lifting hook,  travelling limit switches,  low headroom trolley,  trolley for curved track,  dual speed steering carriage (20 & 5 m/min),  etc.

For further information, e-mail: jean-yves.beaussart@verlinde.com or view website: www.verlinde.com

J D Neuhaus supply their largest  ever crane system

The largest crane system constructed to date by J D Neuhaus has been delivered to Westcon Lofteteknikk AS (WCL) of Norway for use on an offshore drilling rig. The semi portal design comprises an A-frame supporting twin overhead horizontal track beams providing a 7.5 metre span.

The crane has an approximate height of 11.5 metres with a total weight of 32 tonnes. It is equipped with JDN hydraulic EH 40-H monorail hoists operating on each of the twin beams, each hoist providing an individual lift capacity of 40 tonnes. These hoists can be operated individually or simultaneously from one control, and when used in conjunction a total lift of 80 tonnes is possible with a 12 metre lift height being available. A JDN Profi 6 TI-H hoist with 6 tonne lift capacity is also provided to cover other operational or service requirements.

The whole energy supply system, which was designed and manufactured by JDN, incorporates four hydraulic drives provided for the crane travel movements. An electro-hydraulic switch cabinet is also mounted on the access gangway. The primary radio crane controls also have a back-up system fitted to cover any radio control panel failure. Manual operation is also accommodated to cover any unscheduled loss or failure of the electric power supply.

Pictures top: Final installation work being undertaken by JDN hydraulic specialists and crane experts prior to dispatch of their largest crane produced to date.

Below: At the Westcon yard in Norway, the A-frame and track beams were assembled before the crane system was transported to its designated location on the rig.

The crane has been designed to comply with offshore operation, at temperatures down to -20ºC. Survival conditions can also be maintained in the event of inclines from the horizontal of the rig of 3º with the crane loaded or 27º when unloaded. Operation within potentially hazardous environments is accommodated with an Ex-Classification of Ex II 3 GD IIB T4. A special safety feature is incorporated with the crane to cover any disruption to or total loss of the main power supply. This feature comprises a back-up hydraulic pump with fluid reservoir tank to provide emergency lowering of suspended loads, together with safe positioning of both hoist trolleys and crane.

The design, manufacture and performance of the crane comply with relevant standards and regulations including:

1) 2006/42/EC - EC Machine directive.
2) DNV OS E101 - Drilling plant.
3) DNV Lifting appliances 2.22.
4) FEM 1-001 - Rules for design of hoisting appliances.
5) Norsok R-CR-002 - Lifting equipment.

Westcon Lofteteknikk AS (WCL) is an authorised Norwegian sole importer of J D Neuhaus lifting and handling equipment.

For further information, e-mail: info@jdn.de  or view website: www.jdn.de