Single platform bespoke machine for a range of handling needs

Moving rock wool pallets and steel reels quickly and safely with a single machine was the aim of a key project that was developed with a bespoke dedicated platform.

The problem

For many industrial companies, the handling of goods within their plants represents a daily challenge that directly impacts the efficiency of the entire production structure.

A challenge that, to be met, sometimes requires the use of tools and machines that have been designed based on the company’s real needs. Projects are conducted by handling experts who, starting from the analysis of variables such as the type of load and the route to be taken, arrive at identifying the most suitable means of construction.

A situation that a leading European company in the production of thermo-acoustic and sound-absorbing panels, was recently confronted and which involved its production plant. The project arose from the need to find a solution to limit the internal movement of goods, reduce handling time and the use of diesel-powered front forklifts. Not only this, the transport of goods is made more difficult by the presence, of two climbs within the factory with a gradient of 17% and 7%.

The Company had a fleet of nineteen forklifts that were constantly moving around the production site with considerable costs in terms of maintenance as well as diesel. Adding a similar vehicle to the fleet would have further increased costs and impacted the internal traffic and safety risk of the operators.

Therefore a special machine was required that could quickly and safely handle both pallets of rock wool, a light but bulky load, and steel reels, smaller in size but very heavy.

Since the company could not find an existing machine on the market that could be adapted to their needs, they set out to find a potential partner who could design special machines tailored to their needs.

The solution

The search led them to Robur/OMG who immediately showed proactivity towards the project, as well as competence and speed in solving the problem at hand. The technical staff understood the requirements and were prepared to assess them, make inspections, and develop the bespoke machine.

This led to the development of a special twin-engine platform with a rated load capacity of 10 tonnes. A machine equipped with a heated weatherproof metal cab with electrically operated power steering. Equipped with a steel frame with 2600 mm long manual blocks, the truck is capable of loading two reels simultaneously.

It is also equipped with four loading wheels and two cushion rubber drive wheels as well as an automatic deceleration system. The intensive use of this machine will allow the company to cut costs considerably, reduce diesel consumption and take advantage of the photovoltaic system with which they are equipped which will guarantee the possibility of recharging the electric batteries at zero cost.

The results

400% increase in efficiency

In addition, thanks to the new platform, with a single movement the company can handle up to four pallets at the same time, whereas before with the frontal units, they could only move one at a time. Not to mention the advantage in terms of safety due to the reduction in traffic between the production units.

A real revolution which, like all changes, was initially met with mistrust by operators. A diffidence that then turned into curiosity and finally into complete acceptance when they were able to see the real advantages through use.