Tackling containers
June 1st 2010 Combilift develops huge truck capable of
carrying containers as it bids to serve
firms looking for an unconventional
unloading option
The Straddle Carrier has been developed by Combilift in a
bid to create a cost effective and flexible container
handling solution for distribution, shipping and haulage
companies which even have relatively low throughput levels.
The firm says it is a much more economical option than using
conventional container handling forklifts, reach stackers or
mobile cranes, and offers independence when moving containers
and similarly oversized products around a site. If an operation
handles six containers a week the return on investment in a
Straddle Carrier is quickly achieved, says the manufacturer.
The standard Combilift Straddle Carrier is a three wheel
patented design model, (a four wheel option is also available).
This design ensures maximum stability with all 3 wheels
permanently in ground contact even on rougher surfaces without
the need to add suspension, making it more economical to
manufacture and enabling cost savings to be passed on to the
end user.
Although the appearance of the Straddle Carrier is quite
different to the Combilift standard 4-way models, many of the
features, for example the hydrostatic drive and the hydraulic
steering, have been designed around common components.
The firm adds: "This thought-through approach will enable
the existing Combilift dealer network around the world to
support the product when it comes to after sales care and
maintenance. The design of the 3-wheel model enables it to be
disassembled and shipped in just one 40' container, reducing
freight costs."
Straddle Carrier in action
Temporary power and temperature control solutions provider
Aggreko is the first company to take delivery of the newly
developed product, for its factory in Dumbarton, Scotland.
The Straddle Carrier is said to enable it to make vast cost
savings on the handling of the large number of generators and
container units produced at the site.
After making an initial enquiry regarding better handling
procedures for generator engines in the pre production storage
facility, Aggreko turned its attention to the more pressing issue
of ensuring the efficient movement of finished generators due to
a planned move to a new site in 2011. Aggreko conferred with
Combilfit and its local distributor Douglas Gillespie Plant.
DGP's Brian Docherty explains: "With lengths of 20 to 40
feet, the dimensions of generators are comparable to containers.
I was aware of product development at Combilift involving
container handling which led us to the Straddle Carrier."
Aggreko project coordinator Derek Neilson adds: "Two major
factors in the choice of new handling equipment were cost and
the weight of any machine capable of carrying 25t loads.
"Our previous system was based on cranes and trailers, and
hire costs for these have been extremely high. Any conventional
reach stacker up to our requirements has an unladen weight of
around 70t, and the loading on each wheel would have meant
spending considerable sums on reinforcing the floor in the new
premises. As the Combilift Straddle Carrier is around four times
lighter than a reach stacker, the ground pressure is greatly
reduced even when it is used to carry two generators to its full
capacity of 35t."
As Aggreko needed to double stack generators from the
ground up, its initial option is a four-wheel, diesel powered
model (LPG power is also available) and the company will also
be leasing a second three-wheel machine and is looking to
purchase a further four-wheel before moving to new premises.
With 115 units moved on a weekly basis its speedy operation is
of considerable benefit ? taking a unit from the production plant
and loading it for dispatch takes less than three minutes - three
times faster than the crane /
trailer combination. More articles from Combilift Limited: | 
