Heavy metal men
September 1st 2011 Movetech provides a selection of heavy
lifting gear as a crane or forklift isn't
always the best answer, says the firm
Movetech UK prides itself on delivering a bespoke design
and engineering capability aimed at resolving most
load moving challenges in a practical and cost-effective
manner without the need for forklifts or cranes.
The company specialises in moving and lifting heavy or
awkward loads, and has a portfolio of equipment and services.
This includes materials handling carousels, wheeled transporters,
JUNG heavy duty lifting and moving equipment, and Hovair air
film transporters.
"Overhead cranes and forklifts aren't always the answer," says
David Houghton, technical sales director,Movetech UK. "Cranes
are expensive to install, have a very limited movement range, and
take up a lot of floor space. Forklifts have good weight carrying
capabilities but require specially trained drivers to operate them."
Movetech UK has a track record of delivering bespoke
solutions.When customer Hawke International was faced with
having to move a large 1" x 6 spindle Wickman automatic lathe,
which weighs in at 5335 kg,Movetech UK, which holds exclusive
distribution rights to JUNG equipment in the UK, was able to
offer a simple but effective package of jacks and skates.
Production engineer, Carl Heitmar, says: "Previously we had to
pay contractors to use their heavy moving equipment. However,
access is often restricted, making it impossible to use heavy
moving plant and forklifts. JUNG equipment is a more costeffective
option; it also gives us greater manoeuvrability when
dealing with very heavy equipment."
An air film solution built for London & Cambridge Properties
(LCP) has proved to be highly practical and cost-effective. LCP
needed to double capacity at its specialist warehousing facility in
Burntwood, Staffordshire and provide an economic solution that
would allow for the storage of 85-tonne electric transformers.
Potential solutions included the installation of a second
overhead 100 tonne crane, or constructing a rail system that
would criss-cross the warehouse floor. Both solutions brought
with them immense logistical and economic problems.
Movetech UK's solution of using a specially designed air film
transporter with a total capacity of 100 tonnes has proved to be
the most practical and cost-effective option, offering one man
operation, complete freedom of movement, a low profile and
minimal maintenance requirements.
Elsewhere, one of the most commercially effective uses for
Movetech UK heavy duty turntables is their installation in
supermarket service yards. They allow a full-sized artic to be
driven in and out of a restricted yard in a forwards gear, saving
around 50% of the space that
would otherwise be needed. More articles from Movetech UK: | 
