TPT July 2012

Technology News

Forklift range for tube handling MEMBERS of one of Germany’s leading wholesale plumbing suppliers, the GC Group, are benefiting from the 4-way abilities of the Combilift forklift range to handle tubes, pipes and metal materials at a number of locations across the country. invaluable acquisitions

according to Mr Ehler. In practice the smaller counterbalance design CB tends to be based inside whilst the C4500 works mainly in the outside storage area. This machine was also fitted with a spreader bar to ease the handling of the longest 12m products. Olaf Mielke, facility manager, is impressed with its performance. “It is a robust, strong workhorse and is also extremely economical to run. When I get the fuel bills for the truck I am constantly amazed at how little diesel it consumes. It effortlessly lifts over 4 tons, and with no noticeable increase in rev. speed you would hardly think it is handling such heavy loads. As with our electric Combilift, it is also capable of loading and offloading from HGVs, is perfect for our requirements and both performance and value for money are spot on.”

and pipes, which range in length from 5 to 12m, involved counterbalance forklifts, mobile outdoor cranes and indoor overhead cranes. None of these complied with the wish to save space nor did they meet the need for speedier handling. The company was new to Combilift’s 4-way concept, but after having tested a machine it became evident that this was the way forward. Two models were chosen from the Irish manufacturer’s wide range to suit the operational requirements: a 2.5 ton capacity electric powered Combi- CB and a heavier duty, 4.5 ton diesel C4500. The multi-directional capability of the forklifts enabled new cantilever racking to replace block stacking outside, resulting in a substantial increase in storage capacity. The manoeuvrability of the compact CB also facilitated a new racking configuration in the undercover storage area, again optimising space utilisation. The versatility of both models to operate inside and out has made them

Hamburg-based Hermann Stitz & Co KG recently extended its range and added a new building to the existing storage facilities to cope with the increase in volume, bringing the total warehousing area to over 31.000m². This larger footprint also brought with it the need to rationalise storage to make it as efficient as possible. Operations manager Dirk Ehler explained: “When we started the expansion programme we realised that we needed to find an efficient method of transporting our long and heavy loads in very narrow aisles and lifting them to a height of 6 to 7m. We also ideally wanted indoor and outdoor capability.” Previous methods for handling the company’s steel and plastic tubes

Combilift – Ireland Email: info@combilift.com Website: www.combilift.com

Blast and wash systems VIKING Blast & Wash Systems announces the release of its newly redesigned tumble belt blast machine in the fleet of Industrial blast machines – the 3-cubic foot, model 300. The latest version incorporates changes that make it a more efficient blast mill by lowering operating costs. The increased options lineup makes the 300 a more versatile machine providing wider appli- cations to the many industries served. This new 300 has a smaller footprint by the integration of the media lift system and the elimination of the auger which lowers overall maintenance cost and improves component accessibility. The unique repositioning of the 10- HP VKPowerMax series blast wheel optimises the blast pattern to make most efficient use of wheel performance. The drum heads and side liners are manganese alloy as standard and

easily serviced. Other optional features are a vertical pneumatic access door, rotary scalping drum for removing debris from blast media and an auxiliary abrasive hopper. Front bucket loaders and custom unloading conveyors are common options for the 300. Viking – USA Email: sales@vikingcorporation.com Website: www.vikingcorporation.com

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Behringer GmbH· 74910 Kirchardt Telefon (0 72 66) 207-0 info@behringer.net www.behringer.net

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July 2012