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NEW, GREENER DOUBLE DECK LIFTS FROM TRANSDEK

Friday, May 07, 2010

Rising to the call for improved green performance, Transdek UK recently launched the latest in its range of double deck loading systems, a 20 tonne capacity dock lift.

The new lifts, which incorporate a number of innovative energy saving and reliability-enhancement features, are designed for the loading and unloading of both fixed and powered double deck trailers at retail distribution centres and have already gone into operation with one major supermarket chain.

Unlike Transdek’s previous systems, the latest 20 tonne lift uses only a single ram to drive the lift platform up and down, simplifying the operation of the lift. “Our former lifts used a twin ram master-slave configuration, which worked well but was still prone to occasional de-synchronisation of the rams,” explains Leon Butler, Transdek’s Operations Director. “With the single ram design, on the other hand, it is impossible for the lift to move out of synch, which significantly improves operating reliability. We will be using this design on all of our double deck lift models in the future.”

The horizontal ram mounting and rope lifting mechanism allow the lift platform to lower to the ground without the unit being sunk into a pit. This means the lifts can be used for the cost effective loading of low-floor (200mm) Continental stub axle double deckers. “We hope that this feature will encourage increased double decking of goods from mainland Europe into the UK,” comments Butler. “Because of the greater mileages involved, this offers even bigger pro rata cost and environmental savings potential than domestic double decking.”

With a focus on improved green ideology, Transdek’s latest lifts also incorporate a number of other environmental design features. High frequency, low-power lights linked to motion sensors are installed as standard to minimise power usage. “This cuts electricity consumption for the lift lights by 81% says Butler. “Per unit, the cost savings are not massive, but over a hundred units, we estimate annual savings of £36,100 for our customers from the lighting modifications alone.”

Another new and unique feature is the power-neutral lower function which, used in conjunction with Transdek’s dual-speed lift capability, saves up to 42% on lifting power usage compared to standard lifts. As the lift platform raises, it charges 24V solenoids that then allow the return of the hydraulic fluid as the lift lowers again. The main motor automatically switches into idle mode during lowering, unlike conventional designs, which require the hydraulics motor to function on both lifting and lowering.
To assist with rapid maintenance and the smooth operation of the 20 tonne lifts, Transdek have also developed a unique LED fault-finding monitor display. This provides operators with at-a-glance information relating to the operating and service status of the lift.

Specially designed lift gates provide a wider lift ‘mouth’ to facilitate optional loading by powered pallet truck, enabling faster load handling with less manual handling. The 8900mm-long platform holds 30 rollcages and is reinforced to withstand the high point-load stresses generated by powered pallet truck operations.

As with other Transdek lifts the new models, including all hydraulics mechanisms and electrical wiring, are pre-built into loadhouses in the factory. Load testing is carried out prior to despatch so the lift pods can be quickly installed and commissioned at the customer’s warehouse. Each lift unit is supplied in two sections - the roof and base - that are simply lifted into position on location.

For further information contact:
Transdek UK: Leon Butler
Tel: 01777 705958, Email: [email protected]

For press enquiries contact:
Transdek UK: Alister Halliwell-Sutton
Tel.:01777 705958, Email: [email protected]

Product Specification

• Free-standing, electro-hydraulically powered lifts
• Surface mounted. No civil engineering or pits required for installation.
• Fully load tested and quality approved before despatch from factory.
• CE plated
• SWL: 20 tonnes
• Load capacity: 30 rollcages
• Platform width: 3850mm (including partitioned personnel walkway)
• Platform length: 8900mm
• Overall footprint: 4264mm x 11950mm
• Lift stroke: 150mm to 3000mm (from ground level)
• Cordoned operator lift platform walkway provides operator access front-to-rear past full load
• Hydraulically operated bridging plate from lift platform to vehicle floor
• Fully clad lift pod providing temperature-controlled lift housing. Incorporates dock seals, floodlighting, vehicle-buffers, traffic lights (to prevent premature vehicle departures)
• Floor-mounted wheel guides: to ensure vehicles reverse in alignment with lift
• Safety features include interlocked front and rear safety gates; safety edges fitted to lift perimeter edges; isolated controls on lift platform