European-designed system loads trailers in one big slug
An entire trailer load of product can be loaded or unloaded in one "slug" using this traversing-platform system. The platform is equipped with rails or "lances" that are raised pneumatically, lifting the entire product load. The lances then drive into the trailer, deposit the load, and retract out back into position on the platform. The platform can traverse along lateral rails to serve multiple dock positions.
By Staff -- Modern Materials Handling, 1/1/1999
A new technology from Europe has been introduced into the U.S. for automatically loading or unloading an entire truck trailer load of product on pallets, steel racks, crates, or roll carts with no modification to the standard trailer. The new system does not use lift trucks or pallet jacks.The operation is based on the use of rails or "lances" that are mounted on a platform positioned at a truck spot on the dock. An entire truckload of goods can be held on the platform. The goods can be arranged in the proper destination sequence of the planned truck route.
When the truck trailer is in place at the dock, the lances are raised pneumatically, lifting the entire product load. The lances are then driven into the trailer, riding on its bed. No trailer modification is needed. Once the lances are fully inserted into the trailer, the pneumatic system deflates. The lances are then pulled out of the trailer, leaving the entire load resting on the trailer bed. The driver closes his trailer door and is free to leave. The entire load or unload cycle takes about five minutes.
The 'Lance Loader', consisting of platform and lances, can traverse along a set of lateral rails to serve multiple dock doors. However, the number of dock doors needed can also be reduced, because of the shorter operating cycles attained. According to the manufacturer, trailer loads handled per day, per door, increase to 28-42, versus the typical 7 experienced with lift-truck-based loading operations. On that basis, only one door is necessary for every 4 to 6 doors in a typical fork truck operation. Fewer dock doors required translate to lower real estate costs.
The Lance Loader can also move from the dock into the plant or warehouse on rails to pick up a staged trailer load. This load may have been delivered to a staging area from a high-density dynamic storage system or from an AS/RS. The traversing platform can move under a staged load that is assembled on pallets or other load bases. Alternatively, the load can be mounted on a conveyor surface that mates with a roller conveyor located on the traversing platform, enabling the load to convey directly onto the platform.
In either case, the Lance Loader can then move back out to the dock to begin loading a waiting trailer. Incoming truck trailers can be unloaded by the same concept and the load delivered to the staging area inside the plant or warehouse, using the traversing, lance-equipped platform.
Because of its fast loading and unloading capability, the system adapts well to true JIT operations. Better inventory control results from increased automation of operations. The cost of fork trucks and operators can be reduced or eliminated. And, finally, damage and theft can be dramatically lowered with the reduction in personnel and fork truck handling of product.
The system concept will be shown at ProMat, Booth 570.
MAXX Material Handling 757-825-8100
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