Production Operations: June 2005 Equipment Round-Up - Material Handling and Lift Trucks

Reaching new heightsThe new Model 7400 reach-fork truck designed combines AC technology and ergonomics to reduce costs, improve efficiency and increase operator productivity. It is available in a variety of weight capacities, from 3,200 lb. to 4,500 lb., in reach and deep reach configurations. Ergonomic design features include universal stance for more efficient, true bi-directional travel; secondary control handle for added convenience and comfort during tractor-first travel; and logical, intuitive controls laid out in a comfortable configuration.Raymond Corp.; Greene, N.Y.800-235-7200; www.raymondcorp.comHeavier-duty trucksThe E7000-E12000 Series are 7,000-12,000 lb. capacity lift trucks in four models. They feature a highly stable platform and expertly engineered controls that provide the capacity retention necessary to carry heavy loads. MOSFET transistor technology in the drive and hydraulic control systems provides responsive performance to improve material handling efficiency. The new lift trucks include ergonomic features such as a full suspension seat, a comfortable seat belt that reduces cinching when turning, and easy-to-reach, cowl-mounted hydraulic levers.Cat Lift Trucks; Houston800-CAT-LIFT; www.cat-lift.comPick and weighThe Ergo-1000-OBS allows the operator to automatically pick, lift, weigh and move all contemporary styles of plastic, fiber and steel drums. The weighing device has zero-out, auto shut-off, metric and imperial measurement capabilities and can be ordered with an optional printing feature. Accuracy is within 1 lb. or 0.25 percent up to 1,000 lbs. Liftomatic Material Handling; Buffalo Grove, Ill.800-837-6540; www.liftomatic.com

Battery-powered forkThe new electric model 40SE is a battery-powered forklift, a variation on the company’s narrow-aisle LP gas model, which is expected to find applications into the food and pharmaceutical sectors and other locations previously unsuitable for IC equipment. With 4,000 lbs. capacity, the forklift can work both inside and outdoors, eliminating the need for normal counterbalance forklifts and reach or narrow aisle trucks. Solid pneumatic tires fitted to the electric truck also make loading possible in the yard. Aisle-Master; Plant City, Fla.(877) 280-4910; www.aisle-master.comRound and roundSoftware and hardware improvements are key to the company’s upgrade of its line of horizontal carousels. They offer increased flexibility in the design, specification and maintenance of the carousel systems, and provide an enhanced set of operating controls. The carousels are typically used for product picking in warehouse and distribution center operations and in buffering applications for manufacturing operation. FKI Logistex; Kenilworth, N.J.314-993-4700; www.fkilogistex.comSanitary and vibratoryThe expanded Iso-Flo family of vibratory conveyors satisfy the most stringent sanitation demands in the industry, meeting 3A dairy sanitary standards, USDA, HACCP and FDA requirements, and exceeding NEMA 4X washdown specifications. The new shakers feature scalloped flat bars, sealed isolation springs and a smooth 2B surface finish that discourage bacteria growth. Unlike traditional vibratory conveyors, the new Iso-Flo conveyors feature a patented removable gate that enables the sanitation crew to easily and thoroughly clean the area. Stress contoured arms are standard on all new conveyors.Key Technology; Walla Walla, Wash.
509-529-2161; www.key.net

High travel-rated conveyorThe FastBack 260E conveyor brings all the advantages of horizontal motion conveying to producers of high flow rate products. The drive unit can handle pans up to 35 ft. long, allowing simple conveyor conversions to suit new plant layouts. It is ideal for frozen French fries and vegetables, snacks and baked products, and even cut lettuce and fresh vegetables. Additionally, a single plug-in power module and easy access to the drive components makes installation and maintenance quick and simple.Heat and Control Inc.; Hayward, Calif.800-227-5980; www.heatandcontrol.com
Speedy belt changes

A unique “open side,” low profile conveyor offers what the vendor claims is the fastest belt change in the industry – two minutes or less on small to medium-size conveyors. On large conveyors, the quick-change design allows 95 percent or better time savings. The quick-change configuration allows cantilever-style mounting to just one side of the stand, eliminating obstructions to slide-off/slide-on belt removal and installation.

Conveyor Technologies Ltd.; Milford, Ohio
513-248-0663; www.conveyortechltd.com

Designer belts

These belt conveyors combine proven designs with durable construction. They are available in a wide range of sizes and configurations to accommodate the inspection, cooling, storing or transporting of product. They feature a modular design that allows for change, thereby offering a wide range of options including stainless or mild steel construction, and a choice of bed, belt, pulley or discharge options.

Meyer Industries; San Antonio, Texas
210-736-1811; www.meyerindustries.com

Watch your speedThe new QC700 Series worm gear speed reducers are designed for applications that experience aggressive washdown, heavy shock loading or frequent motor changes. The speed reducer uses a patent pending “quick connect” coupling system that enables the motor to connect and disconnect from the reducer without the need for a large coupling alignment hole in the NEMA flange. The design reduces the flange length, allowing all the benefits of a coupling-mounted speed reducer without displacing valuable design space.Boston Gear; Quincy, Mass.
888-999-9860; www.bostongear.com

Narrow driving ahead

The NarrowDrive, designed for small-sized belt conveyors, is a compact, environment-friendly component. The unit consists of a crowned two-section roller and an integrated motor drive which is installed within a conveyor frame. It is driven by a brushless DC motor with control card. This self-contained driving component will increase the operating security of conveyors as there is no risk of damage through protruding gearboxes. For installation, it will be available as a complete solution, consisting of the DC drive unit, a 1.97 inch (50 mm) idler roller and the mounting brackets, and will be available by spring 2005.

Interroll; Wilmington, N.C.
910-799-1100; www.interroll.us

Into the hopper

The C-33 vacuum conveyor is a solution for the preliminary stage of the packaging process, which requires that a filler tube or hopper be loaded with the product being packaged. These conveyors transport up to 10-15 tons/hour of material into the hopper or filler tube. Additionally, in order to meet the strict regulations of the food industry, the C-33 has been examined and accepted by the USDA and complies with the 3A standard.

Piab USA Inc.; Hingham, Mass.
800-321-7422; www.piab.com

Three-in-one productThis adjustable hopper is a new conveyor accessory that includes two other products: flared side rails and end stops. Flared side rails can be used as a stand-alone accessory, or, by adding end stops, can create accessories for other applications. Flared side rails are ideal for applications that require a drop zone wider than the width of the conveyor. End stops can be used in conjunction with the flared side rail to allow better control in directing product flow.QC Industries; Batavia, Ohio
513-753-6000; www.qcindustries.com

Versatile conveying

FlexFlite flexible screw conveyors convey a wide range of dry solids to the material-handling marketplace. They are readily portable and ideal for conveying product from bags, bins, hoppers or weight stations. Rated capacities for the three FlexFlite models are 100, 300 and 400 cubic feet per hour. The spiral auger is the only moving part that contacts the conveyed material.

Cyclonaire Corp.; York, Neb.
800-445-0730; www.cyclonaire.com

Made-to-order conveyor

Wire Belt introduces the CarrySmart line, a unique, made-to-order line of conveyors. The line includes Flex-Turn, Flat-Flex Straight, Flat-Flex Shuttle Conveyors and CarrySmart Spreader or Converger Specialty Conveyors. They make the line customizable, allowing the customer to specify the height and angles of the conveyor. The belts are constructed from stainless steel which is ideal for the food processing industry.

Wire Belt; Londonderry, N.H.
603-644-2500; www.wirebelt.com