12.5-metre-stroke telescopic cylinders key to new container loading system
Dunn Bros, a UK-based metal recycling company has used its industry expertise to develop the Horizontal Container Ejection Loader – a fast efficient, safe and extremely cost effective system for loading processed scrap metals into 20-foot and 40-foot containers, without the need to remove them from the delivery vehicle. Key to the reliable operation of the loading system is Edbro’s RK series of telescopic cylinders which, at 12.5- metre-stroke, are the largest ever produced by the British company.
“With the Horizontal loader we have solved a major problem in our industry: how to load export containers with scrap metals – especially difficult materials such as cables – without them being under or overweight,” said Steve Drew sales manager of Dunn Bros.
“If they are underweight, the exporter loses money; if they are overweight, then the containers are returned unshipped.”
“The system can payback its initial cost in as little as six-months,” says Dunn’s Drew. “It only requires one man to operate, loads up to four containers an hour, with no risk of damage to containers, and is extremely safe.”
An additional advantage, according to Dunn, is that the primary loading process can be achieved prior to the arrival of the container for final loading. The loading system comprises a transfer sleeve that is loaded with material to the maximum payload of the container, registered by inbuilt load cells on the operator’s remote display. The delivery vehicle is then reversed – with container doors open – to the loading sleeve through fixed wheel guides. A powerful ram, one of Edbro’s RK double acting hydraulic units, pushes the transfer sleeve containing the payload, via a floating bulkhead, directly into the container. Once the sleeve is removed the bulkhead is withdrawn, allowing the vehicle to be pulled forward and the container doors locked.
“This is an unusual application for our RK cylinders, but one which really demonstrates their performance and reliability,” said Peter Angell, Edbro’s sales manager.
“The RK cylinders are ideally suited to this application, having proven themselves in some of the most demanding mobile applications, on mobile refuse vehicles and ejector trailers. Their multi-telescopic design is perfect for achieving the 12.5-metre-stroke length – the longest we’ve ever manufactured. The lightweight RK design also offers weight savings, proven reliability and unrivalled durability, with “fit & forget” performance that is so important with many of the Horizontal Loaders going for export.”
