BULK MATERIALS HANDLING
Terex Port Solutions supplies two mobile harbour cranes to New Zealand
Terex Port Solutions has received an order for two Terex® Gottwald Model 6 mobile harbour cranes, of the new G HMK 6408 variant, from its long-standing customer Port of Napier Ltd. The two cranes, each with lifting capacities of up to 100t and radii up to 51m, are to be modified by Terex Port Solutions to meet the specific conditions of the quays in the port and, from late summer 2013, will be handling mainly containers. Napier Port is expanding its fleet of cranes as a result of business growth, which is currently the second largest in New Zealand’s North Island in terms of the volume of total export cargo handled. For more than 20 years, Napier Port has been a customer of Terex Port Solutions and currently operates a fleet of four Terex Gottwald HMK 280 E and HMK 300 E mobile harbour cranes that were originally supplied with options including an extended tower and special chassis. With the two new G HMK 6408 cranes, the chassis will be fitted with a special set of axles which are spaced further apart than normal to take account of the site conditions. The chassis will also be equipped with eight axles, which will prevent the permitted loading of the quay from being
exceeded. For the same reason, the extended propping system will provide an increased area to take into account the specific quay conditions. “When it came to expanding our fleet of harbour cranes, we opted once again for Terex Port Solutions because we were satisfied with their performance, availability and service. Secondly, we were convinced this time that Terex Port Solutions was best able to adapt its mobile harbour cranes to our terminal conditions while, at the same time, enabling us to
improve productivity with the new cranes due to more efficient working speeds,” explained Chris Bain, Chief Operating Officer of Napier Port. Terex Port Solutions offers a total of six crane models that are made up of modular units. This construction principle allows the company to accommodate special customer requests. This means that the chassis, for example, can be adapted to individual requirements, as in the case of Napier Port,
Terex Gottwald G HMK 6407 mobile harbour crane with standard 7-axle chassis handling containers
but also that other special features can be offered. These include interlocking stabiliser beams on the chassis which reduce the crane’s width overall, allowing it to pass through narrower gaps and reducing the turning circle. On particularly narrow quays, this provides increased manoeuvrability. More information can be found at
www.terex.com.
Loading and unloading specialist Thorworld Industries, has launched a new range of interlock devices designed to improve operator safety and prevent drive-offs when using mobile yardramps and loading bays. With over thirty years’ experience in the manufacture and supply of dock and loading bay equipment, Thorworld is all too aware that, as a focal point for many businesses, the loading and unloading area presents a high concentration of hazards. “A sound safety procedure could make many work-related accidents preventable, as well as stopping the huge burden in terms of downtime, repairs and possible legislative fines,” explains Mark James, Quality and Health & Safety Manager at Thorworld Industries. Fatalities involving unsecured trailers are on the increase, and the Health & Safety Executive frequently fines companies for not correctly restraining vehicles on their premises, with costs potentially running into six figures. Thorworld has long advocated the benefits of safety and restraint products, arguing that even the addition of wheel chocks can make the difference between life and death. Now, the company has expanded its existing range of safety accessories to offer simple and cost- effective interlock mechanisms that introduce a rigorous protocol into common applications. The range consists of two devices:
the Yardramp Safety Interlock, designed to work with Thorworld’s market-leading mobile yardramps; and Loading Bay Interlocks to Prevent Drive Offs, which can be customised to work with a variety of loading
Interlock systems make loading and unloading much safer dock doors or levellers.
Both products utilise a ‘trapped key’ control system that only permits the use of loading bay equipment once specific criteria have been met. The interlock is secured onto the trailer’s emergency air hose connector, preventing the vehicle from driving away. Once the air-hose is locked, a coded key is released that the operator can use to access the desired equipment.
Once finished, this operation is reversed.
Locking the equipment frees the key, which is then used to unlock the air hose and enable the driver to depart. Accordingly, this step-by-step process prevents the premature movement of trailers before the loading operation is complete.
While the concept is common to both interlocks, each product has individual uniquely designed functions that are optimised to specific equipment types. The Yardramp Safety Interlock works in conjunction with a chain across the yardramp. Until it is unlocked with the coded key, the presence of the chain prevents forklifts from accessing the yardramp until the trailer is parked and secured.
Where a dedicated loading bay is in use,
Loading Bay Interlocks provide effective control of doors or levellers. The coded key is inserted into a control panel, positioned either inside or outside the building, which enables operation of the equipment within pre-sequenced parameters.
All interlocks can be integrated into new equipment or retro-fitted to existing solutions, giving customers peace of mind whatever the
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set-up of their loading and unloading area. Thorworld believes that the provision of interlocks reinforces the company’s commitment to being a one-stop shop for customers’ loading and unloading needs. “Safety is paramount, and our interlocks are designed to keep businesses loading and unloading with confidence,” confirms Mark James.
“By using proven ‘trapped key’ processes, our interlocks – which can be specified for use with mobile yardramps or loading bays – offer a systematic, fool-proof mechanism that significantly reduces the risk of trailers driving away before operations are complete.” For more information on Thorworld loading and unloading equipment and to obtain a copy of the latest Thorworld product catalogue contact: Thorworld Industries Ltd, Tel: 01246 260981
Email:
info@thorworld.co.uk www.thorworld.co.uk
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