Connected and Reliable Technology Redefine Lifting Solutions
Modernize your lifting solutions by integrating telematics and advanced safety features into your operations.
Posted: June 11, 2024
Proper training, connected components, and following safe load handling practices protects operators and your organization. Outlined below are smart lifting solutions that will assist you in minimizing your risks.
Anti-overload Device Avoids Pitfalls of Potential Overloading
There are several factors that can influence a forklift truck to become overloaded: load center, weight of load, lift height and the type of load. The load center, which is the distance from the face of the fork to the center of gravity of the load, plays a crucial part. The position of the load center can also vary depending on the type of load being lifted, for example liquid loads or non-uniform loads.
Forklift operators should be competent in understanding the weight of the load. Combilift’s (Annahagh, Monaghan, Ireland) Combi Safe-Lift, is an anti-overload device that enables operators to avoid the pitfalls of potential overloading, which can have serious consequences if it occurs.
The Combi Safe-Lift incorporates a strain sensor on the mast section and a lift cut-out valve on the hydraulic line to disable lifting if the unit is being potentially overloaded. There is an audible alarm which warns the operator of an overload situation, and a load moment indicator is fitted to the dashboard in the cab. The operator can instantly see from the green, amber and red “traffic light” signaling when there is a risk of overloading or when the forks are not fully engaged for example and take appropriate action.
“We offer the Combi Safe-Lift as an option at the moment, but we believe that this simple and cost-effective system should become a standard option on all counterbalance trucks in future,” said Martin McVicar, managing director, Combilift. “Fitting a straightforward device such as the Combi Safe-Lift is an effective way to reduce risks for the operator and other personnel, and also to avoid product damage as well as costly repairs.”
Stay on Top of Fleet Management with Real-time Data
Hyster’s (Cleveland, OH) Tracker™ is a telemetry solution that offers operations a real-time look into their forklift fleet and other mobile equipment, with fleet management and maintenance functions designed to keep demanding metals applications moving. The solution provides insights and controls to help improve operator behavior, control access to equipment, confirm pre-shift checklist completion, and monitor equipment and operator utilization.
The data collected can be viewed on desktop or mobile devices and helps operations stay on top of fleet management decisions and forklift obsolescence. By knowing exactly how much a forklift has been used, operations can determine the optimal time to replace or resell equipment and identify the type of equipment they use the most. The data also includes availability and charging, providing insights that help operations to right-size their forklift fleets.
Another available feature is an impact camera, which allows businesses to capture video footage of any critical forklift impacts within their operation. This footage provides a clear view of the events that led to the impact, enabling appropriate remediation to avoid further impacts through operator behavior, facility layout adjustments or other changes.
Hyster Tracker can be outfitted on virtually any piece of mobile equipment, providing operations with a robust and flexible solution no matter the composition of their fleet.
Innovative 360-degree Safety Camera System
Mammoet (Rosharon, TX), which provides solutions to heavy lifting and transport challenges, is working with Rietveld, a specialist in fleet management and vehicle and machine safety systems, on a joint project to protect drivers and road users when mobile cranes are moving and maneuvering.
The project combines three different safety technologies and was commissioned by Mammoet to support its customers to meet stricter safety regulations. Testing is currently being carried out on one of its new Liebherr LTM 1070-4.2 70t mobile cranes.
The three-tier system includes Rietveld’s OmniVue 360° camera system. Using a combination of cameras installed on the crane’s chassis, it generates real-time first and third-person images of the vehicle. This gives the driver a full 360° view from both inside and outside the cab, enabling them to see what pedestrians and other roads users are seeing.
The second tier adds a series of sensors that detect people and obstacles within an adjustable safety radius around the crane. When the sensors detect a potential hazard, an acoustic signal alerts the driver. An LED warning panel also displays the section of the crane where the motion was detected.
The final tier, the “halo,” draws a light boundary on the floor around the crane, giving those nearby a clear visual indication of the safe zone around it. This is especially important at sites where hearing protection is required.
