ELS designs bundle lifter to help company unload aluminum stock

This custom-designed lifter made unloading easier and safer for one client.

Engineered Lifting Systems & Equipment (ELS) specializes in manufacturing and distributing cranes and other lifting equipment. With 45+ years of experience providing lifting solutions for a broad range of industries, ELS makes difficult jobs seem easy.

Because of its reputation with custom-designed lifting systems, an automotive-part manufacturer recently turned to ELS to help with its process for unloading aluminum round stock.

A safer, more efficient process

The operation required two workers to unload six-metre bundles of stock from trucks and load them onto a conveyor inside the company warehouse. The employees climbed onto the trucks and rigged nylon straps to an overhead crane, putting each worker at a high risk of injury from falls and pinch hazards.

First, the company tried a pallet lifter that straddled the bundle from both sides. This equipment used up too much space, and it was difficult for the crane operator to monitor the lifter’s path. Next, a standard pallet lifter was used, this one loadable from the side, but this lifter was also too big for the workspace.

ELS was asked to design and manufacture a custom lifting system that had a slim profile, yet could still handle wide bundles. ELS recommended and installed a four-metre, three-legged bundle lifter with two-foot forks. ELS also installed a radio control, which allowed the crane operator to stand in a spot that was safer and had a clearer view.

Results? This lifter not only took up less space, it also accessed both sides of the bundles easily. Bundles were also placed closer together. In addition, the company only needed one employee to complete the unload process.

The new system is saving the manufacturer a significant amount of man hours because of the quicker and safer unloading process.

ELS makes difficult jobs seem easy.

For more information, contact ELS.

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