Steerable transfer cart handles dies with ease

When a customer required die handling for an automotive metal stamping application, Engineered Lifting Systems had the solution — a steerable transfer cart. 

The challenge: The customer had been using an overhead crane, but changes to its manufacturing process required the two-piece die to be moved to a location out beyond the lifting area of the overhead crane. Additionally, the travel path required that it go through a doorway and negotiate several turns. Another challenge: the two pieces of the die were not the same weight or size — one weighed approximately 13 tons, and the other 17 tons.

The solution: A forklift was considered, but it was quickly discarded as a solution due to physical size of the forklift in a capacity to suit the die. Ultimately, the company selected a Mentor steerable battery-powered transfer cart with custom deck fixture. The cart has a 20-ton capacity and flip-out panels that are used to accommodate the two die halves. It features pads lining the fixture and flip-out panels to prevent damage to the die from metal on metal contact, as well as dry cell batteries that provide hours of drive time and require no maintenance. An on-board charger plugs conveniently into a 120-volt wall outlet for battery recharging. Another feature: a hand-held pendant controller provides motion control moving forward, backward, left or right. Safety features include warning alarms (audible and flashing light) that alert workers in the area of cart operation. A quick disconnect plug conveniently allows pendant cable change-out without the need for an electrician. The pendant cable has a strain relief to prevent damage from excessive tension. 

To learn more about steerable transfer carts, as well as its other standard and custom material lifting systems and equipment, contact Engineered Lifting Systems & Equipment Inc. 

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