It is the demands and requirements of the users that have led Kalmar Industries development of an intelligent, integrated fork-lift truck for precise, efficient and careful paper roll handling. Vertically adjustable, correct clamp pressure at all times, protection against chain slackness and unintentional opening of the loading unit, produces efficient handling without damaging the paper rolls.
Based on the needs of our customers, we have constructed a truck which has well-developed automation, an excellent driver environment, automatic opening, integrated functions and excellent overall level of economy, delivered complete from Kalmar Industries, says Stefan Johansson, head of development for the new paper truck.
Reality is the guiding factor
An extensive survey of the demands and requirements of paper-mills, and also terminal and harbour companies, was carried out last year. During its journey from the paper-machine at the mill, via warehouses, transporters and terminals, to the final user, a roll of paper is handled up to 20 times. It often involves intensive haulage runs over short periods. A roll currently weighs about 5 tons, the diameter is up to 1800 mm. and the width is up to 3000 mm. Every time the roll is lifted, it can be subject to clamping damage, impacts to the edge or damage in other ways. The costs of damage caused during handling amounts to large sums every year.
The survey provides an excellent picture of the equipment that is being used, and of the problems that exist, however above all it reveals the industrys demand for new trucks and what it wants for the future. Up to now there has not been a machine that satisfactorily deals with these requirements. Kalmar is now launching a new, intelligent truck for efficient, careful and precise paper roll handling.
By providing the driver with the best possible conditions, handling is made easier and the risk of damage is reduced, explains Stefan Johansson. Increased automation means that it is easier to handle the rolls in the correct way, at the same time as the driver can concentrate his/her attention on driving efficiently and carefully.
Increased automation
An optimal clamping pressure ensures that a secure grip is achieved on every roll, without the risk of clamping damage or that the roll slips out of the grip. When the clamping unit has gripped the roll, a preliminary lift takes place and the clamping pressure is adjusted to the weight of the roll. During the entire lifting operation, a sensor checks that the roll is held in an unchanged position and that the clamp pressure is continuously optimised so that the roll is never able to start slipping out of the grip.
The paper truck can also be fitted with a load-dependent automatic tilt, and equipment that ensures that the rolls are raised and lowered vertically. The risk of damaging the edges is considerably reduced in this way. In addition, the chain-slack function prevents the clamp unit from damaging the outer layer of the roll as a consequence of unintentionally sliding along a roll after the grip has been released.
It is also possible to prevent the clamp unit from unintentionally opening while loaded, in the same way as the grip automatically releases when the roll is put down, the so-called auto-release function. The machines can also be equipped for automatic speed control with regard to weight and lift height, along with options to program pre-selected lift height and automatic increase in the speed of the motor when additional power is needed for the hydraulic system.
Excellent driver environment
Kalmars widely recognised well-developed driver-environment, Spirit Delta, provides the driver with the best conceivable all-round view and the conditions to work efficiently and in an ergonomic and careful manner. In the spacious cab there is enough room for the computer equipment that is needed to, for example, read information from the paper rolls using a scanner, and different systems for driver identification, individual settings and driving documentation.
Integrated functions
Kalmars new paper truck has been developed as a total solution, with well-integrated functions. This means that all the machines systems really work together. It also means that the equipment is selected for the machines specific tasks and without unnecessary over-capacity arising.
Fully equipped
Kalmars new truck for efficient paper handling is delivered complete with clamping unit, computer equipment and the options each customer has chosen. This means that the machine can be put into full operation immediately and that all the installations are well documented.
Advantageous total cost
For decades, Kalmars trucks have been characterised by great accessibility, long length of life and good quality. By producing a complete, well-integrated machine for advanced paper handling, based on our long experience and the requirements articulated by the customer, the buyer receives an efficient machine with an excellent overall level of economy. Furthermore, add good environmental qualities, the option to choose between diesel and electric power and the considerable financial advantages of increased security and reduced costs for damages when handling paper rolls, both at the mill, when loading and at the end users.
For more information please contact:
Mikael Rietz, Sales and Marketing director Industrial Systems
Tel +46 372 26112
Fax +46 372 263 90
E-mail: mikael.rietz@kalmarind.com
Lotta Sundström: Communication Manager, Industrial Systems
Tel +46 372 261 38
Fax +46 372 263 90
E-mail: lotta.sundstrom@kalmarind.com
Note to editors:
Kalmar is a global provider of heavy duty materials handling equipment and services to ports, intermodal traffic, terminals and demanding industrial customers. Kalmar focuses on supplying handling solutions that enable customers to operate with a high level of efficiency and reliability. Every fourth container or trailer transfer at terminals around the world is handled by a Kalmar machine. Kalmar provides a large range of value added services such as maintenance contracts and fleet management. Manufacturing plants are situated in Sweden (as is the head office), in Finland, in the USA, in the Netherlands and in Estonia.