Introducing the innovative Konecranes electric tyre handler. This new machine, recently purchased by Fortescue, is Australia’s first electric tyre handler, and potentially a world first.

Designed to meet the demanding needs of the mining industry, this purpose built 17-tonne E-VER electric forklift, featuring a tyre handling attachment with 8.5 tonne lift capacity, ensures the safe, precise, and efficient handling of 8,500kg tyres.

Safety & Innovation

Developed by United through direct collaboration with our mining customers, contractors and suppliers, the tyre handler has continued to evolve. This has led to the integration of many critical safety systems, which have been field tested, making this one of the safest tyre handlers in the industry.

A new wireless clamp pressure monitor displays real-time hydraulic pressure of the clamp to the receiver, which is displayed on a digital pressure gauge in the cabin. This provides the operator with the exact pressure of the clamp that they can reference to the correct pressure required, ensuring precise tyre handling and prevents over or under clamping.

A light sequence safety system provides clear visual signals to ground personnel. Red and green indicators show when it is safe to approach the tyre fitting area, minimising risk.

The Blaxtair pedestrian detection system further enhances safety through cutting-edge 3D stereo cameras that utilise AI to distinguish, in real-time, a person from an obstacle or object in the work environment. It utilises thermal imaging sensors to identify pedestrians in low light conditions, even multiple people simultaneously from surrounding site objects that approach from opposite directions. Once detected, the operator is immediately alerted who has enough time to avoid a potential collision.

Magnetic wireless cameras optimise operator visibility during tyre handling operations. Heavy-duty magnets allow cameras to be attached anywhere on the machine. The feed is then displayed on a cabin screen to give operators adaptable viewing angles for precise control and safer handling.

Sustainable Lifting

Traditionally tyre handlers have always run internal combustion diesel engines. However, as our customer needs change, and the world explores more sustainable and eco-efficient alternatives, United have always been ready to meet these industry demands.

Fortescue’s push toward net zero through a robust decarbonisation plan has led to the progressive replacement of their mining fleet with battery electric machines.

The Company aims for Real Zero, which means no fossil fuels and no offsets.

Their target to achieve Real Zero for Scope 1 and 2 terrestrial emissions has been set across their Australian iron ore operations by 2030. Its decarbonisation plan includes the deployment of an additional 2-3 gigawatts of renewable energy generation and battery storage, in addition to the deployment of a green mining fleet and locomotives.

Key considerations for their pathway to decarbonise include the development of technology, future equipment acquisitions, and potential regulatory changes. Future changes to Fortescue’s decarbonisation strategy may impact key estimates and changes to asset carrying values in the Group’s financial statements.

As tyre handlers play an essential role in Fortescue’s Pilbara mining operations for tyre maintenance, and keeping up with their net zero goals, it was essential for these machines to be phased to electric models.

Through our direct collaboration with Fortescue and manufacturing partner Konecranes, subsequent technology improvements, and the introduction of Konecranes’ new generation E-VER electric forklift, this has allowed us to develop the first full electric tyre handler for Fortescue.

Powered by lithium-ion technology, these electric tyre handlers deliver smooth, clean and quieter operation, with faster acceleration and lift speeds. The fast-charging, zero-emission lithium-Ion battery, also helps to reduce energy consumption by up to 70 percent. Regenerative braking further enhances efficiency by returning energy back into the battery. Operators also experience a truly enjoyable driving experience with one of the industry’s most spacious and comfortable cabins.

The new electric tyre handler delivers eco-efficient heavy-duty performance with a lower carbon footprint, while maintaining an advancing level of safety in a high critical risk work environment.

Watch the New Konecranes Tyre Handler Video

The post Introducing Australia’s First Full Electric Tyre Handler appeared first on United Equipment.

In early 2019, Intermodal Link Services (ILS), one of two companies that comprise the Intermodal Group, received Australia’s first reach stacker equipped with Flow Drive. Following on from last year’s inaugural delivery, ILS has once again placed a new order for six Konecranes lift trucks. This included five flow drive reach stackers and one empty container handler with a double stacking spreader.

United’s Sam Gazzone, Konecranes Business Development Manager, at Fremantle Port handing over one of the new flow drive reach stackers to Adam Lebihan, State Manager of Intermodal Link Services.

Intermodal Group

Intermodal Group, located close to Fremantle Port near Perth, is an industry leader in rail transport and container storage. The Group plays a crucial role in the import/export container logistics supply chain in the state of Western Australia. This includes the capacity to move large numbers of containers to ease congestion on local roads. Furthermore, Intermodal Group actively contributes to smoother and more efficient port operations.

Intermodal Link Services

ILS offers end-to-end services at two terminals, strategically located in Fremantle and Forrestfield. Complementary to road transport solutions, they also efficiently move containers by rail between the wharf and terminals.

Furthermore, ILS is committed to delivering efficient logistics services and transport solutions that are both commercially viable and environmentally friendly. They are constantly seeking innovative solutions to increase uptime, reduce the overall cost of ownership and minimise their carbon footprint. These main factors were the reason they purchased their first reach stacker with flow drive in September 2018.

“We are constantly reviewing our business to seek solutions that can enhance our operations”, said Adam Lebihan, State Manager of Intermodal link Services. “Improving the efficiency of our lift truck fleet to maximise operating times, reduce fuel costs whilst maintaining a positive impact on the environment, is very important to us”.

What is Flow Drive?

Flow Drive is one of three Konecranes ECOLIFTING Solutions available for lift trucks that benefits businesses. It includes an innovative Hydromechanical Variable Transmission (HVT), which reduces carbon emissions and fuel consumption by up to 25%. Furthermore, it boosts productivity by increasing the time spent on active operations – all with a minimal financial investment.

Flow Drive Reach Stackers Deliver Positive Benefits

Since introducing their first SMV 4531 TC5 flow drive reach stacker into their fleet, ILS have already observed positive benefits. This influenced their decision to add an additional five reach stackers with Flow Drive into their operation.

“Since receiving our Konecranes reach stacker with flow drive almost 12 months ago, we’ve already seen positive reductions in fuel consumption and Improvements in overall productivity. With a need to renew our fleet, it made the decision to include Flow Drive in all our new machines much easier”, said Mr Lebihan.

Additionally, ILS have ordered an empty container handler to maximise the rest of their activities at the Port. The Konecranes empty container handler model SMV 5/6 ECC 100 DS includes a double stacking spreader. This provides the ability to handle two containers, weighing up to 10 tonne, and reach the 5^th and 6^th containers in a stack at the same time. As a result, the lift truck can increase efficiency in their business by reducing working cycle times.

Dedicated Backup and Support

Backup and support was another key factor which influenced ILS’s decision to rent the new container lift trucks from United. Having built a long-term partnership for over 10 years, United’s strong customer service and support has played an important role in ILS’s operation.

“As we operate around the clock, maintaining fleet uptime is critical to the success of our business. United understands our business and have always provided the highest levels of service and support to meet our ongoing needs”, said Mr Lebihan.

“We’re always proud to hear that our service-minded attitude makes all the difference. With Konecranes Lift Trucks, we can be sure that we’re providing our customers with the best solutions possible”, says United’s Konecranes National Sales and Product Manager, John Morison.

What to Learn More?

For more information on how your business operation can benefit from Konecranes ECOLIFTING solutions, please contact United on 131 607 to speak to a product specialist. Alternatively, please email us your enquiry.

The post Intermodal Group Updates Fleet with Flow Drive Reach Stackers appeared first on United Equipment.

The Intermodal Group includes two main divisions which include Intermodal Link Services (ILS) and Intermodal Container Services (ICS). Located very close to Fremantle Port, Intermodal Group plays a crucial role in the import/export container logistics supply chain in the state of Western Australia. ILS, more specifically, offers end-to-end services between the two terminals located in Fremantle Port and Forrestfield. They are committed to delivering efficient logistics services and transport solutions by moving containers efficiently between the wharf and terminal.

In 2018, United’s long-term customer ILS, were looking to update their existing lift truck fleet. This included identifying solutions that could help increase uptime and reduce the overall cost of ownership. Furthermore, solutions that had a positive impact on the environment were also very important. United were able to help ILS achieve this specific need by offering Konecranes new innovative ECOLIFTING solutions, Flow Drive. Available on Konecranes lift trucks, Flow Drive helps to reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions while also improving productivity.

This month, ILS received Australia’s very first lift truck to include the new Flow Drive concept. The new Konecranes 4531 TC5 Reach Stacker with Flow Drive will be used primarily for intermodal handling. This will assist ILS in fulfilling their ongoing commitment to improve operation efficiencies while having a positive impact on the environment.

What is Flow Drive?

Flow drive is one of three ECOLIFTING drive line concepts available for Konecranes lift trucks. These three solutions include Power Drive, Flow Drive and Hybrid. Flow Drive is a solution that brings significant benefits to businesses operations. The drive line utilises an innovative Hydromechanical Variable Transmission (HVT), that offers more smooth and dynamic operations. More importantly, is helps minimise fuel consumption and emissions by up to 25%. This can deliver thousands of dollars savings per year for businesses.

What to Learn More?

For more information on how your business operation can benefit from Konecranes ECOLIFTING solutions, please contact United on 131 607 to speak to a product specialist. Alternatively, please email us your enquiry.

The post Intermodal Group Receives Australia’s First Reach Stacker with Flow Drive appeared first on United Equipment.

The Comet X-Trailer has a working height of 12m with a lift capacity of 200kg. A horizontal outreach of 4.5m makes it ideal for accessing high or tricky areas. Furthermore the 360-degree rotation provides extra flexibility in movement when on site. Where operators require a compact boom whilst maintaining a good working height and reach, the Comet achieves this. This makes the cherry picker ideal for a range of applications including sign writing, electrical, painting, glazers and facility maintenance.

The trailer mounted boom lift is built to the highest quality standards by one of Italy’s oldest and most respected EWP manufacturers, Comet Officine. These machines are fully compliant and meet strict European and Australian standards.

United are proud to be offering another new and innovative product to the market. The Comet trailer mounted boom is available to purchase, and soon to hire, being the latest edition to the national rental fleet.

Watch the Comet X-Trailer Video

Trailer Mounted Boom Lift Standout Features

Compact and Lightweight

Comet X-Trailer’s total weight starts from just 1,200kg for the standard model and 1400kg for the hybrid model. Mid-size sedans can tow the X-trailer without the need of heavy duty vehicles.

Smooth controls

Hydraulic controls provide high levels of accuracy and precision in movement. Found in both the basket and boom, they are comfortable and easy to use for the operator.

Available in Various Models

The Comet trailer mounted boom lift is available in battery electric, petrol, diesel and hybrid models (diesel & electric). The diesel and petrol models are ideal for a range of outdoor applications, whilst the electric model for indoor use.

The hybrid model provides extra flexibility for businesses who work on different work sites. Working indoors is possible with the battery electric power providing clean and quiet operation. The convenient switch allows operators to easily switch between battery electric and diesel power.

Optional Self-Drive System

The Comet X-Trailer is available with an optional self-drive system, which allows easy on-site manoeuvring of the trailer. Operators can also use the controls to drive the trailer smoothly up to a vehicle and position it ready for towing. This feature enhances safety by eliminating the need to manually push and position the trailer.

Power to the Platform

The X-Trailer’s smart design provides optimal worker efficiency. The trailer boom comes with a 240-volt power outlet in the platform. Simply connect to mains power and workers can use their power tools when working at height.

Operator Safety Features

The Comet X-Trailer comes with additional safety features to protect the operator on site. Two emergency shut-down switches are accessible in the basket and lower boom. A ‘dead man pedal’ positioned on the basket floor, locks the boom in place and prevents it from moving whilst working at height.

For more information, including envelope and specification data sheet, visit the Comet X-Trailer product page.

The post Australia’s Most Compact Trailer Mounted Boom Lift appeared first on United Equipment.

The compact scissor lift can safely traverse slopes and terrain where access equipment previously could not operate at all. It is believed to be the first scissor lift in the world with the unique bi-levelling capabilities. This allows it to level on both its axis in longitudinal and lateral directions. The benefit it that it can operate on slopes and uneven terrain where conventional scissor lifts cannot.

“Winning this award was a fantastic recognition of the hard work of the United team. Our company places a strong emphasis on both safety and innovative solutions to add real value to the industry and our customers,” said Mr Mark Versaci, Marketing and CRM Manager, United.

United’s Glen Stefanac (centre) and Jason Thompson (right) with David Duncan, Managing Director of SICK, who sponsored the award.

This latest safety award adds to the awards already won by the Athena scissor lift. In 2016, the Athena was awarded both the international (IAPA) and Australian New Product of the Year awards (HRIA).

About the Athena Bi-levelling Tracked Scissor Lift

Where conventional scissor lifts are typically limited to slight inclines of 2-4 degrees, the Athena 850 scissor lift handles with assurance and safety, terrain variations up to 50cm front and back and 38cm side-to-side on uneven terrain, or inclines up to 20 degrees, says United Forklift and Access Solutions’ General Manager, Sales, Marketing and Distribution, Mr Trent Osborne.

This makes the Athena scissor lift one of the most versatile and productive scissor lifts on the market. With a 7.9 metre working height and 250kg lift capacity, the Athena is suited to a wide range of industries. This includes;

• Building and construction,
• Facilities maintenance,
• Industrial and commercial plant access,
• Tradespeople including painters, electricians and sign writers,
• Park and tree management,
• Council operations,
• Landscapers,
• Orchardists, and
• Primary production including vineyards, horticulture and agriculture.

More Information on the Athena Scissor Lift

• General information on business suitability and Athena demonstration video.
• Download the Athena specifications brochure.

The post United’s Athena Bi-levelling tracked scissor lift wins top safety award appeared first on United Equipment.