The ‘bridge leg’ is Steelbro’s new innovation in sidelifter crane technology – an optional stabilizer for the already successful SB362 sidelifter models.
The SB362 satisfies the requirements of the majority of loading operations, but this new option provides more flexibility.
The major advantage of the bridge leg is that it is deployed on the other side of the trailer. Once the leg is deployed, there is plenty of room for a truck or trailer to be backed up into position to receive the container. The leg can also be deployed once the truck is in position.
Even when the sidelifter is already fully loaded with a container, it can lift another container off the ground, safely hold it suspended above the ground, while another trailer is backed up beneath it, positioned to accept the container. Equally, this operation works in reverse – lifting a container off a companion vehicle, holding it above the ground. The trailer is driven away and the container is placed on the ground.
These features considerably speed up turnaround time, allowing a vehicle with trailer to be quickly driven away in possibly half the time. This is ideal when a number of containers need to be very quickly moved from trailer to trailer or from the ground to a trailer.
The same is true of rail operations when a container needs to be transferred from a trailer to a rail wagon. In this case the bridge leg will reach over and down to the other side of the wagon.
The new bridge leg also delivers supreme stability. A massive outreach of 4650mm means that the sidelifter can lift to its full hydraulic capacity i.e. it can lift to its maximum weight at a further distance. The outreach is measured from the centre of the trailer to the centre of the foot.
This feature gives excellent stability during the lifting process – especially useful when transferring containers from sidelifter to trailer and from sidelifter to rail wagon. Such a reach is more than most people need for lifting off the ground operations, but this is ideal for reaching over a companion trailer with room to spare so that the driver can quickly set up the vehicles.
The bridge leg can also be safely positioned kneeling across the deck of a companion vehicle/rail wagon. This kneeling function is even quicker to deploy as only one cylinder is used. It is extremely useful when operating in restricted spaces or when it is difficult to align the vehicles. For an even more sturdy lifting position, the bridge leg can be fully deployed.
Research and development is high on Steelbro’s priorities. The engineering team at the Christchurch-based company is fully focused on continuous development and improvements and their new bridge leg is soon to hit the Australasian transport market.
“It would be fair to say it is an evolution”, says Greg Muirsmeath, Steelbro’s engineering manager. “Taking what we already have and producing an option that offers extreme stability during the lifting process whilst maintaining the all important low tare weight needs as well as high strength and durability”.
“Transport operators want to be able to move more containers, quickly and efficiently. But safety and stability are still of huge importance as is low tare weight and the fuel benefits that gives.
“We always look at the safety factors that we can work into the product” says Muirsmeath, “Sensors in the foot activate only when the foot is positioned onto the ground with pressure. Only then will the sensors in the foot activate and allow the crane to operate. When the leg is in the kneeling position, two sensors identify the presence of a companion vehicle – thus avoiding the possibility of operating heavy loads being lifted when the companion vehicle is not ready.”
Muirsmeath says that these control systems help to keep people safe. “The challenge for us is to deliver maximum safety without impeding on the operator. Apart from operator safety, these controls also help to minimise wear and tear. Other design features around maintenance include cylinder dampening. Specially designed shock absorbers at the end of retraction travel, protect parts and again reducing wear and tear. Cylinders have full functionality when operating.
“This is all about minimising downtime of the crane and extending the life of the unit, and maintaining a high resale value”.
According to Muirsmeath: “Technological advancements mean that simply updating some components can result in weight savings. This has meant the new bridge leg cleverly retains the low tare weight benefits which are so significant in the New Zealand market, without compromising on the strength of the steel.”
