dedicated to double handling
Kalmar has launched an empty container handling truck (ECH) specifically designed to lift two containers simultaneously. The new ECH, which can stack containers up to nine-high – or 8+1 as Kalmar describes it - has been developed in line with the manufacturer continuous drive to meet customer requirements for efficient handling solutions. The machine has a lifting capacity of ten tonnes and comes equipped with a reinforced mast, a wider and more powerful drive axle and an enhanced lifting attachment.
Following targeted development work, a prototype of the new ECH – dubbed the DCE 100 – has undergone intensive trials both in Singapore and at Kalmar Swedish factory in Lidhult.
This latest addition to its product portfolio is able to lift two containers, including 40ft and 45ft hi-cubes, one on top of the other, using a newly designed attachment with hooks for container connections. The 8+1 designation reflects the fact that when working at its extreme lifting height, the lower of the two containers slots into the 8-high position and the uppermost container is therefore in the nine-high position.
According to Dan Pettersson, ECH Product Manager at Kalmar Industries, the DCE 100 will further consolidate Kalmar position as the leading supplier of efficient machines for intensive empty container handling in the seven- to ten-tonnes lifting capacity range:
“Our product range now encompasses trucks that stack anything from three up to a maximum of nine containers on top of one another. We therefore have the right tools for every environment, be it a small repair yard, a major container manufacturer, or a terminal operator who is tight for space.
“In today shipping market, we are seeing the volume of goods at ports and terminals increasing sharply. This puts port operators under severe pressure to make the best use of the space available for stacking not only loaded but also empty containers.
“With our new machine, we are helping our customers to boost their productivity and at the same time cut overall costs during each machine lifetime. The DCE 100 is an entirely new machine designed for tough, intensive handling of two containers up to nine-high.
Excellent double handling
The Kalmar DCE 100 has been specially created to satisfy growing demand in the truck market for the double handling of empty containers. Among the new features, customers will find a powerful lifting attachment fitted with special hooks for double handling. The mast has been reinforced, while the electrical power and hydraulics supplies have been simultaneously streamlined. The DCE 100 features just one cable for electric supply and two hoses for the hydraulics on the attachment. This makes for considerably improved visibility when, for example, the driver needs to grab or release containers stacked almost 20 metres from the ground.
More robust construction
When handling containers, the new ECH has a lifting capacity of ten tonnes and, among other operational enhancements, is equipped with a more powerful drive axle. The driver benefits from an efficient work space that allows him to devote his full concentration to operating and manoeuvring the machine from his ergonomically styled, elevated cabin.
Developed hand-in-hand with the customer
Kalmar has a wealth of experience in container handling technology and during 2003, it was the leading supplier of heavy-duty ECHs. Development of the new ECH is based on many years of valuable know-how gained from practical applications and real-life operating environments at ports and terminals around the world. Putting this knowledge into practice results in first-class machines that are characterised by good overall economy and reliability and provide an excellent environment for drivers.
Notes to editors:
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“Kalmar new empty container handling truck, the DCE 100, can stack up to nine-high and has been specifically designed to lift two containers simultaneously.
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, the Netherlands, Estonia, Malaysia, China and the USA.