Maxi-CUBE finds solution for Visy with chain floor for automated loading and unloading
While anyone carrying empty bottles is used to hearing all the jokes about carting glider fuel, the reality is palletised plastic bottles present a number of problems when it comes to loading and unloading, particularly if forklifts are involved.
Maxi-CUBE has found one solution for plastics and paper manufacturer Visy by building trailers with chain floor for automated loading and unloading.
The trio of dry freight vans include a number of weight saving features, aimed at lowering the tare weight of the vans, without compromising structural integrity.
The side walls incorporate 17mm fiberglass reinforced panels (FRP), complemented by external polished aluminum body rails, while the rear doors use FRP panels and co-extruded hard back door seals, providing excellent dust and water proofing.
To finish the design off, the vans have a specially designed semi-automated chain floor which will load and unload palletised PET bottles without the use of a forklift and will also improve OH&S as its operation eliminates the need for manual handling.
With minimal maintenance required, the chain floor will ensure the internal side walls are not subjected to the bumps and scuffs commonly found on side walls that have been loaded/unloaded using forklifts.
Because the van floor will not be subjected to forklift use, it uses a 3mm chequer plate, providing ample stability for the pallets of PET products it will cart whilst reducing overall tare weight of the trailer.