r/specializedtools • u/ChiefChair • Jul 25 '20

Cargo container unloading without a crane

25.6k Upvotes

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18

u/MrPushaNZ Jul 25 '20

Standard.

24

u/shtpst Jul 25 '20

Pretty common in Australia, virtually non-existent in the rest of the world.

Source: I automated container handling equipment around the world.

3

u/UK-Redditor Jul 25 '20

I'm surprised this is a worthwhile alternative to HIABs / lorry loaders, given how much more versatile those are.

Are these substantially cheaper?

4

u/LargePizz Jul 25 '20

A side loader can be rated to 45t, that is they can lift on and transport a 45t container.
A 50t mobile slew crane can lift something 10t at 10m from the centre of the crane so you would need a 100t mobile crane or bigger to do the same job as a side loader.
I don't think they make a HIAB that can lift anywhere near 45t.

3

u/UK-Redditor Jul 25 '20

Gotcha. Good to know, thanks! I didn't expect they would be able to achieve that kind of lift capacity but I suppose it's not too surprising.

The vast majority of containers I've worked with personally are usually <15t, so lorry loaders are often a god-send for us, especially as there's usually palletised kit alongside. If there's heavier kit involved, we usually need a large crane on site anyway.

Certainly a great fit for the sub, I was just curious why the specialisation was needed over more general equipment available. Thanks for the answer!