Dual Ram Lift Used to Move Large Reels of Wire and Cable for Testing
The Challenge
The Okonite Company, a manufacturer of insulated wire and cable products was looking for a heavy equipment lift that would submerge large cable reels into a pit of water for testing.
The Autoquip Solution
Autoquip developed a custom Dual Ram Lift with dual hydraulic cylinders to provide direct power to both sides of the platform to accommodate extremely high edge loading of massive cable reels that weigh up to 60,000 lbs. and lower into testing pit. Cross overhead beams, steel side beams, and support brackets were added to each side of the platform to provide structural support to the lift system. The platform is constructed of smooth steel channels with 1 inch gaps to allow the water to flow through as the platform is raised and lowered.
To safely secure the platform in place while the reels are loaded onto the platform, a locking pin system was added – 6 high strength chromed pins engage and disengage by double acting hydraulic cylinders with limit switches. Once pins are engaged a status light illuminates that they are in locked position.
After sand blasting, a cold galvanized compound coating was applied to the lift structure for anti-corrosion protection.
Specifications:
- Travel: 136”
- Speed: 113 seconds up / 113 seconds down (loaded)
- Capacity: 60,000 lbs. max lifting uniformly distributed load/ 100,000 lbs. sustaining with (4) locking pins engaged
- Platform: 144”W X 189”L
The Solution Benefits
This project was brought to us through our dealer McKinley Equipment. From start to finish, this project required a great deal of engineering expertise and consulting with the customer to design a solution that best fit all the customer’s requirements. Through our collaborative partnership, we were able to deliver the Dual Ram Lift which is now installed and anticipated to exceed the customer’s expectations.