A UNIQUE type of forklift is now being used by Bay Stevedores in its Richards Bay operation to lift cargo from the bottom of ships' holds. It is dropped into the hold to handle the work.
We had actually imported the Manitou rough terrain forklift for use in construction and industry in general, because of its unusual high rise lifting ability, says Jannie Smith, sales manager for Durban-based Hi-Lift.
We had the first with a 16m high lifting capacity in operation on the giant Gateway project at Umhlanga Rocks, and the Richards Bay people took an immediate interest. They saw in its capability the chance to have a lifter of this type dropped into the hold of a vessel and have it working from that position.
The range of Manitou lifters, 14 in all, goes from the smaller conventional 2,85m lift which can hold up to five tonnes, right up to one that can project its lifting forks to a height of 18m. What happens at Richards Bay is that the whole machine is lifted up by the ship's crane, or a wharfside crane if necessary, and lowered into the ship's hold. There it can stack pallets or lift from the floor to well above the ship's deck, making it far easier for unloading of cargo.
The machines are equipped with lifting lugs to make them easily transportable. It is the first telescopic truck-mounted forklift to become available in this country, and the driver is also well protected from any dust or other articles in the fully-sealed cab which is air conditioned.
One of Manitou's previous problems in this country was that it was in a highly competitive field, and had little or no back-up service. That, says Smith, has changed completely with the unique operation of this latest development, and the back-up service now available through his company.
Various attachments are also available, in the form of extra lift masts, a frame leveller on the forks and items such as a concrete mixer bucket.
By Leonard Neill
Copyright Now Media (Pty) Ltd
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