Automatic container loading system

The handled goods in the woodworking and steel industries are often bulky and heavy, therefore, the loading process (containerization) is difficult. Standard containers are usually loaded with several technical units that are often inappropriate and make a high risk of damage for both personnel and product. Moreover, the process can be laborious. Another option is to replace standard sea containers with expensive special containers that, in fact, essentially increase the cost of transportation.

Benefits of container loading system

SmartTEH offers an Automated loading system is equipment for effective container or truck loading with a sliding floor. Comparing these processes with traditional truck loading, returns on investment times are short due to the immediate savings.

• Fewer product damages
• Transport cost savings
• Less off-site containerization
• Savings on labor costs
• Operational cost savings
• 100% cargo space utilization
• Loading dock space savings
• Reducing transportation idling costs
• Cost of ownership and sustainability

How the container loader works

Watch the video to see our container loader in action with wood products. Below the video, we break down the process step by step for a clear understanding.

Automated loading process step by step

1. Break bulk or neo-bulk cargo is first placed onto a sliding plate;
2. Then the device uses its gripping clamps to securely attach to the container, which is positioned on a truck or platform;
3. Once the cargo and container are properly set up, the device smoothly pushes sliding plate, along with the cargo, into the container;
4. To achieve the desired cargo depth, the cargo pushing mechanism is lowered and pushed to the intended level;
5. Once the desired depth is reached, the sliding plate is carefully pulled out;
6. After that, the cargo pushing mechanism can be retracted and raised;
7. Finally, the gripping clamps are released, detaching the container.

Specification

1. LOADING PLATE – It is made out of extremely durable plastic, enduring up to 4 000 loads (depending on the loading product). The plate slides into the cargo space with the load and is then pulled out from underneath.
2. LEGS – The container loading system stands on two sets of legs. Both ends are height adjustable to cater to standard trailer heights. The rear legs are adjustable also in a horizontal direction, enabling automatic and accurate alignment with the cargo space.
3. GATE – The gate has several functions. The gate ensures that the cargo moves smoothly into the cargo space by supporting the cargo with side rollers. The gate supports the stopper plate, which moves up and down, holding the cargo in place when the loading plate is pulled out from beneath the cargo. The stopper plate also enables adjustment of the load to ensure that the doors can be shut freely.
4. CONTAINER CONNECTOR CLAMPS – The container connector clamps ensure that the container or trailer holds still during the loading process.
5. GEAR MOTOR – The container loading system works with an electric and hydraulic motor. The motors power all movement of the Container Loading System: loading plate, leg adjustments, the container connector clamps, and the gate.
6. CONTROL SYSTEM – The specially designed program makes all the movements, ensuring safe and easy usage of the system by a push of a button. This control system can be integrated into other systems. The remote control has been designed to run the system from aside.

There are different configurations of and accessories to a container loading machine, ensuring the optimal system for different loading requirements:

• CONTAINER LOADING PLATE
• SANDWICH TYPE PLATE
• LOAD TRANSFER
• INTEGRATED WEIGHING SYSTEM

Experience

Automated loading equipment is very popular in wood processing companies, where produced products need to be loaded in containers. Most of the manufactured products in these companies are 3 meters long or even longer and are stacked in packs. It is very difficult and time-consuming to use the traditional types of loading containers as efficiently as possible, therefore, the equipment we use is so efficient - the container is filled in 8 minutes and without product damage.

Also, one of our customers uses our machine for loading containers with 11m long boxes with high-quality products. In this case, our equipment is the only way to load containers in a fast and safe way without product damage.

Frequently asked questions