How Does Electric Hooklift Work?

Hook lifts are versatile and essential equipment in many industries, with a variety of features and benefits that improve operational efficiency. This comprehensive guide will go over the important aspects of hook lifts, such as their features, benefits, and operation. A general overview of hook lifts is provided below, as well as a detailed guide to their features and operation.

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Features of Hook Lifts

1. Robust Design
Hook lifts are built with durability in mind. They have a strong steel construction that can withstand heavy loads and harsh working conditions.
2. Versatile Applications
Hook lifts are designed to handle a variety of containers and payloads, making them ideal for various applications in waste management, construction, and transportation industries.
3. Easy Operation
Modern hook lifts feature advanced hydraulic systems and user-friendly controls, making them simple to operate and eliminating the need for extensive training.
4. Safety Features
In the design of hook lifts, safety comes first. These machines include safety features such as automatic locking systems, overload protection, and warning indicators to ensure safe operation.

Safety Instructions

Before using any Hooklift equipment, the Safety Instructions must be read, understood, and followed without exception. 

Environment Checks:

• No one is allowed to enter the equipment’s operating radius while the hook lift is in operation.
• Always maintain a safe distance from the equipment.
• Before the operation, make sure the equipment is on a level and secure surface.
• Always inspect for overhead obstructions, such as power lines, before use.
• Always check the surroundings of the vehicle before loading, unloading, or tipping the container.

Container User Checks:

• Only trained individuals may operate the equipment.
• Operators must confirm that they understand the equipment’s lifting capacity, utilization limits, and warning light positions before use.

Operation of Hook Lifts

Understanding the main components of any hooklift equipment is important to better appreciate its functionality and operational requirements. A basic level of component knowledge is extremely useful. Any users should familiarize themselves with the components when being trained or demonstrated the equipment. The main structures to note are as follows;

The central body with its sliding arm/jib which is moved by a hydraulic cylinder located inside the main structure

• The articulated arm that is hinged on the central sliding arm of the body
• The rear “H” frame only operates when the container is in tipping mode
• The central body with its sliding arm/jib that is moved by a hydraulic cylinder inside the main structure
• Lateral lifting hydraulic cylinders that operate when the container is loaded or unloaded
• Container guides and container rollers for container loading 
• Container hydraulic locking/clamping to secure the container in transportation 
• Large diameter rear roller for the transition of the container when being loaded and unloaded 
• The sliding stabilizer roller positioned at the rear of the vehicle is moved by a hydraulic cylinder to the ground for stabilizing the vehicle during the loading and unloading or tipping modes – Not pictured

1. Pre-Operation Checks  

Before operating a hook lift, it is essential to conduct pre-operation checks to ensure the equipment is in good working condition. This includes inspecting the hydraulic system, checking for signs of wear and tear, and ensuring that all safety features function properly.

• Operational Checks;
  – Operational Checks: If the hook lift is equipped with a remote control, operate it from inside the vehicle cab or at a safe distance from any moving parts. The operator can quickly stop the equipment in an emergency by doing the following: – Make sure the in-clabber monitoring system is turned off before operating the vehicle. The monitoring system inside the Vehicle Cab indicates several items used in the loading, unloading, and tipping process with various indicators present.

2. Loading and Unloading

The hook lift operation consists of aligning the hook with the container’s lifting bar, activating the hydraulic system, and lifting the container onto the vehicle. Unloading is a similar process, with the container safely lowered and detached.

• Loading Procedure

Engage the PTO by depressing the clutch (if using a non-automatic gearbox) and waiting for the dashboard symbol to appear, indicating that the PTO is fully engaged. Once activated, the hydraulic pump begins to circulate hydraulic oil throughout the system and back to the tank, ready for use by the Hooklift control panel.

It is assumed the Working area has been deemed Safe at this point the PTO unit has been engaged and the Handbrake is applied. The user is now ready to load a container onto the hook lift’s back.

• Unloading Procedure

• Tipping Procedure

3. Maintenance

Regular maintenance is required to keep hook lifts in top condition. This includes routine inspections, lubrication of moving parts, and prompt repairs of any damaged components. Adhering to a maintenance schedule ensures that the equipment lasts and functions properly.

• Daily Maintenance

Daily maintenance, which only takes a few minutes, can extend the useful life of your hook lift.
The following are some daily steps to help maintain the hook lift.

1. Check the oil level.
2. Make sure there are no clogged pipes or hoses. And that they are free from damage or leaks.s.

3. Make sure that there are no fallen objects in between the hook lift’s different parts.

4. Check that the hook lift is free from deformation and cracks

5. Check that all lighting and other electrical equipment work properly.

6. Finish by inspecting the hydraulic pump.

4. Operator Training

Proper training for operators is essential to ensure safe and efficient operation of hook lifts. Training programs should cover fundamental operations, safety protocols, and troubleshooting techniques.

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Operators Workwear
When maintaining, operating, or cleaning any Hooklift Equipment, individuals must ensure they have all necessary equipment and workwear PPE (personal protective equipment). Among these, we recommend the following;

• Safety Helmet 
• Non Slipping protective shoes with metallic reinforcement 
• Gloves, ear protection, and body protection
• Reflective jacket 
• Dust mask
• First Aid Box 

Always ensure you are complying with your company’s Health & Safety procedures and following any external site’s legal safety guidelines before leaving the vehicle cab. Look out for the following symbols.

• Operating Area

Before you proceed to any operation with the Hooklift equipment, ensure that its movements do not endanger other people or objects. Always check the environment and prepare appropriate signals to limit the working area. Among these we recommend;

• Barriers and/or ribbons to restrict the area 
• Fire extinguishers 
• Danger signals 
• Warning signs for hanging weights

Summary of Hook Lift Operation

Benefits of Hook Lifts

1. Enhanced Efficiency

Hook lifts make loading and unloading containers much easier, saving time and labor. This leads to increased productivity and operational efficiency.

2. Cost-Effective

Hook lifts are a low-cost solution for material handling and transportation because they eliminate the need for multiple pieces of equipment and reduce downtime.

3. Improved Flexibility

The ability to handle various types of containers and payloads allows businesses to adapt to different operational needs quickly. This flexibility is especially useful in industries with changing requirements.

4. Reduced Environmental Impact

Hook lifts help to promote environmental sustainability by facilitating effective waste management and recycling processes. They help to reduce the carbon footprint by optimizing transportation and minimizing waste.

Conclusion:

Hook lifts are invaluable assets in a variety of industries, as they provide numerous features and benefits that boost productivity and operational efficiency. Businesses that understand their features, benefits, and operations can make more informed decisions and maximize the potential of these versatile machines.

Particular care must be taken when assembling a vehicle powered by electricity or a hybrid engine as the voltage is permanently between 400 and 700 volts. In order to carry out assembly work on an e-vehicle, workshop employees must therefore complete special electric assembly training. The involvement of all employees, from the design office, the production line, the assembly technicians and the quality department, enables a fast and professional installation of this special solution. The PALFINGER PHT 20 TEC 5 hooklift and a PALCOVER sheeting system were successfully integrated on the electric vehicle despite the safety precautions. In future, the innovative e-truck is to be used as a new demonstration vehicle for the Volvo network and for PALFINGER products and solutions in Brittany, France.

Low noise level thanks to electric drive

Another challenge arises when switching from the combustion engine to the truck’s quieter electric drive: If the engine is quiet, then the hooklift must be, too. In order to retain the advantages of the quiet e-motor during use, the workshop employees install a new hydraulic pump that was specifically designed for electric vehicles. The pleasant and quieter operation of the PHT 20 TEC 5 hooklift therefore benefits not only users, but also the entire vehicle environment.

New standards for the industry

In order to meet the requirements of future assembly projects, mounting competence centers are constantly working on new solutions. Their role is to examine and test the necessary requirements for the vehicle body and ultimately to develop functionally and aesthetically ideal solutions that also meet the safety standards and market requirements of vehicle construction. PALFINGER also sees successful assembly projects like this as a mandate that the company will continue to accept with passion in years to come.

This solution — and others — can be found at the IAA PALFINGER booth!

ABOUT PALFINGER AG

PALFINGER is an international technology and mechanical engineering company and the world’s leading producer and provider of innovative crane and lifting solutions. With around 12,540 employees (without contract workers), 30 manufacturing sites and a worldwide, comprehensive sales and service network, PALFINGER creates added value from the challenges of its customers. PALFINGER is consistently continuing on its course as a provider of innovative, complete solutions that deliver increased efficiency and better operability, while leveraging the potential of digitalization along the entire production and value chain.

PALFINGER AG has been listed on the Vienna stock exchange since , and in  achieved revenue of EUR 2.36 billion.

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