Marine / Industrial Liftrucks with HBC-radiomatic Remote Control
Hoist Liftruck Mfg. Inc. has started offering HBC-radiomatic remote controls as an option with its Neptune Series of lift trucks, suited to marina dry-stack applications.
It is the second Hoist Liftruck range to be made available with the technology, following successful integration of an HBC-radiomatic remote control system into the FR Series, a truck with an extendable counterweight that is popular with riggers and machinery movers. In both cases, safety and productivity have been greatly enhanced.
End users of the FR trucks note that the customized spectrum 2, with FSE 510 receiver configured with CAN Open outputs, is particularly beneficial when setting large machines or completing factory moves. A major benefit is that a single operator can leave the cab and take up a position where they can do their own spotting, eliminating the need for additional personnel. The series is available in four capacity ranges, the largest of which is 60,000 lbs. to 80,000 lbs.
Anthony Blashewski, hoist sales at Hoist Liftruck Mfg., said: “These types of [FR Series] applications are very slow, precise and deliberate, thus, remote control is a great asset to those who choose to use it. It is requested as an option on the FR Series around 20% of the time.”
Blashewski anticipates that, given its high performance and reliability, HBC-radiomatic remote control will soon be equally popular among marine customers using the Neptune, especially those storing boats in buildings to keep them out of water and away from the elements.
HBC-radiomatic provides a customized linus 4 with FSE 510 receiver, also configured with CAN Open outputs, to control the Neptune’s rubber-covered forks that securely grip boats without damaging them. Galvanization and a three-step paint process provide corrosion protection for the range, available up to 55,000 lbs. capacity.
Blashewski said: “In this case, an advantage of applying HBC remote controls is actually related to the days of the week when the marina is least busy—Monday to Wednesday. When a customer wants to go out on their boat, they call the marina and a large forklift puts the vessel into the water. When they are done boating, the forklift retrieves the boat again.”
He added: “Combining the Neptune and HBC remote controls, a launch ramp can be operated by a single person, who can position themselves to retrieve a boat rather than rely on communication via hand signals. Remote control allows the operator to manipulate the forks to precisely place them for safe handling of the boat.”
Remote control technology and the FR Series could increasingly combine in industrial applications as Hoist Liftruck is proposing to purchasing decision makers that they consider their use as an alternative to installing an overhead bridge crane in a factory environment. Blashewski said the solution offers cost savings and improves safety as well as greater flexibility.
About HBC-radiomatic Inc.
Established in Cincinnati in 1998, HBC-radiomatic Inc. has evolved to become a leading supplier of safe radio control solutions for North America. Ideally positioned adjacent to the Northern Kentucky/Cincinnati airport (CVG), HBC-radiomatic Inc.’s purpose-built headquarters was designed to ensure the organization is fully equipped to offer the rapid delivery of systems, unparalleled pre- and after-sales service, and the ability to expand to meet the specific needs of a growing customer base. Today, HBC-radiomatic Inc. boasts the group’s largest production site outside of Germany and is quality certified in accordance with ISO 9001:2008.