SubscribeThe handling of overheight containers can be time-consuming, dangerous and costly.
Now there is a better, safer, more efficient,fully-automatic way.
A tall challenge Overheight containers can be defined as those with loads that extend above the tops of normal open top or flat rack containers and cannot be handled by inserting typical lifting spreader twistlocks into the tops of those containers.
A variety of lifting devices are available from several manufacturers to address the
problem of overheight containers.
These devices typically require special carriage frames to deliver the devices to the dock and ground personnel to assist with the implementation of the devices. If the alignment of these lifting devices is not perfect, or the carriage frames not level, precious and costly time is wasted dealing with overheight containers.
Some terminal operators still use wire rope slings and shackles to handle overheight containers, thereby exposing vessel and dock personnel to potential injury.
There is a better way.
A fully-automatic approach
The new, fully-automatic TOF S5 Telescopic Overheight Frame from Sort + Store sets the standard for safety and efficiency in handling overheight containers (see Figure 1). The TOF S5 requires neither internal nor external power, operating merely by rotation of the crane or straddle carrier spreader twistlocks (see the twistlock functional diagram in Figure 2).
The TOF S5 telescopes from 20' to 40' with the spreader telescope function, enabling the handling of both 20' and 40' overheight containers. To allow the crane or straddle carrier operator an unrestricted view of the cargo, the TOF S5 is built with one mono beam connected to two end frames.
For safety reasons, all four TOF S5 twistlocks are interlinked and switched mechanically using a ratcheted gearbox, which is driven by the spreader twistlocks.
A small, ingenious fail-safe hydraulic system activates that gearbox only if all four TOF S5 twistlocks are properly engaged into the overheight container corner castings, allowing the load to be lifted.
Visual feedback of twistlock position is provided by large colour-coded indicators on both sides of the mono beam.
Able to accommodate a 2,500mm (8.2') overheight and a safe working load of 40LT, the TOF S5 is in a class by itself.
The clean design of the structure with no protruding gussets or other weldments allows for the accommodation of most overheight loads.
No dock or vessel personnel are required to assist with the TOF S5 operation, saving both time and money, and minimising the risk of personnel injury in the handling of overheight containers.
Easy to use, easy to sort and easy to store One of the most useful features of the TOF S5 is the ability to leave it on an overheight container to continue the transport chain. For example, the TOF S5 can be used by a dockside crane to lift an overheight container from a vessel to the dock.
The crane operator can then unlock the crane spreader from the TOF S5, enabling a straddle carrier to use its spreader to connect to the TOF S5 and the overheight container and transport them to the yard, all without assistance from dock personnel.
Alternatively, the crane operator can deposit the overheight container onto the dock or flatbed, disconnect from the overheight and keep the TOF S5 on the spreader for use with other overheight loads.
With the optional TRF storage and transport frame, shown in Figure 1, the TOF S5 can be transported to the dock using a forklift and stored in the TRF in a convenient location on or near the dock.
Summary The Sort + Store TOF S5 is a safe, efficient, cost-effective and state-of-the-art tool for handling overheight containers. Multiple units have been purchased and placed into service at a major US east coast terminal and at other locations.