The cutting-edge technology of Carer forklift trucks for the transport of molten aluminium

Thanks to their excellent performance and innovative technology, the Carer electric forklifts have been chosen by a multinational automotive company to transport molten aluminium ladles.

The material handling applications of the metallurgical industry also include the handling of molten aluminium. This is a complex operation due to the high temperatures reached by the metal (around 700°C), and therefore requires appropriate equipment. The container used is called a ladle or casting bucket and is made of strong sheet metal lined internally with refractory material. The molten aluminium, tapped from a furnace, is moved to the next stage of the production process by means of ladles.

The Carer electric forklifts were purchased specifically for this purpose by the Spanish branch of a large multinational company, based in Switzerland, which produces aluminium wheel rims for all automotive brands.

The customer had a specific need related to the way the forklift is used. Two operators are usually required to carry out this type of application: one on board the forklift truck and the other on foot, in charge of opening and closing the door of the furnace and then assisting in the pouring of the molten aluminium.
The Carer technicians were asked to create a system that would allow all these operations to be carried out by a single operator. They designed a machine that could be used both as a normal forklift and as a radio-controlled vehicle, to be controlled even outside the normal driving position. In this way, the operator has the opportunity to perform all the preparations for pouring the aluminium, as well as the actual pouring while remaining close to the machine. In fact, the radio control allows to implement all the safety devices and forklift functions: the traction, which also includes steering and ladle movement.
In addition to lower operating costs, this operating method also ensures greater safety for the operator: if he were driving, he would have his view obstructed in some directions, especially in the dead spots due to the presence of the load and bulky equipment; standing in front of the forklift, on the other hand, he has a complete view of the vehicle and is able to remotely guide it towards the furnace, being able to observe the aluminium pouring operations without any obstacles.

The model chosen was the F80H² forklift: its low seat makes it easy for the operator to climb onto and down from the forklift, thus allowing a more efficient management of the vehicle, even for those who frequently have to resort to the use of the remote control. The F80H² forklift is also ideal for handling heavy loads in all fields of application and stands out for its sturdy frame. Features that fully meet the needs of the customer: according to the type of use requested, which provides for a load of 5800 kg (between equipment and full ladle) with a centre of gravity shifted to 1280 mm, a truck with a capacity of 8 tons was required. The F80H² also provides ample operating autonomy and the two-part battery arrangement facilitates its extraction and replacement. Equipped with a powerful twin-engine powertrain with electronic differential, the F80H² ensures high efficiency and silent operation thanks to its high-precision helical gearing; it also includes an electric braking system and automatic parking brake.

Without forgetting that the F80H² forklift combines its performance, comparable to diesel machines of the same capacity, with the great advantage of being electric: a fundamental aspect for indoor operations, where the absence of noise and polluting emissions is an essential requirement for the health of operators.

The performance, safety and ergonomics have therefore led the customer to choose the F80H² forklift truck for the handling of its ladles: the hydraulic system positioned on the upright of the standard forklift has been removed, and replaced by special tubes that can withstand the high temperatures of the molten aluminium container.

For more information on Carer electric forklifts, contact us by writing to info@carerforklift.com or by calling +39 0545.1938010.