Machines with hydrolyte for transportation of bulky goods. Freight Cars

Now many vehicles, such as small "single trucks" or large road trains with trailers, are equipped with an additional device called "hydro lift". Very often such a design can be called a microlift or a hydrojet. They are necessary in order to greatly simplify the process of loading or unloading materials. This is especially true in the absence of access roads and ramps.

History of creation

The first development of a car with a hydro-lift was registered in the late 70s of the 20th century in Europe. These designs differed significantly from modern ones and were still very far from perfect. The first mechanisms were more like a lifting device equipped with a platform and chain drive. After a while such elements appeared on vehicles of domestic production.

The idea of creating a car with an additional platform was so in demand in the European market that a number of machine-building giants embarked on its implementation and improvement. Some enterprises located in Belgium, Sweden and Germany, have concentrated their work on this type of business. For many, this niche has brought success and world fame. Among such companies: Dhollandia from Belgium, Bar and Dautel come from Germany, as well as the Swedish company Zepro.

Modernity

In the market of lifting equipment, there is simply a huge range of various tail lifts. The model range starts from standard console-type hoists, which have been called "shovel" by the people. Their carrying capacity is from 250 to 1,000 kg. The so-called column elevators complete the series, capable of raising a material weighing 2.5 tons, while the lifting height reaches 6 meters.

Modern companies that manufacture machines with hydrolyte, focus on the safety of the structure itself. This is achieved through the introduction of additional electronic systems to monitor the operation of the platform. An important achievement was the energy independence of the hydraulic lift system from the power plant of the truck. In order for the tail lift to function normally, only a standard battery is sufficient. Thanks to this, it became possible to install platforms not only on trucks, but also on their trailers, which will greatly simplify the further loading of goods.

The tail lift to some extent allows to replace often irresponsible loaders with something more reliable and thus trouble-free. Depending on the task, you can choose the most suitable design. It is often possible to meet even small trucks, behind which there is a hydro-lift. The installation of such a mechanism is simple and does not require a major conversion of the vehicle.

Popularity

The most frequently used mechanisms on modern transport are console-type constructions. When moving the platform is brought into transport position and is located vertically. This has become a classic equipment, time-tested and proven its stability, is used for round-the-clock operation even under the most severe conditions. The design itself consists of a special platform, a system of levers and torsion bars and several hydraulic cylinders used for lifting or turning the platform. The entire hydraulic system, as a rule, is located inside the bearing beam. This decision was taken for reasons of compactness, as well as for protecting hydraulics from external damage.

Design features

Modern trucks are equipped with structures with a load capacity of up to 3 tons. In order to reduce the weight of the unit itself, it is often made of aluminum or its alloys. High-strength steel is used only to create support arms and flange supports that hold the entire console.

Depending on the tasks performed, two methods of amplifying the platform are possible:

1. Cross-section of the stiffeners. They prevent dangerous bends and preserve the integrity of the structure. Companies that carry out large-scale transportation, very often use similar mechanisms on their machines.

2. The second option is the longitudinal arrangement of the elements. In this case, each part takes on a certain load. The required strength stock is created using a support box welded from the outside. In this case, the length of the arm considerably decreases, which contributes to a significant reduction in the load of the bending moments.

Power mechanism

Much attention is paid to the power mechanism when distributing the load and during the movement of weights, very high demands are placed on it. Among these is the provision of uniform movement of the platform, as well as maintaining its horizontal position when performing one-way loading. Typically, machines with a hydro-lift are equipped with a 4-cylinder system: one pair is responsible for lifting, and the second performs a supporting role. Such systems fully satisfied the requirements of the modern market. In the segment of machinery with low and medium load capacity, such mechanisms are considered heavy and re-equipped, which is why they are used much less often.

Proceeding from similar problems, more and more advanced enterprises rely on new technologies and more advanced solutions. The first company was the German Bar. They offered a truck with a hydro-lift, where only two cylinders are used. At the same time the load-carrying capacity is limited to 1 ton. For structures working with a load of 1 to 1.5 tons, two types of equipment are offered: both two- and four-cylinder. It all depends on the purpose of the machine and the specifics of the work. To make such a decision, a lot of laboratory and field tests were carried out. It has been established that in real conditions, machines with hydrolysis very rarely work at the limit of their capabilities. This allowed us to use the two-cylinder design of the platform.

Advantages of a platform with two cylinders

In such mechanisms, cylinders of increased volume are used, and they perform more complex operations. The hydraulic cylinder responds simultaneously for two operations: tilt and lift. For example, when the platform is lowered without load, the lifting arm is controlled by the hydraulic cylinder through a special assembly. The power triangle, consisting of a connecting sleeve, a lever and a supporting profile, holds the platform. The transfer of force between the carrier and the lifting arms is effected through the use of a deciduous timber. Further, when loading this platform, natural reactions take place, accompanied by elastic deformation of the beam structure. In some cases, it plays the role of a torsion, while fulfilling the task of the main link. Thanks to this solution, the system can be compared with the technology of four cylinders, where the site always moves only in parallel.

New solutions

Console hydrolyte is distinguished by its simplicity and is often installed on the machines of the Mercedes concern. A truck is endowed with one, but rather significant drawback. In order to enter the cargo compartment, you must first lower the platform. This is not always convenient, and in some cases almost impossible, as, for example, during parking or when working in crowded conditions. Designers found a solution and began to use on machines platforms that are capable of folding vertically. Similar solutions were introduced in the sector of minivans used for cargo transportation, with a total weight of 3.5 to 5 tons.

The system allows you to cope with the loading of material weighing up to 500 kg and at the same time to make its unloading without using additional equipment. As a result, large-sized shipments have become much simpler and more accessible. When folded, this tail lift does not take up much space and is commensurate with the size of one door. The second door is not locked and allows access to the cargo hold.

Turning hydrolysis

The need to save the workspace forces the engineers to create several unusual designs. Swinging hydro lifts are designed for those customers who do not use the design every time the goods are moved. During the movement the platform is located under the bottom of the machine. Recently such systems began to be installed on machines of domestic production. "Gazelle" with hydrolytic tilt type can be used for loading through a special gateway (or on a ramp). Access to the compartment is always free.

Typical malfunctions

Most faults are connected to the wiring. Over time, due to corrosion, coils become unusable, relays, contacts and buttons fail. This problem is often found both in domestic cars and on the technique from Mercedes. The cargo compartment is protected from moisture and dust, as a result of which, after a few years of operation, electric motors are wearing out. Such power units are not subject to repair, and they are changed in tandem with hydraulic pumps.

The second rather popular cause of failures are broken hydraulic locks. This is due to negligent truck operators. The situation can be rectified only by a complete replacement. Due to negligent use of the platform on the mirror of the rod, dirt and dust can settle, which in time increases the wear of the rod and all sealing elements. In this case, the cylinder liners, "corrugations" and anthers can flow. As in the case of hydraulic locks, repairs are not possible - only a complete replacement.