Capital Equipment News December 2023

in production requirements or new processes, making them adaptable to evolving needs,” says Naidoo. Perfect tyre-handler Many requests for tailor-made machines come directly from customers who require more than what standard machines can offer. For instance, Konecranes developed a custom-built tyre handler for use in the mining industry in Chile, Australia, and South Africa. This strong and agile machine is specifically designed to lift extremely heavy wheels that cannot be moved by a few men alone. The Heavy Lift division received another request for a specialized piece of equipment from a company that works with long, heavy pipes. Konecranes modified one of their heavy-lifting forklifts by adding a special pipe handling attachment, enabling smooth movement of the pipes. Naidoo emphasises the importance of using solutions tailored to specific products and processes, as this ultimately leads to greater efficiency and cost effectiveness. Custom-made machines provide better solutions and quicker turnaround times, making them ideal for special operations that cannot be easily serviced by standard machines.

Konecranes developed a custom-built tyre handler for use in the mining industry in Chile, Australia, and South Africa.

Heavy lifting In another remarkable case, a customer required a machine capable of lifting 55-ton concrete slabs. Konecranes designed and built a tailor-made 60-ton machine with a 1.5-metre load centre. The load centre, the distance from the forks’ face to the load’s centre of gravity, was extended to accommodate the heavy cargo. This tailor-made solution has now become part of Konecranes’ standard range, offering customers a high-capacity forklift with enhanced load centre options. Naidoo concludes by stating that the use of tailor-made machines provides a competitive edge to customers, allowing for unique processes or product offerings that are not available with off-the-shelf solutions. By engaging in collaborative discussions with customers, the industry can continue to develop innovative and customised lifting solutions that revolutionise the way businesses operate. In summary, tailor-made lifting machines offer a multitude of benefits, including increased efficiency, cost savings, and unique capabilities. By investing in customised solutions, businesses can unlock their true potential and stay ahead in an ever-evolving market. b

Tailor-made machines may have a higher initial purchase price, but they often result in long-term cost savings.

Custom machines can be designed to adapt to changing production requirements or new processes.

Tailor-made machines can streamline processes, leading to higher productivity and reduced downtime.

These machines allow for unique processes or product offerings that are not available with off-the-shelf solutions.

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