Introduction
The manual for the jacks, lifts, iso caster sets and bogie trailers is on the botum of this page
The Iso container handling system is specifically designed to provide a cheap and simple way of moving loaded and unloaded ISO freight containers. The system allows the container to be towed by a truck or tractor. It is entirely hand operated and extremely simple.
Once fitted with either type of wheels, the container can be towed by a small tug or tractor or even a small forklift truck. Tow bars are provided for this purpose. Lightly loaded or empty containers can, due to the low friction nature of the equipment, be pushed by one or two men.
Steering, when parked manually, or when being maneuvered into small spaces is facilitated by the use of steering handles, which can be attached to swivel castors in most instances for containers of less that 12-tonne capacity.
Container Transport Units with - Capacity till 24.000 KG
Our CTU’s and Bogies come in a range of capacities, and the model used indicates its capacity. T3 Container Units have a capacity of a 3-tonne container with weight spread uniformly over the four wheels.
T3 has a 3-tonne capacity (over set of 4 wheels)
T4 has a 4-tonne capacity (over set of 4 wheels)
T6 has a 6-tonne capacity (over set of 4 wheels)
T10 has a 10-tonne capacity (over set of 4 wheels)
T12 has a 12-tonne capacity (over set of 4 wheels)
T24 has a 24-tonne capacity (over set of 4 wheels)
Container Bogie - iso container trailer- Capacity till 30.000 KG
B10 has capacity of 10-tonne container both with regard to the wheels and the steering ring.
B12 has a 12-tonne capacity.
B24 has a 24-tonne capacity.
B30 has a 30-tonne capacity.
Container Jacks
Standard Container Jacks have a capacity of 3-tonne each, and as such are capable of lifting 12-tonnes gross weight container. We also make a special 6-tonne version capable of lifting 24-tonnes.
All Container Jacks are made to order.
Jacks are usually used in pairs. Both jacks before being used should have the bolts engaged on the base plate this takes the strain of lifting and prevents the jacks from twisting. Both jacks are fastened to one end of a container which is lifted and fitted with wheels or a bogie. The jacks are then removed and then used again to fit the other end of the container.
It is VITAL that jacks are not used above their safe capacity. To this end safety valves are present in our works and should under no circumstances be tampered with.
Fitting Container Transport
CTU’s are usually fitted whilst a container is being lifted off a lorry, a ship or a railway wagon.
Using a crane with spreaders or a fork-lift truck, with suitable capacity, lift the container to remove it from the vehicle. Lower it to within about 500mm off the ground.
Slacken off the Starnuts on the CTU of the appropriate capacity, and check that the twist lock lever is in position to line up with the oval hole in the container corner casting.
Push the CTU twistlock into the oval hole until the body of the CTU is touching the corner casting. The twistlock lever may now be rotated through 90degrees locking it onto the container.
Tighten the inner Starnut until it is hand tight, now tighten the outer one. The outer Starnut serves as a locknut to ensure that it cannot come loose with vibration.
Removing a CTU is the reverse of this procedure.
Operation Container Jacks
Lifting a container
Operation is extremely simple, and few working parts are involved. Parts named in capital letters can be identified from the illustrations on pages X, Y, Z.
The Locking Mechanism
The twistlock should be inserted into the container. The twistlock handle lever is rotated 90degrees to lock it in position, and the locking nut must be tightened hand tight so that the twistlock is locked. A Tommy bar is attached to the jack by chain to facilitate this operation. The jack is normally fitted to the end of the container so that the sides are free to fit the Container Transport Unit wheels. NOTE the jacks are handed and should lie so that the lifting system is towards the middle of the container, and the twistlock is on the outside.
Raising the Jacks
The jack is fitted with Transit lock to hold it in lowered position when not being used. RELEASE THIS FIRST.
Tighten the Lowering Valve finger tight. Do not use excessive pressure.
Fit the Operating Handle to the pump, and oscillate it backwards and forwards, the jack will start to lift the container. With the higher capacity jacks it will move rather slowly. Operate both jacks at about the same speed with two persons, so that the container end remains level.
Fitting the CTU Wheels
Lift the container until it is high enough to insert the Twistlock on the wheels. The Twistlock is pushed into the hole in the side of the casting far enough to allow it to be rotated with the Twistlock Lever. Now tighten up the Starnuts, the outer one acts as a locknut for added safety.
When both wheels are locked in place, the jack can be removed.
Removing the Jacks
A slight turn anti-clockwise on the Lower Valve allows oil to flow, and the jack to lower. It can be stopped safely at any point by tightening the valve again. Lower both sides evenly until the wheels of the container transport units support the load.
The jack Twistlock Lever is now released, and the jack eased clear of the container and allowed to return to its ground level position.
IMPORTANT
The plug in the top of the oil tank for the pump is an air breather. IT IS NOT WATERPROOF. Care should be taken to protect the top of the jack and the pump if it is used in rainy conditions. Jacks should be stored undercover when not being used.
Failure to observe this can lead to rust forming on the honed bore of the hydraulic cylinder.
Safety
The jack will not lift an overweight container. This is a deliberate safety feature.
Ensure Twistlocks on all equipment are put fully locked, and that all safety screws are properly tightened before weight is taken on the equipment.
Ensure correct capacity equipment is chosen and check gross container weights to endure that equipment is not overloaded. T3 CTU’s are only generally adequate for unloaded 20 foot boxes.
Towing speeds should not exceed 15 kph. Speeds in excess of this will cause accelerated tyre wear as well as overloading the bearing systems.
Tow Bars
Tow bars are supplied in pairs. The scalloped end is inserted into the container with the tow bar on its side. It is then turned through 90degrees to lock it in position. The nylon wheels will then be facing downwards. The free end of the two bars can then be pulled together to make an ‘A’ frame, and the lowering holes connected together to the pin of a tractor or forklift truck.
Steering Handles
Certain models of CTU’s have holes in the forks just outside the radius of the wheels to take Tow bars. These have a drop nosed pin fitted to a releasing spring lift the drop nose, and pull the pin out. The tubular portion can now be fitted between the ear of the wheel fork and the pin inserted again. Ensure the pin nose is dropped to lock it in place.
Maintenance
Container Transport Units
Equipment is designed for minimum maintenance. Wheel bearings are packed with lithium grease to last the lifetime of the unit, as are the swivel bearings. Polyurethane tyred wheels have a grease nipple and should be greased with a suitable gun every six months. Twistlocks should be lubricated occasionally with an oil can filled with light machine oil.
Bogie Units
Bogie Turntables have a grease nipple and should be greased every six months. Wheel bearings should be greased with a grease gun at the same time.
Jacks
Every three months check the hydraulic oil in the tank attached to the pump. Remove the filter plug and fill to within 25mm of the top with a general grade hydraulic mineral oil such as Shell Tellus 37. Remember that jacks must be kept upright at all times.