Moving wind turbine components with the EPS165G pallet truck

Flender is a part of Siemens and is engaged in the manufacturing of gearboxes, generators, and other components for wind turbines within the energy division. These components are often located at significant heights in the nacelles of wind turbines, and they are large in both volume and weight. In some cases, more than fifty tons may hang at considerable heights within a wind turbine nacelle.

Transportation using overhead cranes

In Flender's factories, these components are often moved using overhead cranes. However, overhead cranes are limited by their fixed track and are therefore less flexible. This limitation prevents them from reaching many areas on the factory floor. Consequently, Flender decided to acquire a mobile transport machine during the construction of a new factory.

Lifting capacity of 16.5 tons

The company approached PTB Special Products to develop an electric pallet truck capable of lifting and moving 16.5 tons. The wind turbine components from Flender are so large that the machine needed 3.5-meter-long forks, given the load's center of gravity, which is already at 1,750 millimeters.

Parallel lifting system

The pallet truck is equipped with a parallel lifting system. This ensures that the load remains horizontal relative to the wheelbase and track, even when the load's center of gravity is not in the middle.

Clear visibility

By equipping the machine with a riding platform for the operator and cameras at various locations in the frame, the operator has a clear view of their actions when driving over longer distances.

Remotely controllable

For precision work during the placement of components, the truck can be controlled with a remote radio control. This allows the operator to safely and precisely control the machine down to the millimeter, which is useful when maneuvering in confined spaces.