Case history: a compact and flexible solution for moving large chillers along the production line and between different workstations

When moving chillers and heavy machinery within an industrial facility, it is important to consider not only the weight of the load, but also its dimensions, the available manoeuvring space and the different directions required by the production process. When the product is bulky and space is limited, a compact and flexible handling system can significantly simplify operations.

This was the challenge we faced at a company in the industrial refrigeration sector, where large chillers were being moved using a forklift.

The size of the products and the limited space available made manoeuvres complex and required an experienced forklift operator. When this operator was not available, moving the chillers became difficult to manage.

The objective was therefore to identify a more compact, easy-to-use and flexible material handling solution capable of adapting to different production requirements.

The challenge: bulky chillers and limited manoeuvring space

Weight was not the only challenge. The chillers were large and bulky and had to be moved within a production environment where manoeuvring space was limited.

In addition, the product did not always follow the same route. It had to be moved along the production line, but also taken out of the line and transferred to other workstations, such as the painting area.

A compact solution was therefore required to handle different directions of movement without relying exclusively on the availability of an experienced forklift operator.

The solution: a radio-controlled electric mover

After analysing the application, a Robik solution based on a radio-controlled electric mover was introduced and configured according to the requirements of the production process.

The compact design makes it easier to handle the load within the available space, while the radio remote control allows the operator to choose the position that provides the best visibility of the chiller, the route and the surrounding area.

Its ease of use also helped reduce dependence on the availability of the experienced forklift operator previously required for these handling operations.

Moving the chiller from both the short and long sides

One of the key aspects of this application is the ability to move the chiller from both its short side and long side.

The same solution can therefore be used to move the chiller along the production line or to move it laterally and transfer it to another workstation, adapting the handling operation to the different stages of the production process.

The material handling system therefore becomes more than simply a way to move a heavy load: it provides greater flexibility within the production process.

The results

The introduction of the Robik solution provided several benefits:

  • improved manoeuvrability when handling heavy and bulky chillers in confined spaces;
  • reduced dependence on the availability of an experienced forklift operator;
  • simple, radio-controlled handling;
  • ability to move the chiller from both the short and long sides;
  • greater flexibility between the production line and different workstations;
  • improved visibility of the load and surrounding area during manoeuvres.

What should be considered when moving a chiller?

This case shows that when deciding how to move a chiller or heavy machinery within an industrial facility, weight alone is not enough.

Load dimensions, available space, floor conditions, wheels or supports, rolling resistance and, above all, the directions and routes required by the production process should all be considered.

When a product needs to be transferred frequently between different stages of production, the flexibility of the material handling system can become a key factor.

Do you need to move chillers or heavy machinery within your facility?

Every production process has different requirements. The load, route, available space and required directions of movement should be analysed together to identify the most suitable configuration.

Do you have a similar material handling challenge? Contact Robik: we can analyse your application and evaluate the most suitable solution together.