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ERU – Electric Rotation Unit

The electric rotation unit (ERU) is usually mounted on a roll or drum lifting device. The image shows an electric lifter lifting and rotating a drum via the outer diameter.

ERU – Electric Rotation Unit:
A Box Manipulator, Roll Handler or Drum Lifting Device for Turning Heavy Loads

Electrically powered lifting machine with a turning tool. Photo of a man operating an electric rotation unit to pour contents from a drum into a large vessel.

Looking for an easy way to turn heavy objects sideways?

Whether you’re placing a roll onto a mandrel, repositioning a filter, or emptying a crate or drum, our Electric Rotation Unit (ERU) has you covered.

With just the push of a button on a remote, this device makes rotating heavy loads effortless, while keeping you in full control.

The ERU is a compact, electrical turning mechanism (placed inside a sturdy box) that mounts onto your lifter. When paired with a tool that holds the load, it enables you to rotate any object sideways – safely and with precision.

Think of the ERU as the link between your lifting machine and the load, giving you total control over how you move and position objects. From barrels and boxes to filters and rolls, the ERU makes it easy to get the job done, quickly and efficiently.

Collage showing the elements that the electric rotation unit pair with. To the left, the electric lifter. In the middle the electric rotation unit that can turn loads sideways. To the right the potential lifting tools such as clamps, a roll lifter and a fork.

The ERU Is Ideal for Turning Boxes, Rolls, Drums, Barrels and other Containers

Sometimes, simply lifting a load and transporting it from A to B is not enough. Sometimes, you also need to manipulate the load in different directions in space.

In technical terms, the ERU is an electrical manipulator, meaning it provides more movement options than just lifting a load up and down. As mentioned earlier, it allows for sideways rotation of the load.

However, the ERU doesn’t work in isolation – it requires a compatible tool to function. Depending on the load you need to turn, we pair the ERU with the ideal tool for gripping your specific load. This effectively transforms the lifter into, for example, a drum lifting device, a box turner, or a roll handler.

For instance, the ERU is an excellent choice if you need to:

– Grip a drum or barrel and rotate it for the purpose of e.g. emptying it. As a drum lifting device, we offer various types of clamps to securely hold the drum, all depending on what is most efficient for your needs. For instance we have our electric clamp (EC), manual clamp (MC), and manual clamp with spindel (MCS). These are ideal for lighter loads, whereas our electric linear clamp (ELC) and manual linear clamp (MLC) are better suited for very heavy loads.

Demonstration of how the electric rotation unit (ERU) can be combined with different clamps for turning drums sideways. Pictures of three drum lifting devices manipulating drums and barrels.

– Manipulate a box and turn it to empty the contents. Here, a modified fork, adjustable fork (AF) or a suitable clamp – such as an electric clamp (EC), a manual clamp (MC), or a manual clamp with spindel (MCS) – will ensure the job gets done efficiently.

Examples of the electric rotation unit (ERU) in combination with different lifting tools for handling and turning boxes. Pictures of modified forks and clamps turning different types of boxes.

Hold a roll and rotate it, for example, to place it on a mandrel. In this case, roll handling equipment such as our electric expander unit (EEU) or a clamp like one of those mentioned above, are good options. The electric expander unit will grip the roll through its inner core, making it a good choice if the roll’s surface is delicate and cannot be handled directly. If surface contact is not a concern, a clamp may be a suitable alternative, as it holds the roll via the outer surface.

The lifting tool, the electric rotation unit (ERU) in combination with different lifting equipment for turning rolls sideways. Photos of clamps and an expanding mandrel handling rolls.

– Grip a filter housing and turning it, for example, for cleaning purposes. To perform this action, an electric clamp (EC), a manual clamp (MC) or a manual clamp with spindel (MCS) is often the preferred choice.

The lift equipment, the electric rotation unit (ERU), turns loads sideways. Image of the ERU paired with electric clamps holding large filters and then turning them.

How Exactly Does the Electric Rotation Unit Work?

Component overview of our electric rotation unit built to turn e.g. rolls, drums, and boxes. Image shows, among other things, placement of cable carrier, cover and flange.

Internally, the ERU consist of a worm gear that drives the main axle with power supplied by an electric motor. Additionally, the worm gear ensures that the load remains securely in place, as it is self-locking.

Externally, the outer main axle is fitted with a flange to which the chosen lifting tool is attached.

The ERU is equipped with an encoder that keeps track of its position. As a result, the unit will automatically stop in the central position (when the load is vertical) and can optionally stop at two preprogrammed positions in both the clockwise and counter clockwise directions (e.g., when the load is horizontal or slightly upside down). The left and right stop positions may vary depending on the factory settings; typically, they are set to 90 or 180 degrees.

The ERU comes with an easy-to-use remote control. In addition to controlling the rotation, the remote is also used for the lifting function (raising and lowering the load).

Turning Capacity

The maximum turning capacity of the rotation unit is 370 Nm at 4.5 RPM. However, the ERU is electrically limited according to the specific load type and weight for which the lifter was designed.

Exceeding this limit will trigger the electrical current overload cut-off, and cause the ERU to stop.

Features

  • Rotation up to 180 degrees in both clockwise and anti-clockwise position.
  • Automatic stop in central position.
  • Fully electrically powered
  • Rugged construction for industrial use. With its all-stainless steel construction, the ERU is built to last and for use in demanding industrial environments.
  • Available in hygienic design for use in cleanrooms and the food/beverage industry.

Images for the Electric Rotation Unit (ERU):
Easy and Controlled Rotation Tool for a Drum Lifting Device or Roll Handler

Other Electrical Manipulators


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