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SU – Swing Unit

The swing unit (SU) is often combined with a crane arm or roll manipulator. Image: Material handling crane swinging a roll on a roll manipulator.

SU – Swing Unit:
A Manual Swing Tool for Material Handling Cranes or Roll Lifters – Optimizing Efficiency in Tight Spaces

Photo of a minilift with a manual roll manipulator in an industrial warehouse with pallets with rolls. The lifting machine is compact and can fit into tight spaces. Text: No room? No worries. A lifter with a Swing Unit needs hardly any space. Partially AI generated.

In many modern workspaces – whether it’s a compact warehouse, a busy production floor, or a crowded assembly area – space is nearly always a challenge. Aisles are narrow, equipment is packed in tight, and every square meter counts. In these cramped conditions, rotating an entire lifting system (e.g. material handling cranes or roll manipulators) just to reorient a load isn’t merely inefficient – it can be downright impossible.

That’s where a minilift with a horizontal swinging tool – the Swing Unit (SU) – makes all the difference. Instead of wrestling with the whole lift itself or relying on awkward manual adjustments, operators can simply place a hand on the lifting tool and easily pivot the load left or right along the horizontal plane. A small motion with potentially significant impact.

Close-up photo of how the Swing Unit connects with the lifting machine and the lifting tool.

Despite the large impact it has, the Swing Unit itself is small, compact and unobtrusive. It’s a simple, mechanical device placed between the lifting machine and the lifting tool.

While the Swing Unit can be paired with nearly any type of tool, the most common combinations include our various crane arms (such as the Rail Crane Arm (RCA) and Crane Arm (CA)) and roll handlers (including the Manual Roll Manipulator (MRM) and the Electric Expander Unit (EEU)).

Image collage that illustrates the various modular components that make up a lifter with a Swing Unit. On the left, there is an electric lifter without tools; in the center, the Swing Unit; and on the right, potential lifting tools such as crane arms and various roll handling devices.

The Elegance of Simplicity:
– Unlocking the Quiet Power of the Swing Unit

The power of material handling cranes with swing units. A photo of a man in a warehouse operating a crane arm on a swing unit to lift and swing an industrial filter. Text: The Swing Unit. Small Size. Big Impact. Partially AI generated.

At first glance, the manual Swing Unit might seem unassuming – just a compact mechanical link between a minilift and a lifting tool like a crane arm or roll handler. But let’s not be deceived by its simplicity. This small but mighty component is a cornerstone of functionality, delivering a smooth left-to-right swing along the horizontal plane with remarkable ease and precision.

In a world where complexity is often mistaken for capability, the swing unit is a refreshing reminder that simple design can be incredibly effective. Because it operates without the need for electronics or elaborate mechanics, it offers a level of reliability and durability that more complicated systems may struggle to match. There are fewer things that can go wrong – and fewer parts that can break.

Also, what really sets this unit apart is how effortlessly it integrates into different lifting setups. Whether you’re handling heavy rolls, positioning awkward loads, or fine-tuning placement with a crane arm, the swing unit adapts seamlessly.

This is simplicity that empowers – not limits. The swing unit proves that a well-thought-out, minimal design can outperform flashier alternatives by being intuitive, versatile, and built to last.

Modular Mastery: Mix’n Match for Your Specific Needs

Changing lifting tools on an electric lifter is easy. Photo of worker attaching a swing unit and a crane arm to a minilift. Text: One Base, One Swing, Endless Tools. Adapt Fast with Modular Magic.

One of the Swing Unit’s greatest strengths is its modular design. And modular design means adaptability – if needed, we can customise it so you can effortlessly swap out lifting tools, instantly transforming your setup for different tasks.

Whether you’re using material handling cranes, roll manipulators, or specialised solutions, the Swing Unit offers the versatility you need.

This modular approach not only makes your lifting system more flexible, but also more efficient – because why settle for one tool when you can have a range of options?

The Swing Unit with the Manual Roll Manipulator:
– Effortless Control, Precision at Your Fingertips

The image below shows the Swing Unit paired with a manual roll manipulator. With a quick release of the positioning pin, the operator can smoothly swing the roll manipulator forward from his position, executing a precise, manually controlled movement with ease.

Photo series of a worker operating an electric lifter with a Swing Unit (SU) and a Manual Roll Manipulator (MRM). The operator is pushing the roll manipulator forward along the horizontal plane.

Swing Units with Material Handling Cranes:
– Strong Lifting with Easy Precision

Here, we see the Swing Unit in action with a modified Crane Arm (CA). With just a simple pull on the crane arm, the operator can effortlessly move heavy loads into position, demonstrating how easily the system adapts to shifting tasks and environments.

Photo series of a worker operating a lifting machine a Swing Unit (SU) and a Crane Arm (CA). The operator is pulling the crane arm toward himself along the horizontal plane.

The Swing Unit in a Special Setup:
– Tailored for Unique Challenges

In this setup, the swing unit is paired with an Electric Rotation Unit (ERU) and a fork attachment to tackle a specialised lifting task. The versatility of the swing unit goes far beyond standard solutions – it’s all about adapting to meet the specific demands of each job. Custom setups like this prove that the swing unit is more than capable of handling a wide range of challenges with ease.

Photo series of a worker operating a lifting apparatus a Swing Unit (SU), an Electric Rotation Unit and a Fork (F). The operator demonstrates the swinging of the fork back and forth.

How Exactly Does the Swing Unit Work?

Component overview of the Swing Unit, featuring a position pin (used to enable and lock the swinging motion) and two adjustment screws (for adjusting the swinging range).

As mentioned earlier, the Swing Unit is designed to be mounted on the lifter. This allows different lifting tools to be attached to the Swing Unit, enabling them to swing along the horizontal plane.

The Swing Unit can be adjusted to limit its swinging range. The maximum angle on each side is set using the two adjustment screws, as shown in the image to the left.

To swing the lifting tool, simply pull up the position pin. Then, the lifting tool can be gently moved into the desired position.

Features

Locking pin to keep load fixed while moving the lifter.
Adjustable swinging range to ensure stability and easy of positioning.
Easily customizable: dimensions can be modified to customer specifications.
Rugged construction for industrial use. With its all-stainless steel construction, the SU 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 of the Swing Unit (SU):
A Swing Tool for Material Handling Cranes or Roll Lifting Devices

Other Manual Manipulators

Manual rotation unit (MRU) for rotating heavy loads. This flexible rotation tool combined with either drum, roll or cylinder handling equipment allows for safe manual turning of loads via a handle.

MRU – Manual Rotation Unit

This manual tipping unit (MTU) with a clamp mounted on roll or drum lifts allows for safe forward tipping of loads. The motion is carried our via a handle.

MTU – Manual Tipping Unit

An easily customisable material handling crane for lifting and positioning loads. When combined with a swing tool, the rail crane arm (RCA) can move laterally.

RCA – Rail Crane Arm

The simple tipping unit (STU). When mounted on a box handler or drum lifter, a container may be manually tipped forward e.g. to empty a load.

STU – Simple Tipping Unit

The manual roll manipulator (MRM) tool may turn and grip rolls up to 400 kg. This roll handling equipment is both a strong and economic choice.

MRM – Manual Roll Manipulator

The V-Block (VB) roll lifter tool for industrial lifters is designed to lift loads, typically rolls, and place them onto e.g. mandrels.

VB – V-Block

Go to our Manual Manipulators page for more information on this categoriy of lifting tools.

Go to our main Tools page for an overview of the different categories of tools that we offer.

Go to our Products page to find out how our products may help you in your line of industry and your work situation.

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SU – Swing Unit:A Manual Swing Tool for Material Handling Cranes or Roll Lifters – Optimizing Efficiency in Tight Spaces

The Elegance of Simplicity: – Unlocking the Quiet Power of the Swing Unit