Adjustable Fork with Rotation (AF-ERU)

Smarter Box Handling for Lifting, Turning and Emptying

The Adjustable Fork with Electric Rotation Unit (AF-ERU) is designed for efficient handling of box-shaped loads such as crates, totes, bins, and containers. The system enables gripping, lifting, rotating, and emptying of loads in a controlled manner. It is particularly suited for applications involving varying load sizes.

System Configuration – Two Integrated Units

The AF-ERU consists of two components operating in tandem:

Adjustable Fork (AF)

The Adjustable Fork is designed for handling box-shaped loads of varying dimensions using a single tool. The tine spacing can be adjusted to match the specific load.

The tines are mounted on a rear frame and repositioned by loosening the adjustment knobs and sliding them into the required position. Once set, the knobs are tightened to secure the tines during operation.

The adjustable configuration allows handling of off-center loads. For correct operation, the load’s center of mass should be aligned with the center of the lifting tool.

Key characteristics:

Adjustable tine spacing
Sliding tines on rear frame
Mechanical locking via adjustment knobs
Suitable for boxes, pallets, and similar loads
Supports off-center load handling
Compatible with various manipulation tools, including leveling units such as the Electric Leveling Unit (ELU) and rotation units such as the Electric Rotation Unit (ERU) and Manual Rotation Unit (ERU)

Electric Rotation Unit (ERU)

The Electric Rotation Unit (ERU) is mounted on the minilifter and is designed to provide sideways rotation of loads such as boxes, rolls, drums, and barrels via an attached lifting tool. The lifting tool is screwed directly onto the flange interface of the main axle, ensuring compatibility with various lifting tool configurations.

Rotation is driven by an electric motor through a self-locking worm gear, which drives the main axle. The self-locking gear system ensures that the load remains securely in position when rotation is stopped, making the ERU suitable for handling heavy and off-center loads.

An integrated encoder continuously monitors the rotational position of the ERU. As a result, the electric lifter automatically stops in the central position (when the load is vertical) and can optionally stop at multiple pre-programmed positions in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions, typically set to 90° or 180°.

The ERU is operated via remote control and provides precise and repeatable positioning during operation.

Key characteristics:

Electric motor-driven rotation
Maximum torque: 370 Nm at 4.5 RPM
Self-locking worm gear for secure load holding and no back-driving
Integrated encoder for precise and repeatable positioning with position feedback
Automatic stop in center position
Optional pre-programmed stop positions in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions (typically 90° or 180°)
Remote-controlled operation
Designed for handling of boxes, rolls, drums, barrels, and off-center loads
Lifting tool mounted via screwed flange interface on main axle
Compatible with various lifting tool configurations such as clamps (Electric Clamp (EC), Manual Clamp (MC), Manual Clamp with Spindle (MCS), Electric Linear Clamp (ELC), Manual Linear Clamp (MLC), forks (Fork (F), Adjustable Fork (AF) and expanders (Electric Expander Unit (EEU) and Manual Expander Unit (MEU)