Lift, Rotate, and Position Rolls and Drums - Fully Powered, Zero Manual Handling

The Electric Clamp with a Electric Rotation Unit (EC-ERU) is a fully powered handling solution that combines electric clamping and electric sideways rotation for controlled manipulation of cylindrical loads such as rolls, drums, and barrels.

Both gripping and rotation functions are electrically operated and controlled by remote control, allowing loads to be securely clamped, turned, and positioned without manual operation. This enables the operator to control the handling process from a safe distance, which is especially beneficial in applications where space is limited or where it is not practical or safe to stand close to the load.

By eliminating manual clamping and rotation, the EC-ERU reduces physical strain on the operator while providing precise and repeatable handling of both centered and off-center loads. Its modular design allows the system to be configured with different gripping options, making it a flexible solution for efficient and ergonomic material handling across a wide range of applications.

System Configuration - Two Integrated Units

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

• Electric Clamp (EC)
  
• Electric Rotation Unit (ERU)

Electric Clamp (EC)

The Electric Clamp (EC) is a versatile lifting tool designed for handling cylindrical loads such as rolls, drums, and barrels.

Built on a modular concept, the EC can be fitted with interchangeable lifting arms and grippers, allowing it to be quickly adapted to different load types (even boxes) within the same workspace by simply removing two locking pins. The tool can be mounted directly on a lifter or combined with manipulation units such as the Electric Rotation Unit (ERU), enabling loads to be lifted, rotated, repositioned, or emptied. This makes the EC ideal for applications such as emptying drums or positioning rolls onto mandrels.

Powered by an electric actuator, the EC generates a smooth and controlled clamping motion. Different lifting arms and grippers allow the tool to be configured for a wide range of load dimensions and surfaces, while the clamping force can be adjusted through the selected arm configuration and electronically limited to suit specific applications.

An integrated electronic overload sensor automatically stops the clamping movement when the preset force is reached, and a green status indicator confirms when the load has been securely clamped. A remote control enables safe and convenient operation from a distance.

Key characteristics:

• Electronic overload protection 
  
• Remote-controlled operation
• Visual confirmation of secure clamping
• Maximum clamping force: 4500 N
• Compatible with various manipulation tools, including rotation units such as the Electric Rotation Unit (ERU)
• Supports point grip, plate grip, and belt grip configurations
• Suitable for rolls, drums, barrels and similar loads
  

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)

Construction and Application

Rugged industrial design with all-stainless-steel construction ensures durability in demanding environments.

A hygienic design variant is available for cleanroom applications and for use in the food and beverage industry.

Other Lifting Solutions with Similar Sideways Rotation Capabilities

Other material handling equipment designed for lifting and sideways turning of drums and / or rolls includes:

• Electric Linear Clamp with Manual Rotation (ELC-MRU) 
  
• Electric Linear Clamp with Electric Rotation (ELC-ERU)
  
• Manual Linear Clamp with Manual Rotation (MLC-MRU)
• Manual Linear Clamp with Electric Rotation (MLC-ERU)
• Manual Clamp with Simple Rotation (MC-SRU)
  
• Manual Clamp with Manual Rotation (MC-MRU)
  
• Manual Clamp with Electric Rotation (MC-ERU) 
  
• Double Mandrel with Electric Rotation (DM-ERU)
  
• Metal Platform with Rotation (MP-ERU) 

Contact us

Get in touch for a quote, custom sizing, or assistance in selecting the right roll or drum turning tool for your electric lifter and application.

(The images on this page change based on the type of lifter you select below.)