Industry: Food Manufacturing / Material Handling
Solution Provided By: RonI | Lift-O-Flex
Customer Challenge
A leading U.S. food manufacturer originally reached out seeking replacement parts for an older 17000 Series lifter. After learning that the specific part was no longer supplied, they realized it was time to upgrade their fleet. While the customer was happy with their existing Expand-O-Turn® (EOT) end-effector, they needed modifications to better meet their operational needs.
Their main requirements included:
- Handling rolls measuring 9.5"–13" in diameter, 3" core, and 16"–17" width, weighing up to 90 lbs.
- Max lift height of 55” from floor and pickup height of 16.8” from floor to top of roll.
- Extended reach to access rolls at the back of pallets.
- Stainless steel construction to meet food manufacturing sanitation standards.
Without a proper ergonomic solution, workers faced repetitive strain injuries, fatigue, and lost efficiency during roll handling.
Our Solution
RonI recommended a LIFT-O-FLEX® 20500HS stainless steel ergonomic lifter with the following configuration:
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Low-profile leg design allowing for clearance beneath machines and surrounding obstructions.
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Standard mast configuration providing a 55" drop-off height from the floor.
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18" intermediate width allows for easy maneuverability through narrow doorways and hallways.
- 3" EOT manual rotate standard turning assembly for roll rotation from vertical to horizontal.
- Custom 28" mounting post from lifter slide to end of hardened bars, providing the necessary reach for rolls at the back of pallets.
This configuration not only solved their immediate reach and capacity challenges but also provided an economical alternative to other product offerings while leaving room for future weight increases if needed (current equipment / tooling configuration can handle up to 185lbs).
Results & Benefits
- Time savings: Streamlined roll handling process and reduced changeover times.
- Increased efficiency: Operators experienced less fatigue, maintaining consistent productivity.
- Reduced injuries: Eliminated manual lifting of heavy rolls, lowering the risk of strain-related incidents.
- Labor optimization: Freed up employees and forklift drivers for other critical tasks.
- Improved morale: Operators appreciated the safer, more ergonomic handling process.
Line-side workers reported that the new lifter not only improved safety but also enhanced overall workflow and output across the production floor.
Why It Worked
Our ability to tailor the LIFT-O-FLEX® 20500HS stainless steel lifter to the customer’s specific application ensured precise, repeatable performance in a demanding food manufacturing environment. Key factors included:
- Expand-O-Turn® End-Effector: 3” electric expand/manual rotate for precise roll positioning.
- Custom 28" Mounting Post: Extended reach to access rolls at the back of pallets.
- Food-safe construction: Stainless steel and anodized aluminum components.
- Ergonomic controls: Adjustable handle height (~38.5” from floor) for comfortable operation.
- Smooth, controlled motion: 5.2”/sec. lift speed via enclosed DC-powered lift screw.
- Compact footprint: 20051 leg configuration for easy maneuverability in tight spaces.
This combination of thoughtful engineering and ergonomic design provided a durable, efficient, and operator-friendly solution—exactly aligned with the customer’s safety and productivity goals.