Reel Handling with Multiple Diameters

Published by Lindsay Freeman at October 28, 2021

What exactly is Reel Handling with Multiple Diameters? The customer below needed to grip multiple cable reels with varying diameters which couldn’t be gripped using traditional methods. Our standard reel lifter is built to grip a set reel diameter so our Engineering team stepped in to design a new piece of equipment.

Reel sizes were as follows:

Diameter: 11″ = 24″ Width: 6″ – 14″ Weight: 200 lbs max

The custom reel handling end effector below consists of two moveable end blocks mounted on linear slides. Each end block has a milled surface to engage and grip the top plate of the reel. These two end blocks are connect on the back side with a threaded rod and a Stacon clamp. Once both end blocks are slid into position and set on the top plate, the operator will throw the stacon clamp to pull the ends together and lock the reel top plate into position. With the end plate locked the operator can drive the lift up, picking the reel.

In order to further secure the reel, we added two retainers to each of the gripping pads. The retainer was a minimum 14” rod that slide up/down in a set of bearings. Affixed to the end of the rod is a plate that when rotated will butt up to the bottom of the reel. A quick turn lock will then secure the rod in a open or locked position.

Once the operator picks the reel they would secure each of the retainers. With the reel core horizontal the lifter can be wheeled to the machine spindle where the reel core would be aligned with the face of the spindle. Once aligned the operator would push the lifter forward inserting the reel onto the spindle. With the reel supported on the spindle the operator would release the stacon clamp freeing the reel form the lifter and pull the lifter back leaving the reel on the spindle. This process enables the operator to perform reel handling with multiple diameters.

Click HERE to see our portable lifter line options, as well as, HERE to find additional details about our Cranes and Manipulators product line.