Roll Handling with Multiple Diameters

Published by Lindsay Freeman at November 9, 2021

What exactly is Roll Handling with Multiple Diameters? In this case we’re not talking about multiple rolls with different diameters. We are talking about one roll before loading onto the machine and the same roll after unloading from the machine. The customer below could not use a core probe on the roll before loading onto the machine due to the weight of the roll. They also could not use forks on the roll after unloading from the machine because the roll’s new diameter was too small to prevent it from slipping through the forks. The customer needed to support the roll weight by the forks before loading onto the machine and then load it onto the core probe after unloading from the machine.

Starting Roll sizes were as follows:

Diameter: 60″ Width: 35.4″ – 42.5″ Weight: 277-416 lbs

The operator, when in need of a roll, obtains a lifter and manually directs it to a pallet of rolls located in the staging queue. Once in place, the operator lowers the end-effector forks to the proper position under the roll and drives them forward keeping the roll in a core horizontal position. This action will hold the roll in position during transport. After engaging, the operator raises the end-effector and moves the lifter away from the pickup point. The operator can then move the roll to the machine in need of the roll.

Next, the operator raises or lowers the end-effector to the proper height aligning the roll core with the spindle at 36″ – 42″. After alignment, the operator manually drives the roll core onto the machine spindle. The operator will then lower the forks so the roll is resting on the machine spindle. After offloading, the operator then moves the lifter back to its waiting position to await the next transport.

When the operator needs to offload a roll they will align the core probe to the machine spindle. With the lifter casters locked, they will manually slide the roll onto the core probe. Once fully loaded, they will release the brakes and move the lifter backwards and take the roll to the next station.

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