A-Ward Loading System Geared to Scrap Market

A-Ward Attachments Ltd. has developed the ACT series of self-contained container tilting units with back-in, drive-out capability.

The New Zealand-based company says in a news release that the ACT series offers a “better solution for loading various forms of scrap and bulk products into containers for export.”

In the patents-pending system, the container and trailer chassis are backed into the unit and the container is locked at eight points of engagement onto the tilter’s lifting arms. The doors are opened, and the tilter hydraulically raises the container from 0 to 90 degrees for loading with a wheel loader, material handler or conveyor.

Once loaded, the doors are closed and held shut by specially designed hydraulic door closers, and the container is lowered to a safe height so the doors can be latched. The container is then lowered back onto the trailer chassis, the locks are disengaged, and the container is taken to port.

“This unit has made our export business far more safe and efficient,” says David Davis of recycling company GSD in Houston. “It is simple, rugged, and priced so that our breakeven on the unit is in a matter of weeks.”

A-Ward Attachments Ltd. director and chief engineer Simon Ward designed the unit after listening to several customers complain about their current container loading systems lack of safety and efficiency.

“We visit yards all over the world and listen to our customers’ needs,” says Ward. “Overwhelmingly, people needed a faster way to load containers without putting operators and laborers in harm’s way.”

Those in North America seeking more information about the ACT system can contact A-Ward Sales Director Richard Currie at (201) 697-7301.