A commercial vehicle manufacturer faced a classic problem. Spare parts support for an existing telescopic fork unit in its small parts warehouse had been discontinued. One of the two units had already failed. What was needed was a 1 to 1 replacement that would fit seamlessly into the existing system and could be implemented at short notice.

From On-Site Measurement to a Precisely Fitted New Unit

Our team assessed the situation directly on site and carried out a measurement of the old unit within a very short time. Based on this, we designed the telescopic fork unit 40-122/150-825 specifically for this project. This allowed the defective old unit to be replaced without extensive modifications to the system. The customer now has a unit with secured spare parts supply and high availability in continuous operation.

Built for the Future and for Sustainability

With our new telescopic fork unit, the entire system is well positioned for the years ahead. Instead of renewing the complete warehouse technology, only the affected component was replaced in a targeted way. This conserves resources and supports the customer’s sustainability strategy, without compromising on performance or process reliability.

Are you facing a similar challenge with an old unit that no longer has spare parts available? Talk to our sales team. Together, we will find the right solution for your system.

Technical data:

• Load: 200 kg

• Stroke: 820 + 30 mm

• Length of the top fork: 675 mm

• Length of the unit: 825 mm

• Speed (loaded / unloaded): 30 / 60 m/min

• Acceleration (loaded / unloaded): 0,5 / 1 m/s²

• Self weight of the complete unit: approx. 95 kg

Our R32ST-180/240-N-1300 telescopic fork unit is specially designed for use in automated small parts warehouses. It combines a particularly flat and compact design with an integrated box guide. This design enables  optimal use of the storage and retrieval machine’s installation space while ensuring the boxes are handled safely and efficiently. With a load capacity of 90 kg, this version of the telescopic fork unit can reliably meet the requirements of dynamic material flow processes.

Flexible Order Picking Thanks to Triple Pick-Up

The load handling device enables either simultaneous loading of three containers or sequential picking within the same storage aisle. Three integrated belt conveyors transfer containers from the storage and retrieval machine to the conveyor system below for order picking, for example in the direction of order picking, or take the containers from the conveyor system. If the triple pick-up is not operating at full capacity, containers in the aisle can be picked up sequentially, ensuring a seamless material flow without the need for additional interfaces.

Higher Performance Through Efficient Buffering

The ability to temporarily store multiple containers directly on the telescopic fork unit reduces the number of  cycles required per container significantly. This improves the overall performance of the automated small parts warehouse while also reducing the stacker crane’s operational time in the transfer area. Tailored precisely to the customer’s requirements for 24/7 continuous operation, the system meets AFB’s high quality standards.

Would you like to improve the efficiency of your intralogistics?

Get in touch with our sales team, who will be happy to advise you on customised solutions for your material flow.

Technical data:

• Payload: 90 kg

• Stroke: 1,400 + 25 mm

• Length of the top fork: 1,180 mm

• Length of the unit: 1,300 mm

• Speed (loaded / unloaded): 50 / 80 m/min

• Acceleration (loaded / unloaded): 8 / 2 m/s²

• Self weight of the complete unit: approx. 200 kg

Maximum storage density and efficiency – the MINILOAD telescopic fork unit D3-R60-260/600-ST-1150 enables double-deep storage of trays in greenhouses. Due to its flat construction, it stays compact and space-saving despite its triple extension profiles. With an unit length of just 1150 mm, it can reach an extension path of 2300 mm, making optimum use of the available space.

Designed for high precision and easy maintenance

Thanks to the belt technology used, the MINILOAD telescopic fork unit impresses with high acceleration and speed values as well as excellent positioning and repeat accuracy. Maintenance is particularly easy: drive and deflection belts can be easily replaced without the need for complicated disassembly of device components. All relevant components are easily accessible, minimising downtimes.

Ideal for working in a humid environment

The MINILOAD telescopic fork unit is specially designed for the needs of vertical farming. The stainless steel plate on the top fork makes it ideal for use in greenhouses as it is resistant to moisture and therefore splash proof. These features ensure a durable and reliable solution for automated storage systems in the agricultural sector.

Technical data:

• Payload: 16 kg

• Stroke: 2.300 + 25 mm

• Length of the top fork: 1.150 mm

• Length of the unit: 1.150 mm

• Speed (loaded / unloaded): 30 / 60 m/min

• Acceleration (loaded / unloaded): 0,5 / 1 m/s²

• Self weight of the complete unit: approx. 150 kg

Dual belt conveying for maximum flexibility

Our MINILOAD telescopic fork R32ST-180-N-1250 has a high quality steel design with belt drive. Two belt conveyors enable double-deep storage and retrieval of boxes in the automatic small parts warehouse. The top fork width of the unit has been specially adapted to safely accommodate the load. At the same time, the upper fork has a non-slip covering to safely hold and move the load during transport.

Compact and precise

The MINILOAD impresses with its compact design, which is particularly easy to install and does not require a drive box. An invaluable advantage of the device: The robust belt drive not only ensures high speeds and acceleration values, but also guarantees repeatable positioning of the telescopic fork. The two belt conveyors thus offer absolute precision in the rack aisle. The MINILOAD’s low dead weight also enables high dynamic values during transport with low energy consumption.

Low cost and low wear

Thanks to the robust drive unit, the MINILOAD telescopic fork is particularly low-wear. As a result, the device type requires significantly less maintenance and is also faster than comparable telescopic forks with a chain drive. In addition, the purchase price is lower compared to the MINILOAD in the aluminium version. Good to know: The device frame can be equipped with sensors, which then only have to be wired and adjusted.

You will find an exhibit of the MINILOAD telescopic fork at LogiMAT 2023 in Stuttgart from April 25 – 27.

Technical data:

• Load: 100 kg

• Belt conveyor quantity: 2

• Stroke: 1375 + 30 mm

• Length of the top fork: 1250 mm

• Length of the unit: 1250 mm

• Self weight of the complete unit: approx. 165 kg

Production automation with AFB

For our customer, a manufacturer of baby care products, we developed a small, compact MINILOAD telescopic fork in steel design with belt drive, on which the top fork width has been adapted for safe pick-up of the load. With this, assembly plates can now be transported uncomplicatedly and quickly in the production line. In order to be able to keep the position of the load during transport on the top fork, it was equipped with a anti-slip covering. The telescopic fork helps to optimate and automate the customer’s production flows.

Outstanding advantages of the belt drive

As the MINILOAD does not need a drive box, it can convince with its flat design. Our customer received the product as a compact unit that is particularly easy to install. Further advantages: thanks to its belt drive, the telescopic fork has a high positioning accuracy and no chain elongation can take place. At the same time, it is very low-wear thanks to the robust drive system. This means that this MINILOAD-type requires significantly less maintenance and is faster than a telescopic fork with a chain drive; in addition, it is significantly less expensive than a belt-driven MINILOAD in aluminium design.

Technical specifications:

• Load weight: 100 kg

• Stroke: 610 + 20 mm

• Length of the top fork: 420 mm

• Length of the unit: 720 mm

• Self weight of the complete unit: approx. 60 kg

Flexible load handling with the R38AL-230-1250

The fast and light among the telescopic forks

Thanks to its compact and at the same time robust aluminum construction, our R38AL230-1250 telescopic fork has a low self-weight. In combination with the belt drive, this offers you the advantage of high dynamic acceleration and speed during your transport processes.

Easy installation and low energy consumption

The unit is equipped with two belt conveyors that enable double-deep storage and retrieval of boxes (e.g. measuring 600×400 mm) in the automated mini-load warehouse. Extremely practical: The R38AL-230-1250 is designed as a complete unit and can therefore be easily installed. In addition: Thanks to the low self-weight, you can achieve high dynamic values during transport even with low energy consumption. If required, the unit frame can be equipped with sensors, which then only need to be wired and adjusted accordingly.

Precision work close to the ground

A compact construction height without disturbing contours underneath the unit enables a particularly low pick-up height of your load carriers. Picking runs in the aisle can be carried out without any problems thanks to the free positioning of the load carriers by the two belt conveyors on the unit. The robust belt drive not only ensures high speeds and acceleration values, but also guarantees repeatable positioning of the telescopic fork.

Technical Data:

•  Load weight: 100 kg

•  Belt conveyor quantity: 2

•  Stroke: 1325 + 30 mm

•  Length of the top fork: 1200 mm

•  Length of the unit: 1250 mm

•  Self weight of the complete unit: approx. 150 kg

Let our experts advise you now. ⇒ Learn more.

Miniload special device – Telescopic fork built on a rotating unit, with a load centering unit and a lifting device.