Taavura Deck Lifter

General Description:

The Deck Lifter is designed to raise & lower the lift-able decks in Ro-Ro ships (particularly PCTC ships) in a much quicker, more efficient and cost effective way than the standard methods.
The Deck Lifter is a highly maneuverable, compact and robust vehicle that measures just 3 m X 6 m. There is excellent all round visibility for the operator sitting in the cabin
Two sets of hydraulic bars are attached to the vehicle:

Four telescopic cylinders are attached to the Deck Lifter frame for raising and lowering the deck panels.
Four stabilizers secure the Deck Lifter to the floor while it lifts the deck panels.
The Deck Lifter controls incorporate “easy of use” principles making it very easy to operate. One joystick controls the telescopic cylinders and a second joystick moves the stabilizers. A PLC display provides the operator with the required information.
The Deck Lifter has been approved for use by DNV (Det Norske Veritas).

Specifications:

The main specifications of the Deck Lifter are:

• Maximum lifting load: 25 tonnes.
• Lifting speed: 2 m/min.
• Maximum traveling speed: 25 km/h.
• Maximum ship tilting angles: up to 5o heel and 2o trim.
• Working temperature: -20o C up to + 45o C.
• Drive-on ramps: up to a 13o incline.

Technical specification:

All the technical information in this document is based on a preliminary design and may ultimately change.

Table size		5,950 mm(L) x 2,950 mm (W)
Lifting height (top of table)	Upp. Level	5,300 mm ± 70mm
	Low. Level	1,980 mm
	Table stroke	3,320 mm
Lifting speed		2 m/min (Approx.)
Lifting capacity		25 tons
Overall size		5,950 mm (L) x 2,950 mm (W) x 1,980 mm (H)
Gross vehicle weight		10,000 kg (Aprrox.)
Wheel base		3,410 mm
Min, turning radius		7,300 mm
Traveling speed		Max 15 km/hr
Transmission		Hydrostatic drive, from 0 to 15 km/hr continuously, both directions.
Engine	Deutz type diesel engine, low emission , turbo charged
	Type	F4L912
	Max. power	63 hp @ 2,300 rpm
	Displacement	3,770 cc
Tire	Front	255 / 70 R 22.5
	Rear	255 / 70 R 22.5
Steering		2 front wheel steering
Hyd. Pump	Type	Cast - iron double gear pump
	Capacity	~ 110 cc/rev
	Working pressure	~ 220 kg/cm2
Hyd. Cylinder		Lifting cylinder: 4 telescopic, multi stage
		Jack cylinder: 4, with self aligning pads
Location of control panel		Inside driver’s cabin
Battery		DC 12 V, 165 Ah
Hyd. Oil tank capacity		~  500 liter

 

 

Hydraulic system :

The Deck Lifter has three separate circuits which consist of three pumps that are mounted on the diesel engine. All the pumps use a single high capacity oil tank (500 l).

1. Lifting circuit: The lifting circuit is operated by a double gear pump made from cast iron.
   It consists of four telescopic cylinders, each of which has a linear encoder on the outside of the tubes in order to send its exact location to the controller.
   Using a closed loop procedure through a set of proportional valves, the exact amount of oil is delivered to each cylinder based on the reading from the encoders. This enables the frame to move up and down while keeping the panel completely steady.
   The stabilizers are also controlled by the lifting circuit.
2. Driving Circuit: The driving circuit is operated by a hydrostatic transmission and it consists of a set of piston and motor pumps. The motor drives the rear axle via a one meter long driveshaft. Accelerator and brake pedals in the cabin enable the operator to control the speed.
3. Steering Circuit: The steering circuit is operated by a gear pump that is combined with a special priority valve to ensure easy control of the wheels even when the Deck Lifter engine is in neutral. The steering circuit provides the oil to the double acting cylinder, which is mounted on the front axle.

 

Safety :

The Deck Lifter is equipped with many safety devices in order to provide a safe work environment for the Deck Lifter operator and others working on the ship.
The main hydraulic safety features are as follows:

1. If the four telescopic lifting cylinders are not extended by an equal amount, then the system stops immediately.
2. A safety valve is mounted directly on each telescopic cylinder in order to prevent downward movement that is not initiated by the operator.
3. Two safety valves are mounted directly on each stabilizer cylinder to ensure they remain lowered while lifting is in progress and that they are not lowered while the Deck Lifter is being driven.
4. The vehicle cannot be driven unless all of the stabilizer cylinders are fully raised. When the stabilizers are up, a separate proximity switch for each stabilizer monitors its position.
5. The frame cannot be raised unless all the stabilizers have been completely lowered. Separate pressure switches for each stabilizer monitor this.
6. The stabilizers cannot be raised unless the frame is fully down.
   

Additional Safety Devices:
The Deck Lifter is supplied with many other safety devices, including:

• Bumpers on top of the frame.
• Front and rear lights.
• Back up (reverse) buzzer.
• Parking brake.
• Rotating yellow light on the cabin.
• The colors of the vehicle and cabin are clear and visible, with conventional black and yellow hatching on the frame.