Page 4 - HUB-4 Magazine Issue 94

Cover story
Whilst the heavy lift projects are handled by one of the UK’s
leading heavy logistics companies, the day-to-day cargo
handling is undertaken in house by the experienced Port
Sutton Bridge team. “When we purchased the site, the deal
included a material handler which had seen better days.”
Gavin commented. “Our plans to increase the throughput of
material at the site meant we needed to find a suitable
replacement. Already operating a small fleet of material
handlers throughout the group’s other sites, we knew what we
wanted for Sutton Bridge. Whilst our fleet is dominated by
Sennebogen material handlers, they are all smaller machines,
and we felt that we needed to look at the wider market before
making such an important purchasing decision.”
With a selection of quotations received, the details were
analysed before the decision to purchase a new Sennebogen
865E Hybrid was made. “We received cheaper quotes for the
basic machine, but it was the entire package offered by
Molson Green which made the decision a relatively easy one
for us.” Gavin explained. “Throughout the rest of the fleet we
have had very little in the way of issues with the Sennebogen
product, it’s well built and designed to handle almost any
operation.
The 865E Hybrid is one of over 20 different material handling
models in the German manufacturer’s range which are sold
and serviced exclusively by Molson Green in the UK. “We can
offer a huge range of material handling solutions from just 18
tonnes to over 400 tonnes in operating weight.” Brian
Albiston, Molson Green’s Product Specialist commented. “As a
manufacturer, Sennebogen are focussed on the material
handling sector designing productive, operator friendly and
fuel-efficient machines just for this industry.”
When specifying the new material handler, Gavin was able to
choose from a huge option list enabling him to build the
machine to ideally suit all applications the port will see. With
three wheeled and a crawler undercarriage to choose from,
Gavin opted for the MP80 wheeled option which sits on four
26.5-25 solid rubber tyres. The heavy-duty undercarriage
comes with four-point outriggers which spread the weight of
the machine when operating and provide a stable platform on
any surface. At almost 2m high, the undercarriage is fitted
with substantial galvanised steps and handrails allowing safe
and easy access to the machine’s upper structure from any
position. There is also a pair of large toolboxes incorporated
into the chassis of the machine allowing a variety of tools and
lifting accessories to be stored in a dray and safe location.
The huge green upper structure of the 865E Hybrid houses a
261Kw Cummins X12 diesel engine which meets Stage V
emissions regulations and many of the Sennebogen range, is
accessed through large gullwing style canopies on each side of
the machine. A neat feature of the range is the fitment of a
long rail along both sides of the bodywork to which a
galvanised ladder is attached to give easy and safe access to
the components inside. “It’s very rare we have to access the
components as all daily checks can be carried out from inside
the cab.” Gavin explains. “The ladder access is a safe and
simple solution to a problem that can be made to be
overcomplicated for no reason at all.”
Like the undercarriage, the cab and cab riser choice can be
selected to suit a variety of applications. The Sutton Bridge
machine has been specified with an E300/270 riser which
allows the operator to lift and push forward the cab allowing
them a better view into the hold of vessels they are loading or
unloading. The large and spacious cab offers a host of ‘home
comforts’ for main operator John Baggaley including a
premium, air suspended and heated seat with a range of
movement designed to suit any operating style. Along with the
Bluetooth connectivity, DAB radio and ample storage
solutions, the cab has been laid out to allow for easy and
intuitive operation. “It’s a very comfortable cab to spend a
long shift in.” John commented. “Whilst the large areas of
glass allow great vision all around, my only criticism would be
the cross member on the front windscreen.”
With the need to handle a variety of cargo types, the
Sennebogen port range can be configured with a variety of
boom and stick options. The 865E is available with eight
different options ranging from 18m up to 25m. There are two
boom options K for straight industrial and B for greater reach
at depth. Both the K25 and B24 come in Port configuration
offering the longer reach with more load capacity. The Port
Sutton machine has been delivered with the B24 option giving
a 24m reach and allows it to easily service the vessels of up to
17m beam the port accommodates. A standard fit camera has
been joined by an additional unit on the stick allowing John to
carefully direct the attachment where it is required. With a
wide variety of cargo to handle at the port, the Sennebogen
has been delivered with a sack lifter, carne hook with
additional weigh loader and 1800 litre Rotobec orange peel
grab.
“In the first three years of operating the port, we have almost
doubled the volume of cargo handled year on year.” Gavin
commented. “We are looking at almost 200,000 tonnes this
year which has been made achievable with the addition of the
865E. Whilst we are increasing our productivity on the site, we
have also been doing it with a lower fuel burn. Brian told us
we could achieve around a 30% decrease in fuel consumption
from the Sennebogen over our previous machine. We took it
with a pinch a salt but have to admit the fuel figures do not lie
and we are currently seeing a 27% decrease in fuel burn
which we estimate will save us around £19,000 per year! Add
| p4 | www.hub-4.com Sept/Oct - Issue 94