MELBOURNE, Australia -- The world's first mobile container lifter, which can replace forklifts and straddle handlers, has won a commendation in the 2000 BHP Australian Steel Awards.
Designed by Tom Schults, of Brisbane, Australia, the Mobicon mobile lifter brings container lifters within reach of smaller companies which could not previously afford their own equipment.
With more than four million containers lifted in Australia each year, already companies in Australia have commissioned the innovation. A price tag of less than A$200,000 has helped the Mobicon gain interest from New Zealand, USA, England, Holland, Germany, Malaysia, Singapore and The Philippines.
The Mobicon uses the container as part of the overall structure. Two mobile towers, the front tower driven like a vehicle, separate to carry the front and rear ends to the container.
The machine can manoeuvre under doors and awnings as low as 3.6 metres, and can handle containers from 16 feet to 62 feet long. Handling costs are cut as the Mobicon can be transported in a container. Its low axle weight means it can operate in any yard.
Mr Schults said the Mobicon delivered fast turnaround times, reduced use of prime movers, less freight damage, due to less handling, and less time to pack and unpack containers.
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