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[January 2004]
Churchill China Take Nu-Star Power Pushers
Leading ceramic tableware producer Churchill China PLC (Stoke-on-Trent, Staffs, England) has recently taken delivery of two Nu-Star Hi-Torque Power Pusher(r) units at its Marlborough factory.
The Power Pusher is a pedestrian operated, battery powered tug unit designed to push and pull rolling loads up to 40,000kg in weight. Measuring just 1.4m long and 670mm wide and weighing 150kg, it is said to be both highly manoeuvrable and completely self-contained with no trailing wires or air lines. Nu-Star says that it not only improves shop-floor productivity but also reduces the likelihood of back injuries associated with the manual pushing/pulling of rolling loads in the workplace.
In the application at Churchill China, the Power Pusher is fitted with a steering arm attachment enabling the operator to connect to the leading edge of the kiln cars and move them in and out of the kilns and storage area.
Steve Smith, the Waste & Energy Manager at Churchill China, said: "The kiln cars used to be moved by hand, but their size and weight makes this an arduous task. In addition, we have to minimise vibrations so as to avoid any possible damage to the china as the cars are pulled out of the kilns. The Power Pushers take all the effort out of the job and have been configured with a smooth acceleration that stops any jerkiness from damaging the newly fired china.
www.nu-starmhl.com
ENDS