Manufacturing Industry - Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

How many containers per day can the Mobicon handle?
That depends on the circumstances.  It takes approximately 4-5 minutes to unload/load a container, and the drive speed is 8km/hr.  Sometimes containers are handled twice, (on and off the truck only), sometimes they are handled 4 times (on and off the truck, and to and from the despatch area).  Also the distance the Mobicon has to travel is important.

Some companies only handle 2 containers per day, some do 20 per day.  We have some users who handle in excess of 100 containers per 24 hours.

What is the carrying capacity of the Mobicon?
The carrying capacity is 33,000 kg.

What is the height the Mobicon can work under?
When unloading a container off a truck, the Mobicon goes up to 5.6 meters high.  Then when it travels around, and places the container on the ground, the height is only 3.9 meters.

What size container can a Mobicon handle?
The Mobicon can handle all ISO containers, including flat racks (bolsters).  Even 62 foot containers can be handled by the Mobicon.  The Mobicon can also lift open top containers.

Can a Mobicon handle over-height containers?
The maximum height the Mobicon can handle is 10’6”.  Any higher, and the Mobicon needs to be modified, which for example has been done for the glass industry, where large glass panels are transported in open top containers.

How safe is a Mobicon?
A Mobicon is much safer than a forklift or a reach stacker.  Because containers are transported at only 300mm (one foot) off the ground, the Mobicon cannot tip over like forklifts or reach stackers.  Also, the operator is safely away from the load while driving.

What is the view of the operator?
The operator has an excellent view of the surroundings of the Mobicon.  In the cabin is a CCTV monitor, and 3 cameras are fitted around the straddle carrier.

How many operators are needed to lift a container?
The Mobicon is a one man operator machine.

How is a container lifted?
The Mobicon has lifting attachments that fit into the side hole of a container corner casting.

How high can a container be lifted?
The lift height is 1.75 meters.

How easy is it to maintain a Mobicon?
Maintenance is very simple.  Most components used are comparable with forklifts.  A forklift mechanic finds the Mobicon easier to repair and maintain than a forklift.

Are electronics used?
Only the drive pump is electronically controlled with an “Amplifier”, supplied by Bosch-Rexroth.

What road surface is needed for the Mobicon to work on?
Unlike container forklift trucks and reach stackers, which have huge axle loads, Mobicons can work on most concrete, bitumen, pavers or compacted gravel surfaces.  We found that most surfaces that are suitable for a truck or trailer are suitable for the Mobicon.  If in doubt, a surface test should be done.  We can supply the wheel pressures at different container loads.

Does the operator need a license?
In Australia, and most other countries, no license is required.  Local regulations must be checked though.

How easy is it to operate a Mobicon?
Like all machinery, training is required.  We find that in most cases, a 3 hour training session is sufficient.  After that, we recommend that for the first (say) 50 containers a spotter helps the operator to ensure safe operations.
 

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