Small Ports - Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

How heavy is a Mobicon?
The Mobicon weighs only 14,000 kg.

What is the wheel weight of a loaded Mobicon?
Because the Mobicon has 8 wheels, and the load is evenly spread over 8 wheels, the wheel pressures are very low.  For example: loaded with a 25 tonne container, the maximum wheel pressure is only 5,500 kg.

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.

How long does it take to pick up a container?
It takes around 2 minutes to pick up a container.  The whole operation of picking up a container, and placing it on a vehicle takes around 5 minutes.

Can the Mobicon bring a container inside a building?
Yes, the Mobicon only needs a 5 meter wide by 4 meter high doorway.  Many Mobicon users bring containers inside, or place them under low awnings.

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.

What is the drive speed?
The Mobicon can drive 8km/hr.

How much fuel does a Mobicon use?
The Mobicon, compared with much heavier forklifts and reach stackers is extremely economical.  Depending on the driving distances, one litre of diesel (distillate) per container is normally enough.

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 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 electric system is used?
A simple 24 Volt Automotive electrical system is used.  All cables are tagged for easy fault finding.

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.

What are the service intervals?
A Mobicon is serviced every 300 hours, or twice a year.  A service typically takes 3 hours.

What engine is used?
Our standard Mobicon is fitted with a Deutz air cooled diesel engine.  If an LPG gas engine is required, we fit a Vortec (GM) engine, and if very low noise levels are required, we use Hatz engines.  In some countries we fit a water cooled Isuzu.

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