THE DEFINITIVE TRUCKING SITE

September 2008

A first in saving time and money.

RESHENS FREIGHT RECENTLY took delivery of Africa’s first Swinglift container handling system which, according to company director Thaven Naidoo, has already proved its worth saving time and money for the company while improving customer service. 

The Swinglift is a New Zealand designed side loader - or container lifter as they are sometimes referred to - aimed at the container transport sector. They have been introduced to southern Africa by Cargo Handling Systems (CHS). 

Swinglift, which is actually mounted to the container trailer, is able to place full or empty 6 and 12 meter shipping containers weighing up to 40 tons on the ground, either from itself, other trailers or railway wagons.

CHS director Anton du Plessis says Swinglift can be used effectively to free up other trucks and trailers allowing transporters to utilise their fleets more efficiently. In this respect, it is ideal for pre-loading long distance or local vehicles so they do not have to sit in queues wasting time and money. 

Naidoo says they use Swinglift to leave containers at customers’ premises where they can be loaded at the customer’s convenience while the truck and trailer are put to work elsewhere. 

Swinglift is operated through a wireless remote control unit which, Du Plessis says, makes the machine easy to use and extremely safe. It is controlled by an hydraulic system powered either by an independent diesel engine or by the tractor’s power take off system. 

Another safety feature is the enhanced stability of Swinglift which is achieved through its distinctive “leg over design” that extend downwards triangularly from the lift modules. 

Swinglift is constructed from ultra high tensile steel which provides extreme strength while keeping maximum tare to a minimum.