Heil Awarded Patent for Commercial Side Loader
Chattanooga, Tenn.— Heil Environmental Industries, Ltd., recently received a patent for the innovative "rolling pivot" design of the lift mechanism on the company's new PowerLift™ commercial side loader. Some commercial side loaders hoist and dump containers using rack and pinion systems that utilize expensive gears. Other designs use complex systems involving up to 12 different pivot points. Heil's rolling pivot system uses just two pivot points — which means there are far fewer bearings and parts to wear out, leading to reduced maintenance concerns.
PowerLift's straightforward design uses a cylinder to operate each of the lift's two arms. As the cylinders extend, the arms lift and then rotate at the top to dump the container (the points where the arms rotate are the "pivot points"). The patent was awarded for this combination of linear and rotational motion.
Marc Stragier, recognized industry-wide as the "Father of Automation" for his groundbreaking work on automated collection dating back to the 1960s, invented the rolling pivot concept.
"The biggest advantage of this system is that it just works better," says Stragier, Heil new products manager. "It requires much less maintenance than other systems. Plus, it starts and finishes the lift cycle slowly, but is fast in the middle. Other systems are the exact opposite: fast at the beginning and end but slow in the middle. That creates a lot of jerking which leads to wear on the truck."
In fact, PowerLift's complete cycle time is 10 to 12 seconds — about half the time required by most other commercial side loaders. PowerLift also packs up to 1,200 lbs. per cubic yard, which is more than twice as much as some other models. And, PowerLift works with all rectangular, steel side
Heil Awarded Patent for Commercial Side Loader
load containers weighing up to 3,000 lbs. Its 30-inch reach gets into the tightest spots on commercial routes.
PowerLift's operate-in-gear-at-idle system makes it possible to use the lift and run the dump cycle while the engine is idling. Not having to "throttle up" the engine saves up to a gallon of fuel an hour, while enabling drivers to finish their routes up to 20 percent faster. The system also reduces wear and tear on the lift mechanism, engine and transmission, for decreased maintenance concerns. Plus, operating in gear is quieter, which makes area residents happier.
The rolling pivot patent is one of more than a dozen patents Stragier has received. It is also one of more than 200 patents held by Heil. Stragier is currently working on additional applications for the rolling pivot idea.
For more information about the new PowerLift commercial side loader or any of the other products in Heil's complete line of refuse collection vehicles, visit www.heil.com or call toll-free (800) 332-1584.
Heil Environmental Industries, Ltd., established in 1901, is the only ISO 9001:2000 certified manufacturer of refuse collection bodies in the United States. Heil is the industry leader in automated waste collection technology and offers the broadest product line, including front loaders, rear loaders, side loaders and recyclers, as well as replacement parts. The company has manufacturing facilities in Fort Payne, Ala., Phoenix, Ariz. and Hillend, Scotland. Heil is a Dover Industries company.