STILL expands its LiftRunner system - with a clear focus on increasing efficiency and integration into automated processes

For many companies, forklift-free logistics based on a tugger train system is the method of choice when it comes to supplying production lines with the required parts just in sequence. The advantages are obvious: in addition to efficiency, aspects such as stock minimisation, avoidance of errors, low manpower requirements, considerable traffic relief and effective cost reduction by reducing the number of forklift trucks are decisive. With the STILL LiftRunner system, the Hamburg-based intralogistics expert STILL offers its customers a broad portfolio of manual and automated tugger trains as well as various load carrier-compatible frames and trolleys for every individual requirement. STILL is now expanding its portfolio with three new frames, focusing on the important topics of increasing efficiency and automation.

STILL BX frame: Six to eight trailers at the same train length

Designed for even greater efficiency in production supply, the STILL BX frame features an asymmetrically offset axle and a new foldable drawbar. Together, these two components reduce the length of the tugger train and at the same time increase its directional stability. Instead of the usual four trailers, the BX frame allows six - and under certain conditions even eight - trailers to be towed by one tractor, without the tugger train needing more space for cornering and shifting. "This means an increase in the capacity of the tugger train by 50 to even 100 per cent, while maintaining the original space conditions," explains STILL tugger train expert Herbert Fischer. In addition, the tugger train remains manoeuvrable and flexible and can even turn 180 degrees in an aisle width of only 4.50 metres. For companies, this means greater productivity with no increase in transport volume and no additional investment in another towing vehicle. "The BX frame makes it possible to deliver up to twice as much material to production in the same time and with just one train," explains Herbert Fischer. But the BX frame is also an attractive option for companies that do not need to increase their supply frequency. If a train has to run less frequently to transport the same quantity of pre-assembled units to the production line, this means a noticeable reduction in traffic. This in turn increases safety in the warehouse and saves valuable energy and human resources. 
"The fewer vehicles move around in the warehouse and in production, the less often vehicles have to stop and accelerate again - thus reducing the risk of accidents," says Herbert Fischer, explaining the important benefit for customers.

STILL PE and PH frames: Flexible and automated right up to the line

Optimised load carrier compatibility and efficient interaction between the tugger train and the automated vehicles are key added values of the new PE and PH frames. This is complemented by an innovative four-wheel steering system, which ensures particularly high directional stability even at higher speeds, when cornering and braking. The high level of carrier flexibility is made possible by the sliding centre column on the new frames. In combination with the possibility of loading and unloading from both sides, this allows the frames to be combined with a wide range of different load carriers. The retracting lifting profiles make it easy to slide the trolleys in and out, and a push-through locking mechanism enables ergonomic posture and noticeable relief for the operator, even with heavy loads. "Our customers' requirements are becoming more complex and customised, production is becoming more flexible and batch sizes are getting smaller. The high level of compatibility of our frames gives them the greatest possible freedom of choice and the opportunity to tailor our LiftRunner system precisely to their own needs," says Herbert Fischer. 

In addition to the high level of load carrier compatibility, the retracting lifting profiles enable push-through insertion. When the frame is lowered, the lifting profiles disappear into the centre profile, allowing a load carrier to be pushed completely through the frame. When the frame is raised, the lifting profiles emerge from the centre profile and are then positioned under the trolley, lifting it. This allows the tugger train to be loaded and unloaded for the first time by autonomous mobile robots (AMR) such as the STILL ACH or AXH. STILL is thus paving the way for its customers to fully automate the "last mile" and to ensure the safe, optimally synchronised delivery of materials from the tugger train to the point of use on the line. As well as improving handling performance, safety and minimising manpower requirements also play an important role. While the PE frames are designed for indoor use and have a load capacity of up to 1,000 kg per trailer, the PH frames are the perfect choice for demanding outdoor applications: the frames are particularly robust, equipped with large SE tyres and, thanks to weather protection and safe lighting, are ideal for reliable and smooth supply of the entire factory site. They can carry up to 1,600 kg per trailer.

With the introduction of the new frames, STILL is expanding its range of tugger trains for precisely tailored, individual customer requirements - and is once again underlining its strategic focus on the future-oriented topics of continuous increase in efficiency and consistent automation of optimised material flow processes.