Hird has supplied a global tyre maker with two new Valla pick and carry mini cranes, which the manufacturer says have proved excellent for a wide variety of lifting tasks across its factory.
The Valla 35E mini crane, with a maximum lifting capacity of 3.5 tonnes, and a Valla 75E mini crane, with a lifting capacity of 7.5 tonnes, are operating in the Cooper Tire & Rubber Company factory in Melksham, Wiltshire.
Philip Schneider, Maintenance Manager for Cooper Tires, a global leader in the manufacture of sports performance tyres, said the pick and carry cranes are ideal for factory-based lifting projects.
He said: “Valla mini cranes are excellent machines. We’re using them for changing over tyre moulds on the production line. They can work in confined spaces that other lifting equipment, such as forklift trucks, just can’t operate.
“We’re also finding they are very useful for a lot of other machinery moving and lifting projects as well. For example, we recently had to remove a motor torque testing machine from the production line.
“I don’t think it would have been possible without using a Valla mini crane. Having it available for these less frequent but highly important maintenance and machinery moving tasks is proving very useful to us.
“We regular use the Vallas to lift equipment onto and off delivery trucks. For example, we had to unload gearboxes weighing between three and four tonnes. With a mini crane, that becomes a straightforward job.
“Also the maintenance and repair service Hird provides is very good. If ever we need their support, they get to us within good time, so our production is not disrupted.”
Cooper Tires, which owns Avon Tyres, has used Valla mini cranes for 11 years. The deal with Hird has resulted in the direct replacement of a 7.5 tonne and a 3.5 tonne mini crane.
Caption: Carl Cooper of Hird, left, hands over the two Valla mini cranes to Philip Schneider, of the Cooper Tire & Rubber Company.
Hird is the UK and Ireland authorised distributor for Valla Cranes, which is part of Manitex International, a global manufacturer and supplier of quality advanced lifting machines and equipment.
Hird Crane Sales and Aftersales Manager Carl Cooper said: “We’re delighted that Cooper Tires is so happy with its Valla mini cranes. Their experience reflects just how useful and flexible these pick and carry cranes are, in a manufacturing environment.
“Using Valla mini cranes, manufacturers can optimise their machinery maintenance programmes, minimising production downtime, carry out more maintenance tasks together and increasing manual handling health and safety.
“It is about having the right machine for the right lifting job. Ultimately, these mini cranes pay for themselves through supporting higher manufacturing efficiency and productivity.”
Both the Valla 35E and the Valla 75E are sit-in mini cranes. They are electric battery powered, so are fume-free. They have non-marking tyres, so are ideal for working in internal clean environments.
Both are fitted with the latest 3B6 load moment indicators and digital monitoring systems, which enhance safety and productivity.
Hird provides national maintenance and repair support through its team of fully-qualified mobile engineers, which allow most servicing and repair work to be carried out on the client’s premises.
For more information about Valla pick and carry mini cranes, contact Hird. Email: info@hird.co.uk. Telephone: 01482 227333.
