LiftLiner 2 load units

A tugger train is an electric tractor that tows several trolleys or trailers along a set route. In the milk run, one of the basic methods of lean logistics, the train does a round at regular intervals, like the milkman: it delivers materials to the points of use, collects empty containers and kanban cards and returns to the warehouse. Compared with individual forklift trips, you reduce traffic, waiting and line-side stock. With the LiftLiner you transport trolleys of up to 1000 kg and load and unload them without lifting; with the Milkrun Drawbar Assembly you hitch dollies and pallet dollies to the tractor.

Each LiftLiner has two loading bays. You push the trolley into the bay, from the right or the left, up a ramp of just 3°: the roof shape guides it into position, and the mechanical click and green LED confirm the locking. In less than 3 seconds the LiftLiner lifts the trolley off the ground, up to 1000 kg, and the train can set off. When unloading, the bay lowers and tilts towards the operator: the trolley rolls out by itself, with its castors turning in the exit direction. Nobody lifts the load by hand.

LL Trolleys in the sizes 600 × 800, 1200 × 800 and 1200 × 1000 mm, for pallets, cages and containers, and the three-shelf LL Taxi Trolley. You can mix sizes and types in the same train without losing capacity: each bay carries one trolley of up to 1000 kg. For 600 × 800 trolleys and non-standard trolleys there is an adapter and an extended scissor drawbar: we assess them with you during the analysis phase.

A LiftLiner is a pair of bays and carries 2 trolleys. The train can have up to 4 LiftLiners, i.e. 8 trolleys. With 3 LiftLiners the train is 9.6 m long, excluding the tractor, and travels at up to 8 km/h; with 4 LiftLiners up to 6 km/h. We calculate how many you need from your flows: trips per hour, drop-off points, distances and loads.

The LiftLiner is compatible with standard electric tractors: you can often use the one you already have, and we check its make and model before quoting. It also works with automated guided tractors (AGVs) and communicates with the AGV at safety level PLd: the train can travel to the stations by itself and stop at the unloading points. It is a ready basis if you are thinking of automating the milk run at a later stage.

Very little. The cross-bar coupling, the scissor system, makes each LiftLiner follow the track of the one in front, and the set-back wheel improves tracking even at higher speeds. With 3 LiftLiners a U-turn requires a 4.5 m wide aisle; each LiftLiner is 1000 mm wide. We check the aisles, curves and intersections of your route with you during the analysis phase.

No. Each trolley can be loaded and unloaded from both sides and from any bay: you load the train as it comes and unload only the trolley you need, at any point on the route. No sequencing and no U-turns to serve a workstation from the right side: the route stays as short as possible.

It is designed for that. If a lock is not in position, the Immobilizer function prevents the train from starting. The coupling between LiftLiners prevents anyone from walking between one trolley and the next. When unloading, the operator stays in a natural posture, with their feet away from the LiftLiner, and the load tilts towards them; the trolleys have rounded corners. Above all, nobody lifts or pulls loads of up to 1000 kg by hand.

The LiftLiner handles gradients of up to 10% and has a ground clearance of 60 mm, which can be reduced to 40 mm. The wheels are 200 mm polyurethane, with suspension. Actual speeds and gradients depend on the tractor, load and floor: we check them on your route.

It depends on distances, frequencies and loads. A train with a single operator makes several deliveries in one round and can take the place of 3–6 forklift trucks with their drivers. We do the calculation for your case with you during the analysis phase, starting from the trips you make today.

Yes, in two ways. With the Milkrun Drawbar Assembly you hitch one or two rows of 600 × 400 dollies, one row of 800 × 600 dollies, or Dolly Pallets and Dolly Taxis directly to the tractor. With the LiftLiner, on the other hand, the LL trolleys travel in the bays and dollies can be hitched at the rear with the dedicated rear coupling. We help you choose the right combination for your route.

Very little: the LiftLiner is fully electric, has a sturdy construction and is designed for minimal maintenance. Wheels and wearing parts are replaced with original K.Hartwall spare parts, which we supply.

We start from your flows: what you carry, where, how often and in which containers. We design the route and drop-off points with you, choose trolleys, dollies and accessories and size the train: how many LiftLiners, how many trolleys, which tractor. Then we deliver, commission and show operators how to load, hitch and unload safely. Spare parts and support stay with us.