The eT-Litocran700 is interesting for larger glass and facade construction companies, as well as operators of machine parks and rental companies.

An innovative add-on module for telescopic handlers and loading cranes is currently revolutionising assembly technology in the window and façade construction industry: the eT-Litocran700.

It combines the practical features of a telescopic handler with the fine-tuned control of a vacuum lifting device. This helps façade construction specialists achieve unprecedented speed, precision and agility in the last few centimetres of installing sensitive elements at lofty heights with minimum manpower.

The ‘red gazelle’ underwent its trial by fire during a challenging new construction project in the immediate vicinity of the supplier EuroTech in Rosenfeld, Germany.

The idea of using vacuum lifters on building areas is not new. There are numerous devices that can be hung on cranes or even mounted on forklifts or telescopic stackers to move loads on construction sites.

‘Glass robots‘

However, experienced window and façade construction specialists know that successful installation of elements is decided on the last few centimetres. Standard equipment often lacks the necessary precision and 360-degree 3D mobility.

Another issue is that window elements must be installed from the inside to the outside. This is also the reason why ‘glass manipulators’ or ‘glass robots’ are often used. They pick up the glass elements inside the building to assist with their placement.

The only way to accomplish this task is to transport elements and machines into the building, which is time-consuming and costly. During early construction, this is still relatively easy.

However, if the building is already finished and possibly has raised floors for IT and communication technology, the weight of the machines in combination with the glass usually exceeds the load-bearing capacity of the floor and its covering.

Outdoor installation

The best way to install glass and façade elements quickly and easily with the least amount of manpower is through outdoor installation. This requires an assembly module that combines four elements into one functioning unit.

One requirement is that the module should be compatible with a standard lifting device with a corresponding reach, which are available from many construction machinery rental companies (e.g. a telescopic forklift). It should also have a powerful vacuum lifter that can handle heavy loads of over 500 kg.

Additionally, a self-sufficient power supply and its own hydraulic power unit are required to facilitate working close to the final position with millimetre precision. Last but not least, an intuitive 3D control and bearing system enables smooth movements in all directions.

‘Red gazelle‘

The engineers at EuroTech, which offers handling and transport solutions in the field of vacuum technology, were approached with a specific request. A Danish sales representative asked for enhancement of a glass lifting device that could be mounted on telescopic forklifts.

It needed to be as manoeuvrable and graceful as a gerenuk (long-necked Eastern African antelope). The engineers analysed the existing solutions and started working on a new development to finally meet all the requirements.

The result was the eT-Litocran700. The name refers to the Latin name of the gerenuk. Like its model in the wild, the machine, painted in EuroTech-red, has exceptional manoeuvrability and flexibility, which earned it the nickname ‘red gazelle’.

Originally, the eT-Litocran700 was designed as an autonomous add-on module, consisting of the vacuum lifting device, eT-Hover-univac, and its own telescopic arm, which can perform 360-degree movements in the last few centimetres.

The carrying capacity is designed for 700 kg. The module’s integrated power and hydraulic supply with its own remote control makes the device independent and flexible. It can be attached to a telescopic forklift as well as to a crane.

Well-known manufacturers such as Mangni Telescopic Handlers were immediately interested in the ‘red gazelle‘ and are planning on integrating it into their own telescopic forklifts in an effort to further expand their appeal as a solution provider.

Savings potential

Customers using the eT-Litocran700 benefit from the on-board hydraulic and power supply and having to use only one remote control for the vehicle and vacuum lifting device. As the developer and supplier of the ‘red gazelle’, EuroTech Vertriebs GmbH is open to additional integration efforts by other manufacturers of telescopic forklifts and cranes.

The eT-Litocran700 is interesting for larger glass and façade construction companies, as well as for operators of machine parks and rental companies. EuroTech offers handling and transport solutions in the field of vacuum technology. The company develops and produce customer-specific vacuum systems and components for automated handling tasks.

Thanks to the EuroTech modular construction system, the components can be flexibly adjusted to meet individual customer requirements and spare parts can be installed in a quick and cost-saving manner.

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