Steering systems for maximum manoeuvrability in heavy-duty transport

The SFX heavy-duty platform transporter can be fitted with two different steering systems, depending on the application profile. This allows the vehicle to be optimally adapted to aisle widths, load dimensions and internal transport routes.

2-way steering (standard)

2-way steering is the tried-and-tested standard solution for many industrial applications with sufficient manoeuvring space. Typical advantages: stable movement during longitudinal transport, simple operation and efficient transport over longer distances. This variant is particularly suitable for traditional indoor transport in mechanical engineering, automotive production or the steel trade.

Multi-way steering (all-wheel)

For long vehicles, narrow aisles or complex manoeuvring situations, all-wheel multi-way steering offers maximum flexibility. The platform transporter can utilise several driving programmes: longitudinal travel, transverse travel, diagonal travel and circular travel. This allows even heavy and bulky loads to be manoeuvred precisely in confined spaces, for example on press lines, at assembly stations or in densely built-up production halls. For many applications involving heavy-duty transport within production facilities, multi-directional steering is therefore the most efficient solution.

A tailor-made battery and charging concept for industrial use

The SFX heavy-duty platform transporter can be fitted with either a lead-acid or lithium-ion battery, depending on the application profile. This allows the power concept to be optimally adapted to operating hours, shift work and charging infrastructure.

Lead-acid battery

A tried-and-tested solution for applications with moderate operating times and low capital costs.

• Cost-effective entry-level solution
• Robust industrial technology
• Suitable for single-shift operation

Lithium-ion battery

Ideal for high utilisation and multi-shift operation.

• Very short charging times
• Opportunity charging possible at any time
• Low weight and high energy efficiency
• Long service life with several thousand charge cycles

This enables heavy-duty transport in multi-shift operation to be run in an energy-efficient and predictable manner.

Modular frame architecture for customised heavy-duty transport tasks

The SFX heavy-duty platform transporter is based on a modular frame architecture that allows for precise adaptation to load dimensions, transport tasks and production layouts. The frame is divided into three main assemblies – front section, centre section and rear section. Thanks to variable interfaces, the platform can be flexibly scaled.

Typical configuration options:

• Length variants for different load geometries
• Width adjustment to suit transport and aisle widths
• Load capacity of up to 130 t for heavy-duty transport

Various load-bearing options are available for load support:

• robust steel platform (standard)
• wooden or plastic load-bearing surfaces to protect sensitive goods

The high-quality steel construction ensures long-term stability in heavy-duty industrial operation.

Sliding in from below, lifting and transporting – efficient heavy-duty transport

The SFX heavy-duty platform transporters are designed to slide in from below, lift and transport loads directly. This enables many transport tasks to be carried out without additional lifting equipment and makes material flows significantly more efficient.

The compact platform design enables a low entry height, allowing it to accommodate a wide variety of transport racks or load carriers. Optionally, the platform transporter can be fitted with a lifting function.

Depending on the application, various lifting technologies are available:

• hydraulic lifting cylinders for robust heavy-duty applications
• lifting table solutions for handling large-area loads

The sensitive control system ensures precise and smooth lifting, which is particularly crucial when transporting sensitive components.

Typical advantages in heavy-duty transport:

• direct load handling by sliding under the transport racks
• reduced need for additional lifting equipment
• gentle handling of heavy or sensitive components
• efficient integration into production and assembly processes

Precise Path Guidance & Assistance Systems

For recurring manoeuvring and positioning tasks, the SFX heavy-duty platform can be fitted with state-of-the-art assistance systems for semi-automatic path guidance. These assist the operator in carrying out precise manoeuvres and enhance process reliability in heavy-duty in-plant transport.

Depending on the application, either inductive path guidance with laser-based LiDAR sensors or camera-based optical path guidance is used, guiding the vehicle safely to its destination along defined lines or reference points. The steering is performed automatically, whilst the operator continues to authorise movement.

The platform remains manually overridable at all times and can be flexibly switched out of assistance mode.

Typical benefits:

• millimetre-precise positioning of load racks and production fixtures
• Reduced workload for operating personnel during complex manoeuvres
• Greater process reliability in confined production areas
• Prepared for future automation (AGV-ready)

Maintenance-optimised design for maximum system availability

The SFX heavy-duty platform has been systematically designed for rapid maintenance, simple diagnostics and maximum system availability. At its heart lies the HUBTEX Powerbox concept, in which key electrical and hydraulic components are compactly integrated into a single service unit. The components are clearly organised and accessible via multiple access points – even when the vehicle is loaded or in the work area. In addition, an integrated remote maintenance module enables the digital monitoring of key operating data.

This allows maintenance work to be planned in good time and reduces unplanned downtime.

Advantages:

• faster servicing thanks to optimised accessibility
• higher system availability in multi-shift operation
• digital condition monitoring for predictive maintenance
• reduced Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) over the lifecycle

Comprehensive safety systems for people, machines and loads

The SFX heavy-duty platform features a multi-stage industrial safety concept that protects operators, the surrounding area and the load being transported. State-of-the-art sensor technology, redundant control systems and intelligent assistance functions enhance safety in in-plant heavy-duty transport.

To monitor its path, the vehicle uses LiDAR-based pedestrian protection scanners, which detect obstacles or people and automatically trigger braking. In addition, LED warning systems and audible signals ensure that the vehicle’s movements are clearly visible in the production environment.

The load is also continuously monitored: Sensors detect load distribution, lift height and vehicle tilt, with critical conditions displayed directly on the operator’s screen. Mechanical centring pins and non-slip platform surfaces provide additional security for heavy components during transport.

Several safety mechanisms, such as a deadman’s switch, redundant radio control and emergency stop systems, prevent uncontrolled vehicle movements in the event of signal loss or operator error.

Benefits for operators and production

• active collision avoidance via LiDAR environmental sensors
• safe load handling through continuous load and tilt monitoring
• greater workplace safety in production and logistics environments
• early warning messages reduce downtime and damage

Extremely low-profile platform for low load racks

For applications involving particularly low load racks, an SFX special version with an extremely low profile is available. The compact chassis design enables the pallet truck to pass underneath very low transport racks without compromising on load capacity or stability.

Despite its low-profile design, the platform can safely handle loads of up to 35 t. An integrated lifting function allows the load to be lifted and transported autonomously, often eliminating the need for additional lifting equipment.

Typical advantages of this specialised solution:

• Capability to manoeuvre under particularly low load racks
• High load-bearing capacity despite compact design
• Integrated lifting function for direct load handling
• Precise handling of sensitive components

This makes the low-profile platform particularly suitable for tool transport, assembly racks or production facilities with minimal clearance – as well as for the transport of sensitive components, such as when handling aircraft fuselage sections or large assembly racks in the aerospace industry.

Coupled operation for maximum load capacity

Coupled operation allows two SFX platform trolleys to be linked to form a synchronised heavy-duty system. Both vehicles are wirelessly networked and move in perfect synchronisation during transport.

This creates a flexible transport system with significantly increased overall load capacity, which can be conveniently operated via a radio remote control.

Typical advantages of this solution:

• Scaling of load capacity through coupling two platforms
• Synchronised movements for stable load handling
• Operation via a central control unit
• Flexible use as a single platform or a coupled system

This solution is particularly suitable for large-volume or very heavy components, for example when transporting machine components, large tools or aircraft structures in the aerospace industry.

Sliding platform for variable load lengths

For applications involving components of varying dimensions, the SFX heavy-duty platform transporter can be optionally fitted with a sliding platform. This allows the loading area to be flexibly adapted to different load lengths.

This solution offers maximum flexibility when transporting:

• Load racks and assembly jigs
• Moulded parts or machine components
• Large assemblies or industrial plant

Thanks to the adjustable platform position, the centre of gravity of the load can be optimally aligned over the axles. This improves stability during transport and facilitates safe load handling.

Typical advantages:

• flexible adaptation to different load lengths
• stable load handling thanks to optimised centre of gravity
• versatile use in plant engineering, mechanical engineering or production