Steering Systems for Maximum Maneuverability in Heavy-Duty Transport

The SFX Heavy-Duty Platform Transport Vehicle can be equipped with two different steering systems depending on its 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 proven standard solution for many industrial applications with sufficient space to maneuver. Typical advantages: Stable movement during longitudinal transport, easy operation, and efficient transport over longer distances. This variant is particularly well-suited for traditional indoor transport in mechanical engineering, automotive production, or the steel trade.

Multi-Directional Steering (All-Wheel)

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

Customized Battery and Charging Solution for Industrial Use

The SFX Heavy-Duty Platform Truck can be equipped with either a lead-acid or lithium-ion battery, depending on the application profile. This allows the power solution to be optimally adapted to operating hours, shift operations, and charging infrastructure.

Lead-acid battery

Proven solution for applications with moderate operating times and low investment costs.

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

Lithium-ion battery

Ideal for high utilization 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 operations to be carried out in an energy-efficient and predictable manner.

Modular Frame Architecture for Custom 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, middle 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 accommodate transport and aisle widths
• Load capacity up to 130 metric tons 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 industrial heavy-duty operations.

Slide Under, Lift, and Transport – Efficient Heavy-Duty Transport

The SFX Heavy-Duty Platform Transporters are designed to slide directly under, lift, and transport loads. This allows 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 equipped with a lifting function.

Depending on the application, various lifting technologies are available:

• hydraulic lifting cylinders for rugged heavy-duty applications
• lifting table solutions for large-area load handling

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 pickup 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 maneuvering and positioning tasks, the SFX Heavy-Duty Platform can be equipped with state-of-the-art assistance systems for semi-automatic path guidance. These systems assist the operator in performing precise maneuvers and enhance process reliability in heavy-duty intralogistics transport.

Depending on the application, either inductive path guidance with laser-based LiDAR sensors or camera-based optical path guidance is used to safely guide the vehicle along defined lines or reference points to its destination. Steering is performed automatically, while the operator continues to control whether the vehicle is permitted to move.

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

Typical advantages:

• millimeter-precise positioning of load racks and production fixtures
• Reduced workload for operators during complex maneuvering
• Higher process reliability in confined production areas
• Prepared for future automation (AGV-ready)

Maintenance-Optimized Design for Maximum System Availability

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

This allows maintenance tasks to be planned in advance and reduces unplanned downtime.

Advantages:

• faster service work thanks to optimized 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-level industrial safety concept that protects operators, the surrounding area, and the transported load. 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 personal safety scanners that 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, and critical conditions are displayed directly on the operator’s screen. Mechanical centering pins and slip-resistant platform surfaces provide additional security for heavy components during transport.

Multiple safety mechanisms, such as a dead-man’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 warnings reduce downtime and damage

Extremely Flat Platform for Low Load Racks

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

Despite its low profile, the platform can safely handle loads of up to 35 t. An integrated lifting function allows for autonomous lifting and transport of the load, often eliminating the need for additional lifting equipment.

Typical advantages of this special solution:

• Capability to slide under exceptionally low load racks
• High load capacity despite compact design
• Integrated lifting function for direct load pickup
• 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

With coupled operation, two SFX platform transporters can be connected to form a synchronized heavy-duty system. Both vehicles are wirelessly networked and move in precise coordination during transport.

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

Typical advantages of this solution:

• Scalable load capacity through coupling two platforms
• Synchronized movement 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, such as 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 equipped 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 fixtures
• Molded parts or machine components
• Large assemblies or industrial equipment

Thanks to the adjustable platform position, the center 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 due to optimized center of gravity
• versatile use in plant engineering, mechanical engineering, or production