Innovative Sleeper Lifter and Placement Attachment for Excavator - Fast - Safe - Efficient
The client had observed that the laying of concrete railway sleepers was both inefficient and dangerous work for the crane operator and the workers involved in guiding the sleeper to the track for correct placement. The process required significant lifting and constant realignment by hand of sleepers when placed by a crane. The client reasoned that there had to be a better and indeed safer way.
The Brief from the Client
To establish from a basic idea an attachment that;
Had to be capable of being fitted to an excavator
Spaced sleepers to correct dimensions
Would allow sleepers to be attached manually from stock piles
Was faster and more efficient than current system
Engineering Imperatives in Simple Terms Process and Methodology
Design a frame that withstood all loads as required by relevant Australian standards
Provide guards as required to ensure worker safety
Develop concept design for approval by client
Carry out detail design after approval of concept design
Witness load testing of completed unit
Produce workshop drawings
Witness load testing of completed unit
The attachment has provided years of reliable and profitable work for the client. It has broadened the scope of his capacity to provide a wider range of services thus making his machinery more cost effective.
Case Study - 
Had to be capable of being fitted to an excavator