Home » News » Power Pusher set to improve efficiency at Shaws of Darwen

Power Pusher set to improve efficiency at Shaws of Darwen

Shaws of Darwen were faced with a big problem when replacing an old kiln with a brand new one as the existing dolly system was beyond economic repair and the time implications of refurbishing would hinder the expected date of commissioning the new kiln.

Mark Duckworth, Shaws of Darwen, Maintenance Manager, explains “The cost to repair the old Kiln car rail moving system was not economical and to operate the kiln without this process was an unacceptable risk to the health and safety of the Shaws workforce.

I embarked on a search to find an alternative solution and that’s where Nu-Star came in, recommended by one of our current suppliers.”

Nu-Star have worked with Shaws of Darwen to create a bespoke attachment for the signature Power Pusher electric-powered tug mover. Every business is unique with differing needs and the Nu-Star team understands this. That’s why Nu-Star provide a personal service by getting to understand the business needs and application to offer tailored solutions.

The Power Pusher can both push and pull large, heavy loads in a safe and efficient way; often taking the job of multiple members of the workforce. The Power Pusher is pedestrian-operated and has the benefit that it isn’t subject to LOLER regulations and requires no license to operate. Therefore, all staff can be trained to operate the electric tug.

By utilising the signature Power Pusher, and working with Shaws to create an adjustable hook attachment for Shaws kiln cars, Shaws are able to hook the Power Pusher to the kiln car and manoeuvre it effortlessly into the Kiln. The Power Pusher is electric-powered meaning it’s suitable to use indoor with no fumes and creating very little noise; making it an environmentally friendly option.

Shaws have multiple kilns across their factory in Lancashire, so our electric mover solution needed to work for each kiln, with different kiln car heights. Therefore we created an easy-to-use box slider system so the height can easily be adjusted and utilised throughout the factory.

Matt Smith, Nu-Star MD, says “We have a growing number of customers worldwide in the Ceramics and Brick Industries, utilising our electric tugs, for moving kiln cars into and out of their autoclaves. Our solution is considered more cost-effective and flexible than the traditional winch method.

The progressive throttle on the Power Pusher means the operator can move the laden kiln car at a speed that prevents any accidental, vibration induced damage to the product, particularly before it is fired.

We are delighted to have worked with Shaws of Darwen on this aspect of their expansion project.”

We offer a wide range of Nu-Star electric tugs, with a solution for every moving load requirement.

If it rolls… we can move it! ®

Read about us in the latest Handling & Storage Solutions news.

Home » News » Second Cable Drum Pusher for El Sewedy Electric in Egypt

Second Cable Drum Pusher for El Sewedy Electric in Egypt

Elsewedy Electric is the leading integrated cables and electrical products manufacturer in the Middle East, specialising in providing complete and integrated energy Solutions in sectors as diverse as: Telecom , Energy Management, Turnkey Projects, Electrical Products and Wind Energy Generation. They employ more than 10,000 employees working in 30 production facilities located in 15 countries around the world and export to more than 110 countries worldwide

The Egytech plant in Ramadan City, Egypt, manufactures medium & high voltage power cables up to 500Kv rating for the Middle East, African & European markets.

Egytech first contacted Nu-Star in October 2008 in search of a machine powerful enough to push the larger 40,000Kg+ cable drums that they were due to shortly start producing. They had been unable to find a suitable product elsewhere on the market.

Following similar requests, over the previous 2 years, Nu-Star had developed a larger version of their existing Super Power Pusher unit & were able to offer the Dual Motor Super Power Pusher for this application. This newest product is powered by two 1.5Kw DC electric motors and creates over 14,000 Newtons of pushing force. It is ideally suited to this type of application where an extremely high starting torque is required to overcome the rolling resistance of the load.

After 18 months of successful operation & favourable feedback from their staff on the shop-floor,  Egytech purchased an addition unit in August 2010 to help meet increased rates of production in their factory. Subsequent units have also been purchased through 2012 & 2013

Commenting on the purchases, Mr. Wael Farag (Egytech, Corporate Foreign Procurement) explained, “The Nu-Star Drum Pusher seems quite unique in the market place and is perfect for our requirements. It is very durable and has all the power we need to move our larger cable drums. Compared to other alternatives, such as a forklift truck, it is significantly smaller and cheaper and there are no fumes to consider when using it inside the factory. It’s extremely easy to operate and is very much safer than trying to move these drums by hand.

The staff are very happy with the machines and Nu-Star have given us good service.”

The Dual Motor Super Power Pusher is the latest addition to the range of pedestrian operated, electric tug units designed and manufactured by Nu-Star.

With manufacturing locations in Derbyshire, UK (www.nu-starmhl.com) – serving the EU, Middle East & Australasian markets and also in Minneapolis, USA (www.nustarinc.com) – serving the N. & S. American & Canadian markets & a growing list of global distributors, Nu-Star is able to offer both standard & bespoke solutions for the movement of heavy loads across many industrial sectors.

Home » News » Nu-Star expand into purpose-built new factory

Nu-Star expand into purpose-built new factory

As a result of continuing strong growth in both domestic and international sales, Nu-Star have recently completed their move into a brand new purpose-built factory in Ednaston, Derbyshire. (The new factory is called “Lakeside” due to its proximity to a series of landscaped lakes that border the site).

Designed by Nu-Star and completed in just 18 weeks from the start of ground works, “Lakeside” is more than twice as big as Nu-Star’s previous factory and has been designed to enable further quick expansion to both shopfloor and office accommodation, as required.

Nu-Star’s Managing Director, Matt Smith, commented; “We are all very excited to finally move into these new premises, particularly so as the location is literally next door to where we were previously based. Most importantly, this means we have been able to retain all our existing staff and now have modern, spacious manufacturing facilities and office space to grow the company, accommodate new staff and continue to drive our product development.

We can also further reduce our manufacturing lead time and launch several new products that we have had in development over the last 18 months.”

“Lakeside” has also been designed to facilitate a quick Phase 2 & 3 expansion later in 2014/15. Phase 2 for the build of an additional mezzanine floor to include conference room, design office, staff rest area and a specific electrical/wiring work area. Phase 3 will further enlarge the quality, production & shipping departments”.

Roy Underwood (Manufacturing Team Leader) observed; “The company has invested a lot of money with new pit-installed lift tables, epoxy painted floor, new forklift & racking, and new tools. It all helps us build the machines more easily and we can really concentrate on the quality of the product.”

Home » News » NEW Electric Wheelbarrow from Nu-Star MHL

NEW Electric Wheelbarrow from Nu-Star MHL

Nu-Star is proud to announce the launch of their first product in a new range of small electric vehicles – The Multiple Utility Vehicle (MUV). A pedestrian operated, battery-powered, electric wheelbarrow.

Shown here with the Wheelbarrow module, MUV was initially conceived in response to requests from our Distributor and Re-seller network for a machine that was sufficiently rugged and reliable for frequent use in the Agriculture and Construction sectors. We have applied our specialist knowledge from the broader Material Handling sector to develop a new pedestrian-operated electric vehicle, on which a range of innovative modular designs may be quickly interchanged.

Features such as industrial sealed-for-life gel batteries, foam-filled puncture-proof tyres, on-board (waterproof) multi-voltage battery charger for global operation, programmable motor controller and electrically powered lift/tip have been taken from our existing range of industrial electric tugs.

Nu-Star’s Managing Director, Matt Smith, explained; “The wheelbarrow is one of the oldest and simplest devices used in and around the house & garden and on building sites across the world. Anybody that has spent a day ‘wheelbarrowing’ will know just how difficult and tiring it can be according to the aches and pains experienced the next morning! It is not just the pushing and pulling involved that requires a lot of effort, lifting & tipping the wheelbarrow, when emptying, require additional effort & place strain on the upper body and back. This is our 21st Century interpretation of the device & encapsulates much of what we have learnt & achieved from our activity in the industrial material handling sector over the last 12 years.”

Developed and field-tested over the last 18 months, MUV – Electric Wheelbarrow is now available for both Sale, short & long-term Hire.

Further modules are currently being developed & tested and will be announced over coming months as the MUV range is expanded.

Home » News » MUV product range expanded with new Trailer Mover module

MUV product range expanded with new Trailer Mover module

A pedestrian operated solution for moving trailers

Following quickly on the from the successful launch of the new MUV product range, Nu-Star is delighted to announce the launch of their latest Trailer Mover module.

Specifically designed to enable a single pedesterian operator to move trailers in the 1,000Kgs – 2,000Kgs weight range, the MUV-Trailer Mover is fitted with a quick-change 50mm Ball Hitch or, Towing Eye/Pin attachment.

Nu-Star’s Matt Smith explained; “We are often asked if it is possible to simply fit a Ball Hitch to one of our Power Pushers so the user can move trailers around in manufacturing operations, storage yards and in specific applications where it is not possible to use a vehicle or, a forklift truck. The Power Pusher is not the correct machine for this application because the connection point needs to be directly above the drive-axle and therefore requires at least three wheels to be in contact with the ground at any one time for stability.

One of the primary design criteria for our new MUV range of electric tugs was to offer a module that enabled small industrial trailers to be quickly hitched up and moved around. We have designed the MUV in such a way that, within 5 minutes, it can be either an electric wheelbarrow or, by simply swapping the tub over, it can be an electric trailer mover.”

Home » News » MUV product range expanded with new Trolley Retrieval module

MUV product range expanded with new Trolley Retrieval module

A pedestrian operated solution for retrieving & collecting trolleys

Further widening their new MUV range of industrial electric tug solutions, Nu-Star is delighted to announce the launch of their latest Trolley Retrieval module.

Specifically designed to enable a single pedesterian operator to collect and retrieve trolleys in supermarket car parks, airports, shopping centres, shopping malls and other similar locations, the MUV-Trolley Retrieal is fitted with an adjustable front attachment which can be quickly set to capture the rear castors of a single trolley, thereby enabling subsequent trolleys to be ‘nested’ to the front of the machie and create a line of trolleys.

When empty the MUV is operated by hand from the tillerhead and when loaded the operator steers the line of trolleys from the front and operates the MUV tug by radio control.

Home » News » MUV Electric Wheelbarrow wheels away inefficiency

MUV Electric Wheelbarrow wheels away inefficiency

The new MUV Electric Wheelbarrow, or mini-dumper, from Nu-Star Material Handling not only allows operators to transport heavy loads with ease, it eliminates the unnecessary ergonomic challenges and production halts associated with traditional wheelbarrow solutions. Furthermore, the savings made in reduced labour and enhanced efficiency ensure rapid return on investment in sectors that include construction, industrial, agriculture, horticulture, landscaping and gardening.

Demanding industries such as construction call for increased profitability and efficiency, while at the same time protecting workers from over-exertion. The MUV Electric Wheelbarrow eliminates the pushing and pulling required when using a conventional manual wheelbarrow and, since it has a push-button operated electric dump (capable of tipping loads up to 350kg), it also removes the lifting effort required when emptying/dumping a wheelbarrow.

With a choice of either 800W or 1,200W DC electric drive motors, the MUV Electric motorised Wheelbarrow is virtually noise free in its operation, making it ideal for internal use and in areas where noise-pollution is a concern for local residents.

Since there are no handle-bar vibrations to cause Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) or ‘dead finger’ the Electric Wheelbarrow may be used without having to assess this potential risk to the operator (http://www.hse.gov.uk/vibration/hav/advicetoemployers/assessrisks.htm).

The MUV Electric Wheelbarrow is available with both moulded industrial plastic and galvanized steel tubs, which may be interchanged by removing locking detent pins on the sub-frame. Other attachments, such as a flat-bed for transporting bricks, tiles and blocks are also available.

Power comes from two 12V, 90AHr batteries, each is sealed-for-life and maintenance-free. The waterproof battery charger is fitted on-board and may be connected to either a 220V or 110V power supply. The batteries and battery charger are matched to enable opportunity charging, at any point in the charging cycle, thereby considerably extending run-time. A coloured, LED battery-charge indicator gauge on the control panel clearly shows the battery state.

Featuring a highly manoeuvrable design, the MUV Electric Wheelbarrow is operated using an infinitely variable, twist-grip throttle on the right handle in conjunction with a forwards/backwards direction switch on the control panel. Maximum speed is up to 4.6km/h for the 800W version and up to 6km/h for 1,200W version. An additional ‘tortoise’ mode switch on the control panel reduces maximum forward speed by 50% to enable inch-perfect positioning when activating the electric-tip and to help achieve a graduated release of the wheelbarrow contents.

The front drive wheels and rear swivelling castor are fitted with industrial foam-filled tyres, making them puncture-proof and impervious to the nails/screws and sharp objects often found  littering construction sites. In addition to regenerative braking provided by the 125Amp motor controller, there is a 6Nm electromagnetic brake for holding the wheelbarrow when on slopes and when in transit between locations.

Typical uses for the MUV Electric Wheelbarrow include:

• Internal and external construction projects
• Barrowing concrete from roadside concrete mixer lorries
• Crop harvesting in glasshouses and poly-tunnels
• External landscaping projects
• Moving feedstuffs in stables and ‘mucking out’

No driving licence is required to use the powered wheelbarrow, which may be loaded quickly into a van or onto a trailer using three scaffold planks, a tail-lift or ramp.

The MUV Electric Wheelbarrow is available for both Sale and Hire, direct from the OEM.

Nu-Star will be displaying the MUV Electric Wheelbarrow on stand X46 at The Executive Hire Show, taking place on the 11^th and 12^th February 2015 at the Ricoh Arena, Coventry, UK.

Further information is available on request to:

Nu-Star Material Handling Ltd,
Lakeside,
Ednaston Business Centre,
Ednaston,
Derbyshire
DE6 3AE

Tel: 0115 880 0070
Fax: 0115 880 0071

e-mail: [email protected]
www.nu-starmhl.com

Home » News » Nu-Star launch Dual Motor Super Power Pusher

Nu-Star launch Dual Motor Super Power Pusher

In response to strong demand from both the Railway & Cable sectors and after 15 months of development, Nu-Star Material Handling have broadened their range of industrial load movers with the launch of the new Dual-Motor Super Power Pusher.

Powered by two x 1.5Kw DC electric motors (both with integrated gearboxes and differentials), two x 200Amp motor controllers & three x 90AHr military-grade Gel batteries, the machines are built around a custom 10mm steel chassis in order to cope with the high levels of starting torque created.

In standard form, the machine generates up to 14,400N of Pushing force.

In High Torque form, there is up to 16,600N of Pushing Force available to the operator.

(As a comparison, the MY2013 diesel powered V8 Range Rover creates 700N)

Nu-Star’s Technical Director, Steve Mather, explained:

“Over the last 3 years we have received an increasing number of enquiries from both existing and new customers seeking to push bigger and heavier loads. As manufacturers seek out ever more economies of scale, their products and projects seem to be getting bigger every year. We found that the requirements were exceeding the capabilities of our standard Super Power Pusher and so we set out to see if we could provide a similar sized machine but with more power.

It was technically challenging to fit all the components into the space available but, the biggest challenge was to find a DC motor controller that could provide the current required. Eventually we worked with our supplier to increase the power and to ‘Duplex’ two of the motor controllers so that each drive motor responds simultaneously – something never done before apparently.

In the testing phase, we had to significantly strengthen our test-jig (which we use to record the performance of the machines) as, on the first attempt to measure the push force, it ripped the jig clean out of its concrete foundations.

The product has been extremely successful from the day we launched it and is now in daily use in industries such as Mining, Rail manufacturing, Rail servicing & Cable manufacturing.”

Home » News » Rollalong upgrade fleet of Power Pushers to Super Pushers

Rollalong upgrade fleet of Power Pushers to Super Pushers

Rollalong’s Mark Smith & Gary Tutton using the new Super Pusher to move a 16.5m long, 4m wide, 12 Tonne modular building along the Finishing line.

Established in 1932, Rollalong is renowned for the design, manufacture and installation of high quality modular / volumetric buildings and portable accommodation units.

From an 11 ½ Acre site in Wimborne Dorset, Rollalong manufacture and supply to a wide range of market sectors including: Defence, Social Housing, MOJ, Schools, Railways etc.

During the manufacturing process which operates as a flow line, each building is mounted on up to 8 heavy duty swivel castors and progresses through each Manufacturing Cell as it steadily reaches completion. The final product gaining weight as it goes culminating sometimes in excess of 13 Tonnes.

Rollalong first contacted Nu-Star in 2003 when they were looking for a solution to eliminate the use of forklift trucks in the production area and improve workforce Health & Safety.

During 2003 & 2004, Rollalong purchased four Power Pushers to move buildings along the production line and two Power Pushers for towing the wall panels from the sub-assembly workshop into the main production area.

In addition to the Cost Savings, Productivity and Health & Safety benefits obtained by using the Power Pushers, Rollalong were able to free-up valuable additional space on the shop-floor, which has been used to increase capacity.

The Power Pushers have been in constant daily use over the subsequent years and have run trouble-free with little or no maintenance.

Oscar Nicklen, Rollalong’s Maintenance engineer confirmed;

“The Power Pushers get worked hard every day and apart from some minor accidental damage to the tiller head throttles, they have not been out of use throughout the last five years. They are very popular with the staff and have proved extremely reliable and capable machines. They are popular with me as they do the job, are robust and I virtually never see them.”

Over time, the industry demand for buildings that Rollalong manufacture has changed to bigger and heavier units. This enables larger projects to be completed quicker, obviously the bigger the module, the less of them there are and the faster the on-site completion time.

Some modules have such a high anti – terrorist rating that it is not uncommon for them to be sheeted in over 4mm of steel presenting even more challenges in movement.

As a direct result of continuous improvement initiatives to aid manufacture of these larger products Rollalong has completely re-laid out its site and started a programme of capital investment to further improve on efficiency’s in both space and speed of production.

In October 2008 Rollalong’s Manufacturing Support Manager, Mark Loader, contacted Nu-Star and asked for a demonstration of the more powerful Super Pusher.

Following a demonstration & trial, Rollalong’s Operations Director, Tim Woodley, explained;

“The key to continuous improvement is elimination of waste, this means in all areas. For example the more space we waste between units, the less we can get in a building, the larger the site we need for the same output, the more heating etc. etc. To gain this advantage creates an enormous challenge when positioning a 12 Tonne building, inch perfect with the manoeuvrability of a supermarket trolley.

 The Super Pushers worked perfectly during the demonstration, handling the biggest of our buildings with ease. We were especially impressed with the amount of torque available at very low speeds.

We asked Nu-Star to leave the demo units with us while they manufactured the new machines as having seen them in action we didn’t want to give them back! A week later they returned with our new Super Pushers!

We elected to add the optional audible motion bleepers on these Pushers, as Health & Safety is a key factor in our selection of equipment. The beepers are nice and loud and can be set so they cannot be disabled. Anyone on the production line now cannot help but be aware that the Super Pushers are moving the buildings.

We have been impressed with the performance of  Nu-Star machines and also the speed with which Nu-Star respond to our requests.

I see these new Super Pushers as an invaluable addition to our factory and I am sure they will help us meet our significantly increased production targets for 2009 and beyond.”

Nu-Star is a specialist manufacturer of pedestrian operated, electric tug units used to push, pull & generally manoeuvre, wheeled & rolling loads across a wide range of industrial sectors.

Their range of pedestrian tugs are all simple to operate, require no operator licence to use, are cost effective, extremely durable and easy to maintain & offer the following key benefits to customers:

–         Increase productivity by mechanising previously manually-performed tasks

–         Replace larger and more expensive equipment and therefore free-up floor space

–         Reduce the risk of employee injury as a result of over-exertion

In addition to a standard product range, Nu-Star also offer a bespoke design & build service after a free on-site consultation.

Home » News » Deva Hawarden use Nu-Star Reel Pushers

Deva Hawarden use Nu-Star Reel Pushers

Deva Hawarden Board and Display (a specialist paper & board converter and laminator to the packaging & display industry) have recently taken delivery of their second Nu-Star Power Pusher at their manufacturing facility in Hawarden, Flintshire.

This second Power Pusher has been supplied on a 5 year hire contract as part of the Deva Hawarden expansion program.

The Power Pushers are used to push 1 ½ tonne paper rolls onto the three sheeting machines and one laminator at its Flintshire site.

Paul Shepard (Deva Hawarden’s Production Manager) commented:

“The first Nu-Star machine has operated problem-free for over 18 months and has been both a Health & Safety and Productivity benefit in the plant. It has also proven popular with the staff, so we had no hesitation in choosing to Contract Hire another Power Pusher to service our recently acquired third sheeter”.

Nu-Star is a specialist manufacturer of pedestrian operated, electric tug units used to push, pull & generally manoeuvre wheeled & rolling loads across a wide range of industrial sectors.

Their range of pedestrian tugs are all simple to operate, require no operator licence to use, are cost effective and easy to maintain. They offer the following key benefits to customers:

– Increase productivity by mechanising previously manually-performed tasks

– Replace larger and more expensive equipment and therefore free-up floor space

– Reduce the risk of employee injury as a result of over-exertion

In addition to a standard product range, Nu-Star also offer a bespoke design & build service after a free on-site consultation.

Customers & Distributors in the EU, Australasia & the Middle East are supplied from the factory in Derbyshire, whilst customers in N. America, S. America & Canada are supplied from the factory in Minneapolis, USA.