Käppeli Logistik AG, a traditional St. Gallen Rhine Valley company, continuously sets new standards with its innovative logistics solutions. With a fleet of more than 100 trucks, about 35 of which are equipped with lifting solutions from PALFINGER, the company is well-positioned to meet the diverse demands of the industry.
One of the latest additions to this fleet is the PALFINGER hookloader "HT 30", mounted on a 3-axle semi-trailer and pulled by an electrically powered tractor unit. Managing Director Mike Ritter gives us insights into the application area of this still-rare equipment combination and the advantages that this special solution brings.
Modern logistics solutions
The company aims to increase efficiency and safety in operations with modern logistics solutions and make a significant contribution to sustainability. One example is the conversion of the existing truck fleet to operate entirely on BIO diesel.
The company aims to increase efficiency and safety in operations with modern logistics solutions
However, when acquiring new trucks, the company focuses clearly on zero-emission operations. Thus, for the acquisition of the new hookloader, only an electrically powered tractor unit was considered by the management. Since the load required for the application can only be handled by 5-axle trucks, which are only available in diesel operation – and are also relatively heavy and expensive – the company opted for an electric 4x2 tractor unit with a semi-trailer. Equipped with the "HT 30" – the most powerful hookloader in the PALFINGER range, containers up to 9 meters long and 30 tons can be moved.
Special transport containers
The "HT 30" special solution is used by GEVAG, a company specializing in the thermal recycling of waste for energy production.
Here, the PALFINGER Hookloader is used to transport dry slag safely and efficiently. "The slag is as dusty as cement and must be transported in a closed container," explains Ritter. These special transport containers can be optimally moved with the HT 30.
Essential for continuous operation
This process enables precise and safe loading, which is essential for continuous operation"
Currently, this amounts to about 20,000 kilograms per transport, which are brought to a special facility near Zurich, where around 2,800 kilograms of valuable materials such as iron, copper, or gold are filtered out before the "depleted" residual slag of around 17,200 kilograms is further transported to a landfill. This means about 6 loading cycles per day for Käppeli driver Djin with the new special vehicle, corresponding to an annual deployment of 1,560 loading cycles.
The loading process is highly automated: the container is placed on a hydraulic table that automatically opens the lid, fills in the dry slag, and extracts the dust. After a short waiting period, the table is lowered, and the lid closes automatically again. "This process enables precise and safe loading, which is essential for continuous operation," the managing director adds.
Classic disposal solutions
The HT 30 special solution from PALFINGER is equipped with useful features that makes operation safer and more efficient. A remote control allows the hookloader to be operated outside the driver's cab, which is an indispensable safety and comfort aspect given the on-site conditions. Additionally, the HT 30 has a rapid mode that increases efficiency and thus saves time and costs.
Mike Ritter has an optimal sense of developments in the logistics industry
After 25 years with Käppeli Logistik AG, Mike Ritter has an optimal sense of developments in the logistics industry and, with a background as a trained truck mechanic and truck driver, possesses practical knowledge that repeatedly proves useful in his role as managing director.
He sees great potential for the use of the semi-trailer with hookloader: “Besides the container system we already use continuously, we can also deploy these trailers for classic disposal solutions and road construction. The flexibility of this system allows us to respond quickly and efficiently to different requirements,” he explains.
Truck-mounted forklifts
As part of Käppeli Holding, Käppeli Logistik AG is a crucial pillar of the parent company, which is also active in the construction, environmental, and digital sectors.
Not only PALFINGER Hook- and Skiploaders are in use, but also cranes, truck-mounted forklifts, and tail lifts from PALFINGER support the company in areas such as construction logistics, special transports, and national as well as international traffic. “These jobs require reliable equipment, which is why PALFINGER components are indispensable for us,” says Mike Ritter.
