Frequently asked questions about the Mobicon light-weight straddle carriers

General

HOW HEAVY ARE MOBICON STRADDLE CARRIERS?

The Mobicon 2T weighs only 13 tonnes

The Mobicon 2HL (Top Lift, Stacks 2 High) only 26 tonnes

The Mobicon 2HS only 30 tonnes

HOW SAFE IS A MOBICON?

Mobicon container handlers cannot tip over in typical operation’s like forklifts or reach stackers. Dangerous & slippery loading docks are no longer needed, and the operator is safely away from the load while driving. A container cannot swing or fall due to a rigid connection with the load, no wire ropes, and the mechanical failsafe system.

WHAT ARE THE SERVICE INTERVALS FOR MOBICON CONTAINER HANDLERS?

A Mobicon is serviced every 250 hours, or every 6 months.  A service typically takes around 3 hours. Read more about servicing your Mobicon here.

HOW EASY IS IT TO MAINTAIN A MOBICON LIGHT-WEIGHT STRADDLE CARRIER?

Mechanics find Mobicon straddle carriers easier to repair and maintain than a forklift.  A Mobicon’s maintenance is very simple, with most components used comparable with forklifts.

HOW ARE THE MOBICON WHEELS DRIVEN?

Hydraulic wheel motors drive four wheels. A Bosch-Rexroth transmission pump is driven by the engine, so there are no drive axles.

I READ THAT THE MOBICON IS VERY FLEXIBLE, WHAT IS MEANT BY THAT?

Mobicon light-weight straddle carriers offer the huge advantage of being flexible in handling any type and size of container. Depending on the model, they can handle from 20 to 60-foot containers, and all types of containers, including flat racks, open top containers, out of gauge freight, tank containers, half height containers, and curtain-sided containers.  Mobicon container handlers are also very flexible with where it can place containers.  Unlike a forklift it can move containers length ways needing far less space to manoeuvre.

Specifications

WHAT IS THE AXLE WEIGHT OF A LOADED MOBICON?

Because the Mobicon has eight wheels, and the load is evenly spread over all four axles, the load on the pavement is very low. 

For example, loaded with a 26,000kg container:

2T Mobicon – maximum axle load is only 11,000kg.

2HL Mobicon – maximum axle load is only 13,500kg.

WHAT SIZE CONTAINER CAN A MOBICON LIGHT-WEIGHT STRADDLE CARRIER HANDLE?

Depending on the model, Mobicon  straddle carriers can handle all ISO containers, including flat racks (bolsters), 62-foot containers, and open top containers.

HOW HIGH CAN A CONTAINER BE LIFTED WITH MOBICON LIGHT-WEIGHT STRADDLE CARRIERS?

The lift height of the 2T is 1.75 meters

The lift height of the 2HL is 3.4 meters (Hi-Cube over Hi-Cube)

WHAT ELECTRIC SYSTEM IS USED IN MOBICON STRADDLE CARRIERS?

A simple 24 volt automotive electrical system is used.  All cables are tagged for easy fault finding.

CAN A MOBICON HANDLE OVER-HEIGHT CONTAINERS?

The 2T Mobicon can handle containers loaded up to 800mm out of gauge, making it very popular in the glass industry.  The 2HL Mobicon can be fitted with an OH lifting frame, allowing it to handle a wide range of out of gauge containers.

Operation

HOW EASY IS IT TO OPERATE A MOBICON LIGHT-WEIGHT STRADDLE CARRIER?

Like all machinery, training is required.  In most cases, a three-hour training session is sufficient. After that, it is recommended that a spotter is used to assist for the first 50 containers to ensure safe operation.

DOES THE OPERATOR OF A MOBICON NEED A LICENSE?

In Australia, and most other countries, no license is required. However local regulations must be checked. Competency training is supplied as part of the commissioning of the new Mobicon.

WHAT IS THE OPERATORS VIEW LIKE FROM A MOBICON?

The operator cabin is fitted with a CCTV monitor, and 4 cameras are fitted around the straddle carrier, providing the driver with a safe and comprehensive view of their surroundings.

HOW MANY OPERATORS ARE NEEDED TO LIFT A CONTAINER?

Mobicon light-weight straddle carriers are a one man operation.

WHAT IS THE DRIVE SPEED OF MOBICON LIGHT-WEIGHT STRADDLE CARRIERS?

The Mobicon 2T and 2HL can drive 9km/hr.

The Mobicon 2HS can drive 12km/hr

WHAT ROAD SURFACE IS NEEDED FOR THE MOBICON TO WORK ON?

Unlike container forklift and reach stackers, which have huge axle loads, Mobicon’s can work on most concrete, bitumen, pavers, or compacted gravel surfaces.  Most surfaces that are suitable for a truck or trailer are suitable for a Mobicon light-weight straddle carrier. If in doubt, a yard test should be done. The axle weights at different container loads can be supplied.

Industry

WHAT KINDS OF COMPANIES USE MOBICON LIGHT-WEIGHT STRADDLE CARRIERS?

Generally, Mobicon container handlers are used by companies who handle between 5 and 200 containers per week. Several of our clients have greater throughput than this and have several Mobicon units in their operation.  Mobicon straddle carriers are used in industries including; logistics and transport, importers and exporters, wine, food. diary, steel, chemical production and dangerous goods storage, mining, construction, and ports. Several customs and defence departments including the Australian and American Defence Forces use Mobicon light-weight straddle carriers in their operations.

WHY DO COMPANIES USE MOBICON LIGHT-WEIGHT STRADDLE CARRIERS?

There are many advantages to using a Mobicon for your container handling needs:

1. Packing or unpacking containers on the ground instead of on a trailer is safer and faster.
2. Eliminating dependency on loading docks, as loading docks can be very unsafe, limiting, and inflexible.
3. Compared with other means of handling containers, Mobicon light-weight straddle carriers are very cost effective. The capital outlay, maintenance, tyre, and fuel costs are very low.
4. The low axle loads of the Mobicon 4-axle machines does not damage a yard surface like forklifts, reach stackers or 1.5 and 2-axle straddle carriers do. (Another word for a “1.5 axle” mini straddle carrier is a 3-wheeler).
5. The operator does not need a license.
6. Compared with self-loading trailers, (side-loaders or swing lifters) the Mobicon is more economical when container numbers increase.
7. Unlike with self-loading trailers, “where the container lays, is where it stays”, a Mobicon has the capacity to quickly transport containers around the site.
8. Waiting time for the transport company is reduced, as a Mobicon can pack or unpack the container when and where they want, they don’t disturb the transport provider.
9. Placing a container close to where the goods are is another advantage; it reduces the time it takes to pack/unpack a container.
10. A low-cost Mobicon container handler may allow a company to reduce dependency on 3PL services. Bringing container operations in-house can save time and money.