Examples of Machine Skate Configurations
#1 3-Point Support System for Standard Applications
Recommended Configuration!
Employed Skates: (Position B) Steerable machine skate
(Positions G & I) Straight-line machine skate
Consideration: Weight is equally divided across all 3 contact points. Load cannot rock on even or uneven ground. Skates will stay in place even under pulling and tugging action.
(Assumption: Center of Gravity in middle).
#2 3-Point Support Configuration with Shorter Turning Radius
Employed Skates: (Position B) Steerable machine skate
(Positions D & F) Straight-line machine skate
Consideration: The straight-line skates will carry 70% of the weight, while the steerable skate is used for support only. The advantage: The turning radius is dramatically reduced.
For the steerable skate not to slip out from the pulling force, the steerable skate is required to carry at least 25% of the load weight.
To utilize system, straight-line skates must have a higher capacity than with a standard system.
#3 4-Point Support System for Loads on Legs or on C-Channels
For Special Application Only!
Employed Skates: (Positions A & C) Steerable machine skate
Positions (G & I) Straight-line machine skate
Consideration: Use only if 3-point support is not possible, for loads with legs or C-channel.
Load can rock when travelling over uneven surface resulting in: (1) A shift of weight, (2) loss of contact with one skate, (3) possibly overloading other skate, and (4) slipping of skate out from underneath.
#4 Configuration for Added Maneuverability on the Back End
For Special Application Only!
Employed Skates: (All Positions) Steerable machine skates
Consideration: Configuration provides added maneuverability on front and back end for movement around tight corners.
Not recommended for loads over 10 tons due to need for forklift assisted steering on both ends as front and back end travel in separate directions.
#5 Rotating Skates with Steerable Machine Skates for Short Radius Turns
Mix and Match!
Employed Skates: (Position B) Steerable machine skate
(Positions G & I) Rotating skates
Consideration: Ideal for short radius turns - Steer or tow around corner and swing the backend around for short turning radius.
#6 Configuration for Loads That Sag in the Center
For Special Application Only!
Employed Skates: (Position B) Steerable machine skate
(Positions D & F) Rotating skates
(Positions G & I) Straight-line machine skate
Consideration: Steerable system, with rotating skates that will support the load from sagging in the center.
If the load is able to rock on uneven ground like a seesaw, center skates will carry all the weight and may get overloaded. Please use large safety capacity for center skates accordingly.
#7 Configuration for loads that sag in the center
For Special Application Only!
Employed Skates: (Positions B & H) Steerable machine skate
(Positions D & F) Straight-line machine skate
Consideration: Configuration provides complete maneuverability.
If the load is able to rock on uneven ground like a see-saw, center skates will carry all the weight and may get overloaded. Please use large safety capacity for center skates accordingly.
#8 Configuration for straight-line machine skate
For Special Application Only!
Employed Skates: (All Positions) Straight-line machine skate
Consideration: For straight-line transport only.
Aligning front and back wheels in same direction is difficult. Wheel material may wear down over time from misalignment.