Machine Skates in Action
LOAD & MACHINE SKATE SIZES
Machine Skates used with Smaller Loads
Jung machine skates with 3.3-inch diameter wheels are used to transport smaller loads up to 24 tons. These are the lowest profile skates that are freely steerable. Toe jacks are used in conjunction to lift the load on and off the skates. Loads can be pulled or driven backwards.
Image above: Machine skates are positioned in front of a load (picture left), Load is handled by two toe jacks to lower load onto machine skates (Picture top right), Load is lowered on machine skate by one toe jack (Picture middle right), Load is dropped onto machine skates (picture bottom right)
Machine Skates used for Medium-sized Loads
Jung machine skates with 3.5 to 5.5-inch diameter wheels are used to transport medium-sized loads up to 50 tons. The larger skates can also be used with the smaller loads to provide easier rolling but at a trade-off in height. The medium sized skates with the larger diameter wheels are capable of running on slightly uneven asphalt.
Image above: Steerable machine skate transporting concrete block is being towed (picture left), Front machine skate looking from the top-down (picture top right), Straight-line machine skate carrying rear-end of load (Picture bottom right)
Machine Skates for Large Loads
And Jung machine skates with 7.1-inch diameter wheels and larger are used to transport the largest loads. These skates with the largest diameter wheels can handle extreme loads and conditions.
Image above: Heavy load is being lowered by crane (picture left), The heavy load is being rolled by machine skates (picture top right), The machine skate is being attached to the forklift (Picture bottom right)
Image above: A 120-ton load is being towed on machine skates by a forklift (picture top left), The forklift is pulling the machine skates (picture top right), A forklift is positioning to push the load on machine skates (picture bottom left), Straight-line machine skates are supporting the rear-end of the 120-ton load (Picture bottom right)
RANGE OF USE
Machine Skates Transporting Industrial Loads
These machine skates are used to transport industrial loads in heavy duty environments and less than ideal conditions.
Image above: An industrial load is resting on machine skates (picture top left), The handle of the machine skate is attached for towing and steering (picture middle top), A forklift is steering the steerable machine skate (picture bottom left), The machine skate is turned and rolled sideways with the load (Picture bottom right)
Machine Skates in Commercial and Construction use
The machine skates are also used in construction and commercial applications.
Image above: A ship, resting on a frame and supported by machine skates is ready for transport (picture left), The rear skates are supporting the frame (picture center top), The front skate is supporting the frame (picture center bottom), The machine skates are being towed by a heavy-duty forklift (Picture top right), The frame is resting on the machine skates (Picture bottom right)
ADAPT TO LOAD
Using a Crossbeam with Machine Skates
A crossbeam is used to create a center support point if necessary. This set-up is better suited than using a 4-point dolly system.
Image above: A load on machine skates is being towed (picture top left), The skate supporting the crossbeam is turned (Picture bottom left), A crossbeam is used to span the loads feet for a machine skate support (picture bottom right)
Platform Use for Loads that are not rigid
Commonly, steel frames and platforms are used when the load is not structurally sound enough to be supported by machine skates. In this case machine skates are often permanently installed.
Image above: The straight-line skates are supporting the rear of a tank (picture left), The tank is being towed (Picture 2nd from left), The front machine skate is being steered (picture second from right), A cluse-up of the front machine skate being turned
Overhanging Loads
Machine skates do not have to support the leading and trailing edges of a load but can be positioned further-in underneath or pushed back with the load overhanging the front dolly, provided the pulling handle is long enough to stick out.
Image above: A load on a platform is being towed (picture left), The rear skates are supporting the loading platform (Picture center), the steerable-front machine skate is supporting the front of the platform (picture right)
Machine Skates at Different Heights
A spacer is commonly used to build-up the height of a skate to level the front and rear end of the load. This works perfectly well as the load weight firmly presses down and holds the combination in place.
Image above: A board is used as a spacer between the load and the machine skate (picture left), The rear of the load is being supported by a skate without a spacer plate (Picture right)