Operator Command and Control Options
• Pendant panel
• Remote controller
• On-board driver – footplate
• On-board driver – cabin
Morello’s heavy-load self-propelled trolleys can be controlled by operators in 4 different ways. There is also the fully automatic cart option (AGV), but this is discussed in a separate section.
Regarding operator-controlled trolleys, the control option depends on a series of factors:
• The working environment of the self-propelled trolley: only indoor, only outdoor, or both
• The length of the routes that the trolley must travel
• The speed at which the self-propelled cart must travel
• The work cycles or shifts of the trolley: a few hours per shift or 24/7 working
• The type of steering with which the trolley is equipped
Pendant panel
Cable-connected device control is the easiest, cheapest and most reliable way to control a Morello self-propelled trolley. In this case the trolley is equipped with two sockets in opposite corners, to which a push-button panel equipped with cable is connected.
The operator must always stay in proximity to the self-propelled vehicle (2 or 3 meters). This type of control is therefore suitable for trolleys which do not have to travel long distances. The operator must follow the trolley on foot and stay close by. The trolley has a low-speed level and operates to work cycles which are not too demanding in terms of continuous working hours.
The cable-connected control panel is often supplied as a backup device for clients who have chosen to use a radio-controlled device as a first option.
The operator must always stay in proximity to the self-propelled vehicle (2 or 3 meters). This type of control is therefore suitable for trolleys which do not have to travel long distances. The operator must follow the trolley on foot and stay close by. The trolley has a low-speed level and operates to work cycles which are not too demanding in terms of continuous working hours.
The cable-connected control panel is often supplied as a backup device for clients who have chosen to use a radio-controlled device as a first option.
Remote controller
Remote control is the most flexible way to control a Morello self-propelled vehicle. In this case the communication between the control panel and the trolley takes place via radio, thanks to a receiver positioned on board the trolley.
As no connection cable is required, the operator can efficiently control the self-propelled vehicle by quickly positioning himself in the best position for optimum visibility, without any equipment limiting his movement. Remote control is therefore particularly suitable for omni-directional trolleys, which, being able to steer in any direction, can turn on the spot and work in very narrow spaces. The operator must be completely free to move and position himself as required.
Since the operator is not obliged to follow the vehicle step by step and can stay at a certain distance, the remote control option is also more suitable for trolleys with slightly more intense work cycles.
As no connection cable is required, the operator can efficiently control the self-propelled vehicle by quickly positioning himself in the best position for optimum visibility, without any equipment limiting his movement. Remote control is therefore particularly suitable for omni-directional trolleys, which, being able to steer in any direction, can turn on the spot and work in very narrow spaces. The operator must be completely free to move and position himself as required.
Since the operator is not obliged to follow the vehicle step by step and can stay at a certain distance, the remote control option is also more suitable for trolleys with slightly more intense work cycles.
On-Board Driver - standing footplate
In the case of ‘ride-on’ footplate-controlled trolleys, the operator is positioned on a platform mounted on the trolley itself, normally in a standing upright position. The operator is therefore on-board the vehicle and is not required to walk beside the trolley during handling operations.
The platform can be equipped with special controls, such as a handwheel and a driving joystick, or it can be simply operated using a push-button panel or a remote-control device. This type of control is therefore suitable for trolleys which have to travel fairly long routes and at relatively higher speeds. This is a less demanding solution for the on-board operator and consequently is suitable for more demanding work cycles where the operator/driver must work continuously.
The platform can be equipped with special controls, such as a handwheel and a driving joystick, or it can be simply operated using a push-button panel or a remote-control device. This type of control is therefore suitable for trolleys which have to travel fairly long routes and at relatively higher speeds. This is a less demanding solution for the on-board operator and consequently is suitable for more demanding work cycles where the operator/driver must work continuously.
On-Board Driver - cabin
For particularly long routes and relatively high speeds, it is possible to equip Morello self-propelled vehicles with a special driver’s cabin. In this case the operator sits in a comfortable cockpit, equipped with seat, steering wheel, brake and accelerator pedals, control panel and a whole series of other possible options for comfortable and efficient operations.
The cabin may be designed to be partially open or completely enclosed. A closed cabin, which can be equipped with heating and air conditioning, is therefore the ideal solution for outdoor operations, in which the operator is exposed to variable weather conditions.
This solution is often much appreciated by customers as an alternative to diesel trucks. In fact, not only can a Morello self-propelled vehicle with cab be customized to meet the customer’s load and dimensional needs, it can also be battery powered and driven by electric motors, totally eliminating pollution and ensuring a completely green solution for transport within the plant.
The cabin may be designed to be partially open or completely enclosed. A closed cabin, which can be equipped with heating and air conditioning, is therefore the ideal solution for outdoor operations, in which the operator is exposed to variable weather conditions.
This solution is often much appreciated by customers as an alternative to diesel trucks. In fact, not only can a Morello self-propelled vehicle with cab be customized to meet the customer’s load and dimensional needs, it can also be battery powered and driven by electric motors, totally eliminating pollution and ensuring a completely green solution for transport within the plant.