Photo Scanner: Transfer A Car

Transfer A Car

Transfer cars (or transfer carts) are used to move heavy material across floors, typically in factories. There are two types: non-steerable and steerable. Non-steerable transfer cars, which came first, are typically rail mounted, handle higher capacities up to 100 Tons, and are used to transfer material between crane bays, thus avoiding side loading of hoists. Steerable transfer cars have wheels and can be directed anywhere in a production area. Non-steerable types run off either AC power or DC (internal battery) power. Steerable types run off an internal battery. Transfer cars are currently being used in lean manufacturing of large farm equipment and off-road vehicles and equipment. Typically the partially completed equipment is moved from one production cell to the next everyday or two, instead leaving the equipment stationary and moving the workers and their tools. An assembly line such as this can be made up of 14 transfer cars in session, and used in assembly operations until the wheels of the vehicle are put on. Assembly operations not currently employing this method of production waste 2 to 3 hours per vehicle in material handling the partially completed vehicle from one production cell to the next.