Heavy transport made easy

Headquartered in Harsewinkel, Westphalia, the company is the European market leader in combine harvesters. CLAAS is the world market leader in another major product group, self-propelled forage harvesters. CLAAS is also a world leader in agricultural technology with tractors, agricultural balers and grassland harvesting machines. The product range also includes state-of-the-art agricultural information technology. CLAAS employs 11,900 people worldwide and achieved a turnover of 4.8 billion euros in the 2021 financial year.

In combine harvester production, CLAAS uses manual push carts equipped with Blickle rollers, which have been in successful use for years. The components are transported from pre-assembly to the production line. But a problem arose: Over the years, the components became larger and larger and now weigh up to 1.6 tons each. This meant that at least two employees were required to push the trolleys to their destination by hand - a physically demanding task. To relieve the strain, those responsible at CLAAS looked for an alternative.

After a thorough analysis, the experts at Blickle finally suggested the use of the ErgoMove 2000 electric drive system. Now only one employee is needed to transport the heavy loads.

ErgoMove 2000 can transport a total weight of up to two tons. In addition to the drive power, the system is also characterized by steering and braking support. As part of a load-bearing structure, ErgoMove 2000 offers flawless handling whatever the weight of the trolley. The electric drive has all the relevant safety features. It is equipped with an emergency stop switch, an anti-trap device and electromechanical dead man's brakes. This increases personal safety and enables goods to be transported safely. The cockpit is equipped with two rotary encoders, making it easy to maneuver heavy loads even in the tightest of spaces.

CLAAS ultimately opted for the solution from Rosenfeld in Baden-Württemberg, but a standard version of the system was out of the question: fire safety regulations prohibited the batteries from being charged directly on the transport trolleys in the production hall. This meant that Blickle's ErgoMove business unit had to come up with a solution: the experts designed a control box with an exchangeable battery unit. Now the batteries can be charged in a fireproof cabinet.

CLAAS is very satisfied with this ergonomic solution from Blickle. The heavy components can be moved easily and safely at the touch of a button - effortlessly and by just one employee.

• Impeccable driving behavior with any trolley weight
• Version with two rotary encoders offers the possibility of easily maneuvering heavy loads even in the tightest of spaces
• Ergonomically correct working conditions
• Increased efficiency in internal transport
• Additional external interchangeable battery box