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Konecranes BOXRUNNER

The Agile, Multi-purpose Straddle Carrier: Great Performance in Black and White

The new Konecranes straddle carrier BOXRUNNER offers unique a container handling performance to two distinct operations of container handling.

When the core of your business is container handling

BOXRUNNER is the customizable link between yard stacking cranes and ship-to-shore (STS) cranes.  BOXRUNNER is an excellent solution if you are a large container terminal operator looking to increase efficiency by adopting automation technology.  The short and fast BOXRUNNER can keep containers flowing between the STSs and yard container stacks by using its the speed and agility, which enables fast turn-around times for ship.  BOXRUNNER stacks two-high, so it can also load and unload trucks.

When container handling is not the core of your business

BOXRUNNER can be a much more effective solution if your company handles outgoing and incoming shipments in containers using trucks and trailers, stationary gantry cranes or other solutions.

Ask Your Driver

Your driver’s safety, the comfort of his machine, and his ability to control it greatly affect his productivity and job satisfaction.  BOXRUNNER’s cabin greatly reduces the risk of blind spots and affords optimal visibility in every direction.  BOXRUNNER provides a very stable and safe drive experience because it is built around a uniquely rigid steel structure.  The controls are simple and easy to use, and displays are intelligent and ergonomically arranged, according to your specific requirements.  This allows the machine to be operated accurately and comfortably by your driver.

There is a particularly stable feel in straight driving because of the machine’s multi-axle steering system.  The steering system shifts to Truck Steering Mode when the machine is driven straight at high speed or when turning.  This means that now, only the front wheels are used for steering.

The combination of effective vehicle and seat suspension means that the vibration the driver experiences is minimal.
Also, to reduce as much noise as possible, the drive system and cab are thoroughly soundproofed.  Finally, the cab climate can be precisely controlled by your driver.

  • The length and angle of the pedal are adjustable
  • Adjustable height and angle of steering column
  • The controls and seat are customizable to your individual requirements

A Strong Feeling of Control

The driver has a strong sense of control over the BOXRUNNER as it comes in contact with the drive surface and handles containers.  This sense of control comes from the unique electronic-hydraulic steering system.  Directional stability is ensured and the wear on tires is minimized because of the precision alignment of the wheels.  Slackness and backlash are almost completely eliminated because a differential cylinder turns each individual wheel with an integrated stroke sensor.
There is a low need for maintenance and spare parts for BOXRUNNER’s steering system, and the cylinders and rods of the steering system are designed to be well-protected against collision and contamination.

Steering system:  SMARTER WHERE IT COUNTS

One of the most impressive features of the BOXRUNNER’s steering system is its integrated intelligence.  The system moves each of the axles to provide maximum agility when the machine is driving slowly and when maneuvering through curves.  However, the BOXRUNNER system automatically shifts to “Truck Steering Mode” when it detects that the machine is traveling at high speeds and on straight-aways.  In “Truck Steering Mode,” only the front wheels are used for steering, which provides a very stable and supported ride.

  • One steering cylinder in each of the corners
  • Steering rods are short and identical
  • Safety cover
  • Safety device: in unlikely event of an accident, quick-change shear bolts

Suspension system:  A WORLD-CLASS RIDE

Six independently-suspended wheels make up the BOXRUNNER’s chassis.  A maintenance-free suspension assembly is attached to each wheel.  No matter what the driving situation, excellent stability is ensured:  rod movement during driving and braking is effectively controlled through the unique design of the suspension assembly based on a special alignment of spring elements and bearings.

  • Elastomer suspension and clamping units
  • Polymer compound bearing/Teflon bearing
  • Hard-coated pivot pin
  • Gear drive

Smarter where it Counts

There are several important time-saving and cost-saving benefits to BOXRUNNER’s suspension system, which never requires maintenance:

  • Less downtime
  • No grease spills in your yard

Hoisting System

Konecranes designs and manufactures the hoist motors, rope drums and gear boxes of the BOXRUNNER hoisting system in-house.  Because of this, we can ensure that all pieces work faultlessly together, in perfect balance with the lifting work that is required of them. The world’s most demanding container terminal operators use the BOXRUNNER’s hoisting system in Konecranes Rubber Tired Gantry (RTG) and Rail Mounted Gantry (RMG) cranes, and the BOXRUNNER’s performance is well-known and field-proven.  The BOXRUNNER’s hoisting system offers a reliable lifting capacity of 50 metric tons Safe Working Load under spreader.  The yoke beam is very rigid, and the force of any collision is transferred to special bolts that break in a controlled manner.  This greatly reduces the extent of the damage, and allows repairs to be quick and predictable, minimizing downtime.

The driver has a clear field of vision because the rope pulleys are positioned at 90° to the yoke beam.
The BOXRUNNNER was designed to be maintenance-friendly in several ways, including the positioning of the hoisting system on the machinery platform, which allows for easy access.  Additionally, for easy access, the main parts of the yoke beams slide.

Smart Machines and Full Service

Inter Ferry Boats (IFB), the Belgian multimodal cargo service provider, chose Konecranes straddle carriers for its main hub terminal in the port of Antwerp in 2009.  For IFB, what sealed the deal on their decision was that Konecranes could provide a unique combination of smart machines and full service.

Konecranes provided nine Konecranes DE54 straddle carriers that have since proven to meet the rigors of IFB’s business.  With a lifting capacity of 50 metric tons, the DE54s can stack containers up to 4 high, and handle all sea transport ISO containers from 6 to 13.7 meters long.

While a Konecranes straddle carrier is designed to require less maintenance than conventional machines, what sets Konecranes apart is their proven performance over time. In order to prevent unanticipated downtime, a Konecranes site supervisor is dedicated to IFB to keep the machines running.  As part of a maintenance contract with IFB, Konecranes carries out regular preventive maintenance.  This lengthens the machines’ operating lives and optimizes service workflow, which translates to clear operative and financial benefits.

Minimize downtime cost, Maximize Uptime Value

How do you calculate the actual cost of your equipment?  While many do not realize it, over the lifetime of a straddle carrier, the original purchase price is just the tip of the cost iceberg.  Some operational costs are quite fixed, such as costs related to scheduled and on-call maintenance.  However, with Konecranes services, spare parts and modernization can be wisely controlled. The result?  Over the lifetime of the straddle carrier, you will experience a lower cost spread.

Exactly the service you need

From routine maintenance to a sophisticated preventive and predictive maintenance program, Konecranes can provide you with the right package of services.  There are several maintenance package options, from occasional emergency repairs to an all-inclusive maintenance agreement with availability guarantees.  Our business goals are the same as yours:  plenty of scope for growth through very efficient and highly profitable straddle carrier operation.

This publication is for general informational purposes only and we reserve the right to alter the product design and specifications.  No statement of this publication shall be construed as a warranty or condition, express or implied, as to any product, its fitness for any particular purpose, merchantability, quality or representation of the terms of any sales agreement.