Midland Handling Equipment believe that our role is to offer guidance on equipment and systems. We will carefully consider all handling applications because without doing this no one is able to arrive at the logical handling conclusion.

If we find the solution utilises products from within our standard range of equipment this allows a cost-effective solution to be proposed.

If however the application requires innovative design and incorporates specialised equipment, then the more general experience a company has, the better. Midland has over 30 years experience in handling. Add to this the individual experience, the result is staggering and the skills extend from bulk handling through to heavy loads with everything in-between.

Midland has elected to specialise in handling unit loads - anything that can be picked up, grams to tonnes.

The main standard equipment produced is classed as Overhead Chain – although this is an over generalisation. This is a product, which is miss-understood and often overlooked in arriving at handling solutions. It would be easier and more correct to state that we are primarily the suppliers of chain conveyors for this includes any system where the prime mover is a chain of sorts.

Most chains used in transportation are complex assemblies. Where non-linear paths are required incorporated articulated joints allow flexibility. For efficient movement low friction supports or incorporation of wheels is essential.

As with any product, it is expected that initial extensive tests will have been carried out. With chain systems, due to the cost of the prime mover, it is important that the chain life is as long as possible – not to just outside the warranty. To this end, the component design is critical, utilising the right material, the right bearings, and allowing for ease of lubrication. We at Midland are confident that with systems in use for over 30 years we have got it right, and we are able to offer – free of charge – with every system – sleep nights. Adequately lubricated and maintained, a Midland system will run and run.

So what can a chain system do for me?

Chain, as opposed to belt and roller systems allow greater application flexibility with minimum drives to best utilise building space. Although conveyors can be floor based and even inverted, chain conveyors allow via inclines the empty space in the roof to be used for transporting product allowing freedom at low levels for production and storage. The modular design means the system can be changed to suit modifications and extensions to working areas.

In the basic form, chain conveyors are associated with movement, but variations in production rates invariably require buffer storage. This can be incorporated using 'power and free' which also allows dynamic storage on a 'first in first out' basis.

For slow moving, or labour intensive environments manual 'free track' is available for typically garment handling, although this method can also be used for low throughput heavy loads in conjunction with spray booths.

For additional detailed information on Midland Handling Equipment, and the range of chain, roller and belt products, contact technical@mhel.co.uk