The Challenge: Reducing Fatigue While Increasing Precision
Mountain Power Hydraulics is a manufacturer of custom-welded, mobile hydraulic cylinders. For many years, they have used a combination of lifting methods including jibs, slings, hoists, and even manual lifting in some situations. These methods were often clumsy for operators and fatigue was common, among other issues:
Clumsy Lifting Methods: Moving larger, bulkier hydraulic cylinder parts into machines was often awkward
Fatigue and Strain: Some operators were moving 50lbs parts manually for the entirety of their eight-hour shift
Varying Load Weights: The heaviest parts on their production floor are about 250lbs, with many smaller loads of about 50lbs as well
The Solution: A Gorbel® Free Standing Easy Arm® Intelligent Lifting Device
Mountain Power managers consulted with a material handling dealer who enabled them to demo a Gorbel® Easy Arm®. When they experienced Float Mode, which allows operators to precisely move loads through a natural range of motion with just a 1/2lb of force, it was clear that the Easy Arm® was the perfect solution.
Articulating Arm: Easy Arm® uses G-Force® Technology and integrates it into an Articulating Jib Design for a turn-key plug and play lift assist
Easy Installation: Units ships assembled and are ready to be installed
Flexibility: Free standing or portable mounting options allow for maximum lifting potential anywhere in a facility
No Infrastructure Changes: Requires no special foundation for the 165 and 330 systems. The 660 can be a foundationless installation up to 9' 6"
The Execution: Moving 250lbs With the Touch of a Finger
Three Easy Arm® units were outfitted in their manufacturing facility and have been operating for two years. Now operators move loads into tight machining spaces without straining themselves. Mountain Power managers and operators alike are impressed by the intuitive nature of using the Easy Arm® and the minimal amount of force needed to move loads.
One operator shared that their favorite feature of the Easy Arm® is its load sensor, which displays the weight. “It really puts [the physical tole] into perspective,” he told us. The video footage shows workers moving unwieldy parts in a variety of their production areas.
The Result: Boosted Retention and a Happier Workforce
As operators gained experience using the Easy Arm®, it became clear that it was having a positive effect on their mood as well as productivity.
Worker Satisfaction: Managers have noticed employees no longer lean against machinery to relieve their sore bodies
Reduced Injury and Turnover: Now that employees are not manually lifting heavy parts, more employees are choosing to stay at Mountain Power and injuries are uncommon
Increased Productivity: Energized employees proved to be more productive and can sustain themselves later into the workday, even late into the week