In the realm of modern horticulture, where precision and labor efficiency are paramount, innovations that ease the workload and enhance hygiene standards are highly prized. A remarkable solution to this challenge has emerged in the form of the Tube Rail Lift, a groundbreaking invention from FB Engineering that is rapidly transforming greenhouse operations.
At the HortiContact trade fair in Gorinchem, the Tube Rail Lift has been capturing the attention of horticultural experts for the past two years. Spearheading the marketing of this ingenious creation is Richard Frenken of FB Engineering, and the product is gaining significant traction within the industry. Several forward-thinking growers have already adopted this revolutionary technology.
One of the primary challenges in modern greenhouse horticulture is maintaining impeccable hygiene while efficiently utilizing available labor resources. Achieving pristine cleanliness within the greenhouse necessitates the lifting of heating pipes off the ground, enabling thorough cleaning and the replacement of running films.
The inspiration for the Tube Rail Lift stemmed from a grower’s inquiry, driven by a desire to minimize the physical strain on laborers. This grower posed a simple yet transformative question: could this process be automated? The resounding answer was “yes,” and inventor Wiel Nies set to work.
The Tube Rail Lift is a game-changer in more ways than one. When in operation, only one person is required per tube lift. The system features an arm at the front, fitted with two rollers through which both tubes of the heating loop pass. This innovative design ensures that the cart on casters closely follows the tube rail in a highly precise and efficient manner.
Lifting is accomplished using a specialized lift hook attached to a winch, boasting a remarkable 0.5 kW power that can hoist up to 250 kg. The tube rail is elevated to the desired height, and the tubes are then securely hung on either an A-hook or S-hook on a vertical cable. Subsequently, the Tube Rail Lift, powered by a low-noise 0.8 kWh petrol generator, moves to the next suspension point, repeating the operation with incredible ease.
The adaptability of the Tube Rail Lift is another hallmark of its excellence, as it is available for a wide range of tube rail sizes. Notably, the machine not only lifts the tube rails but also aligns them meticulously, ensuring an organized and efficient configuration. Furthermore, the Tube Rail Lift can facilitate greenhouse cleaning even as daylight hours diminish. With the addition of an LED floodlight, tube rail lifting can be conducted during the evening or early morning, ensuring that growers can maintain peak productivity regardless of the time of day.
The Tube Rail Lift stands as a shining example of innovation meeting industry needs, offering a labor-saving and hygienic solution that is revolutionizing greenhouse operations across the horticultural sector.