In many industrial applications, workpieces or tools weighing several tons have to be turned every day. It is not uncommon for the object to have a tendency to tip over, which makes it difficult to turn it safely. Overhead cranes are only suitable for these maneuvers to a limited extent, as the workpiece can fall into the lifting ropes if handled incorrectly, causing damage to the hoist and life-threatening injuries to people in the vicinity. Electrically operated tool turners are often used here, but they do not offer the necessary flexibility to turn the workpiece adequately.

"Turning workpieces on an industrial scale is always a challenge, whatever the circumstances," says Sebastian Ehard, Managing Director of Leiritz Maschinenbau. Leiritz has been manufacturing the Tool Mover Pro Tech since 2018 in order to meet this challenge and at the same time offer a device with maximum scope for customization. Once loaded by a crane or forklift truck, the compact device is able to rotate tools or components weighing up to 80 tons by 90°. The roughly quarter-circle-shaped device with two support platforms at right angles to each other is driven from below by a motor with a frequency converter, which guarantees a smooth approach and departure of the turning process. In addition, the intermediate position can be variably and continuously fixed at less than 90° after erection, which prevents unintentional tilting.

Depending on the shape and sensitivity of the workpiece, different adjustments can be made to the device so that the turning device can be used in a wide variety of areas such as mold making or stamping technology, but also in the automotive industry or the foundry sector. "If, for example, particularly asymmetrical parts need to be moved, we can adapt the support platform and design additional elements and aids if necessary," says Ehard. "For turning coils, there is also the option of integrating a C-hook opening and a support prism."

In order to make the tool mover safe for the operator, the tool mover has a closed design so that all drive parts and moving elements are concealed. Shearing and crushing points have been reduced to a minimum to prevent injuries. A signal transmitter also ensures that the start of the turning process is perceived by the surroundings both visually by a flashing light and acoustically by a warning tone. Laser-controlled scanners or safety light curtains can also be installed as an option, which additionally guarantee that nothing is in the hazardous working area. For users with shorter operating times, the Tool Mover is also available in a version without an electric drive.