ENGINE STANDS FOR NEWBUILD, REPAIR & REFURBISHMENT OPERATIONS  

Benco engine stands and positioners suitable for newbuild, repair and refurbishment operations can be supplied by Brixworth Engineering Co Ltd for general industrial applications. With stand capacities available up to 20 tonnes, they are particularly suited for work on engines and gearboxes from a wide range of public transport equipment, covering rail, road and air, as well as drive units from heavy construction plant, gen sets and static engines.

The Benco product range has been developed considerably over the years and now enjoys a worldwide reputation for the ease, simplicity and safety of rotational handling of heavy, out-of-balance loads with the added benefit of backlash-free movement. The convenience and accessibility provided for assembly, service and maintenance operations ensures maximum production efficiency. Whereas the ease of movement and safety while handling heavy loads complies with the highest level of regulations covering industrial working practices.

With smaller stands also available, covering weight capacities from 750kg, models can be supplied as floor mounted or mobile units, the latter providing the facility for easy relocation of work-in-progress to other stations. Some models also offer an adjustable column, providing a spindle height that can be set from 760mm up to 1110mm. Heavy items can be manipulated through 360º in one plane and 90º in the other. Depending on the application, the rotational movements of the stands can be controlled electrically, pneumatically or hydraulically.

Although a comprehensive selection of standard models are available, Brixworth has considerable experience of designing and manufacturing bespoke engine stands, specifically to suit customer unique applications. They can supply site surveys and engineers to evaluate any specialised requirements, ensuring that an effective solution is supplied in the most cost-effective manner.

A typical example are two Benco purpose built engine positioner units supplied to the Komatsu Reman European Remanufacturing Facility. Each positioner facilitates building of remanufactured engines up to three tons in weight and ranging from 3.2 litres (54hp/40kW) up to units of 23.2 litres (774hp/580kW) in size. The units were designed to comply with specific customer requirements and were delivered within eight weeks of order. These positioners have eliminated any incidence of overstretching or low bending by operatives, irrespective of their height, to comply with the highest levels of good working practice.

As well as a full 360° rotation, the positioners also incorporate hydraulically operated height adjustment even when fully loaded. This ensures that rebuild technicians can position and reposition an engine at any stage of the rebuild process using no more than the power of a finger on the positioner controls. With adjustments achieved both quickly and effortlessly, it is simple to manipulate the workpiece to establish the most comfortable, convenient and therefore most productive working conditions. Both height and rotational position adjustments are infinitely variable, with raise/lower movements taking place at the rate of 2 metres/min and rotation at the speed of 2 rpm. Workpieces are automatically locked in place at any chosen location of the positioner to achieve and maintain the safest working environment.

The engines rebuilt at Komatsu Reman are used exclusively on construction plant and equipment, including bulldozers, wheel loaders, excavators and dump trucks etc. Engines are the most complex and important part of the power train, and subject to the highest demands of performance and reliability. The Komatsu remanufacturing process is designed to produce engines to the same standards and performance of new products while also upgrading to the latest technical specifications.

Brixworth Engineering are also able to supply a wide range of welding positioners and custom designed handling equipment suitable for applications throughout industry.