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10‑Ton Mechanical Tipping Platform (Shandong University Rock Crushing Experiment)

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POSTED: 5/21/2026

Overview

Project type: Heavy‑duty mechanical tipping platform (dual platforms, 90° tilt)
Client: Shandong University (Geology / Geotechnical Engineering Laboratory)
Industry: Higher education research (rock mechanics, mineral processing)
Key features: 10‑ton capacity, two independent platforms, removable wing plates, remote control, all‑mechanical chain drive

Client Background & Research Requirements

Shandong University has a state‑key laboratory in geological engineering, geotechnical mechanics and mineral processing. This custom tipping platform is used for rock crushing experiments – flipping a 10‑ton natural rock block 90° to allow breaking, sampling, CT scanning or compressive strength testing on different faces. Traditional methods (cranes or manual levers) are risky, offer poor angle control and can damage specimens. The client needed a device that can flip large rock blocks smoothly, precisely and repeatably.

Key experimental conditions:

  • Irregular rock block, maximum weight 10 tons
  • The rock must be turned 90° to be broken from different directions
  • Forklift places the rock onto the platform and removes it after the experiment
  • Platform size must adapt to different rock sizes (achieved by removable wing plates)
SHANDONG UNIVERSITY: Key Experimental Conditions (State-Key Lab)

Core Specifications

ParameterValue
Rated load1,500 kg
Travel height6,000 mm (2 stops)
Car size (W×D×H)2,000×2,000×2,000 mm
Car material304 stainless steel (Cu‑free, Zn‑free)
Lifting speed40 m/min
Chain20A‑1 double strand
SafetyMechanical safety gear + polyurethane buffer
ControlSiemens PLC + 10″ touch screen per floor
AGV interfacePROFINET / Modbus TCP reserved
SpecialLithium‑dedicated, 30‑day long‑distance delivery

Solutions

Dual‑platform mechanical flip structure

Design approach: Conventional hydraulic tippers work well for regular workpieces but rock blocks have large centre‑of‑gravity offsets and rough surfaces. This equipment uses two independent platforms + mechanical chain drive. The two 1,500×1,500 mm platforms support the rock at two ends (or flip it in stages). The motor drives the chains to rotate both platforms synchronously 90° around a central shaft, turning the whole rock smoothly.

  • Drive: 4 kW motor + 20A‑2 double‑strand chain (high safety factor, shock‑resistant)
  • Frame: J200×100×8 rectangular tube – rigid enough for 10‑ton eccentric loads
  • Platform deck: 8mm thick steel plate – wear‑resistant
General Assembly

Removable wing plates (size extension)

Requirement: Rock dimensions may exceed 1,500mm, requiring temporary platform enlargement.

Solution: Two 200mm wide removable wing plates (screw‑fixed) are added on the long and short sides of each platform. With wing plates installed, the platform size becomes 1,700×1,700 mm. The wing plates are removed when not needed, so they do not interfere with forklift access.

Advantage: One machine handles both standard and oversized rock blocks.

Forklift loading/unloading (rectangular tube guides)

Challenge: Forklift forks must slide under the platform to place the rock. A solid platform base blocks the forks.

Solution: Two removable rectangular tubes are added to each platform, fixed under the deck to form guide slots for the fork tines. The forklift slides its forks along the tubes, places the rock, then backs out. The tubes are screw‑mounted and can be removed after experiments, leaving a flat platform surface.

Remote control operation

Safety requirement: When flipping a 10‑ton rock, operators must stay at a safe distance to avoid injury from sudden cracking or overturning.

Solution: A wireless remote controller allows the operator to start, stop and reset the tilt from a distance. The motor has a self‑locking brake to hold the angle when power is off.

Other details

  • Colour: Yellow (high‑visibility safety colour, complies with laboratory safety standards)
  • Power supply: Standard 380V / 50Hz
  • Delivery time: Only 20 days from order to shipment (urgent order)

FAQ

Rock crushing experiments create dusty, impact‑heavy conditions. Hydraulic systems risk oil leaks from damaged hoses or aged seals, leading to pressure loss. A pure mechanical chain drive (20A‑2 double strand) is impact‑resistant, easy to maintain, and the motor self‑locks when power is off – the platform will not fall unexpectedly. It is far more reliable for harsh laboratory environments.

The wing plates are screw‑fixed to the edges of each platform. When installed, the platform size expands from 1,500×1,500 mm to 1,700×1,700 mm. The wing plates are attached to the main frame with high‑strength bolts and have been stress‑tested to withstand 10‑ton eccentric loads. They are installed only when needed and removed at other times so they do not interfere with forklift access.

Two removable rectangular tubes are fixed under each platform, forming fork guide slots. The forklift slides its forks along the tubes, places the rock steadily on the platform, then backs out. The tubes are then removed, and the platform is ready for flipping. The whole operation requires only one person – no crane needed.

The wireless remote control has an effective range of at least 50 metres (in open space). It can start, stop and reset the tilt. The operator can stand in a safe area (e.g. behind a wall or at a distance) to avoid injury if the rock suddenly cracks or shifts during flipping. The remote uses industrial‑grade coding to prevent accidental activation.

If you want to customize your material handling equipment, please contact us →.

Downloadable Documents

Heavy-Duty Mechanical Flip Table.pdf

Custom Equipment Catalog.pdf

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