X-Way Mover by DIMOS Revolutionizes Air Freight Handling

170 billion packages per year and a 50% increase by 2027: The e-commerce experts of IATA foresee a significant surge in airport logistics – in addition to the already rising trend of shipping by air freight. Modern cargo handling equipment like the X-Way Mover from DIMOS must withstand this. It is the world’s first vehicle that combines all five essential ULD transport functions from Landside to Airside in one.

(Petersberg) Four of the largest freight operators in the world are already using it: The X-Way Mover combines the functions of Truck Dock, Transfer Vehicle (TV), Pallet Mover, ULD Shifter, and Elevating Transfer Vehicle (ETV). It covers all processes and interfaces of ULD handling at the airport – from Landside to Airside. “This results in less or no downtime, lower operating and maintenance costs, and increased storage capacities. Combined with the accelerated and customized handling processes of the X-Way Mover, these are the ingredients to withstand the rising and yet dynamic freight rates of the coming years,” emphasizes Pascal Schütz, Managing Director of DIMOS Maschinenbau.

Multifunctional and Multidirectional

Conventional ULD shifters or front forklifts typically only have a two-way chassis and require wide aisles and plenty of space to maneuver. The X-Way Mover from DIMOS solves this problem with a patented 360° steering and a multi-directional chassis that allows it to switch from longitudinal to lateral movement without stopping. Not only as a ULD shifter is it particularly agile and flexible. With its height-adjustable platform, the X-Way Mover replaces Truck Docks and can be used for both loading and unloading trucks as well as for transferring to dollies. The integrated rolling deck in the platform is proportionally controllable, allowing the transfer speed of the ULD and the synchronized operation of the opposite roller platform to be actively managed. Thus, the X-Way Mover, in the form of a storage and retrieval device or ETV, also enables the loading and unloading of ULD containers up to the third shelf level at a maximum height of 7.5 meters. The vehicle’s roller platform features maximum stability and safety thanks to two lifting masts. This effectively achieves high positioning accuracy independent of load. Users thereby maximize their flexibility in warehouse design, as they can think beyond just aisles and position the warehouse individually within the hall.

Individual Configuration for Versatile Use

Due to the standardized yet modular construction of the vehicle, the X-Way Mover can be individually adapted to the requirements, processes, and conditions of the user. For example, a vehicle version with individual lifting height, in WEL (Wide Edge Leading) or NEL (Narrow Edge Leading) arrangement with widths of 10, 15, or 20 feet and with a load capacity tailored to needs from 7 to 14 tons can be configured. The same applies to the drive type. Fully electric, the X-Way Mover is available with powerful lithium-ion batteries as well as with traditional lead-acid batteries, which are suitable for shorter operating times. For outdoor use, in addition to the fully electrified version, there is also the option of a diesel or hybrid drive. Furthermore, the X-Way Mover is available both as a free-moving vehicle and with bi-directional forced guidance.

Photo: © DIMOS