Air Skates ⁄ Air Bearings
Air Skates, also known as Air Bearings, are robust, low profile, high capacity load-moving modules used in sets of four or more to enable large or heavy objects to be moved with ease. Suitable for use in virtually any industry, they have nomoving parts and are consequently very low maintenance.
Compressed air and a smooth operating surface are all that is required to enable air skates to virtually eliminate friction. Unlike wheels, Air Skates provide omnidirectional capabilities, meaning that a load can be moved in any direction without the need for complex turning manoeuvres.
Available in a variety of sizes and capacities, a set of four air skates can carry anything from 2 to 80 tonnes.
The Air Skates are connected with a hose manifold and are supplied with compressed air. With the air turned on, the flow to each air skate is regulated to accommodate the load and floor conditions, which allows the load to be lifted off the floor. A thin film of air can escape from the periphery of the moulded diaphragm, creating a very small gap between the skate and the floor. This virtually eliminates friction, and enables the load to be moved with very little effort. A 5kg force can accelerate a 1 tonne load on air skates.
Air Skates : Features & Benefits
- Working load capacities of up to 80 tonnes;
- Able to move loads into restricted access areas;
- Easy to set up with quick release couplings;
- Powered by a standard air supply of 5 to 7 bar;
- Easy to use and cost effective;
- Low floor pressure;
- Modular design which gives ultimate versatility;
- Omni-directional capability giving accurate positioning;
- Skates are low profile for ease of location beneath loads.
The video below shows a Contract Lift carried out by us at Ryobi Alu Casting Ltd. in Carrickfergus, Northern Ireland.
The machine itself is 33ton and valued at £750,000.
The equipment used in this Tandem Lift was a Demag 50ton crane, a Demag 35ton crane and Hovair 40ton Air Skates.
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O'Hagan Crane Hire, a family run business located on the outskirts of Magherafelt, was established in 2006 by the three O'Hagan brothers, Tony, Nigel and Philip. Between us we carry over 40 years experience of operating cranes. With our wealth of knowledge we can recommend the perfect crane for your task.
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At O'Hagan Crane Hire, we take the Health & Safety of all personnel involved in the projects we undertake, extremely seriously. This includes the customer, members of the public and our staff.
About Us
Here at O'Hagan Crane Hire Ltd. we work to the terms and conditions of the CPA (Construction Plant Hire Association) and in accordance with BS7121 ("The Safe Use of Cranes"). We offer cranes for hire under CPA Contract Lifts or CPA Crane Hire, a description of each follows.
Gallery
Below you can see a few images of our cranes in action. We can provide cranes for a range of solutions, so please give us a quick call and we will be more than happy to help.