Baumann created the VRS system for driving the crucial ‘outreach’ capabilities of the modern sideloader.
This patented Archimedes screw, or worm gear outreach system, enhances equipment that has remained fundamentally unchanged for almost 50 years.
Hydraulic cylinders traditionally drive a sideloader outreach system (the method by which the forks reach out to the load and return it to the load bed) by applying pressure to opposing rollers that slide along their respective channels, in a pantograph-style mechanical linkage.
The design has inherent issues, caused by friction phenomena, which can cause sudden oscillation movements of the carriage and mast. Aside from adding sideways pressure and stress on the chassis, it means regular maintenance and an experienced, competent operator are essential.
Frequent impacts can reduce the roller durability, whilst wear and tear also reduces the pre-stressed nature of the tapered sides, designed-in to maintain constant contact between roller and channel, again reducing the system’s lifespan.
Pioneering Engineering Of Sideloaders
The Baumann GX Series, developed in 2011, was the first to utilise the direct-drive Archimedes screw and sliding blocks, to extend the fork carriage, whilst preventing transverse movements and eliminating unnecessary stresses.
The whole worm gear system and rollers can work only in combination, which means ideal results each time, and the maximum working speeds – results never before reached.
It was well-received by customers for allowing highly accurate control and the maximum working speeds. Eliminating unnecessary stresses and power demands also meant overall truck productivity improved.
The system is low in maintenance and simple in design, with a high level of engineering and durability to ensure greater safety, smoother control and perfectly synchronised outreach for highly accurate and efficient load control.
The Baumann VRS System
Variable Reach System (VRS) builds on the original Archimedes outreach method, adding further control and durability for demanding sideloader applications.
With VRS, the addition of a bespoke valve block, modified chassis and additional guide bar to increase inertia resistance allowed Baumann to double the Archimedes spindle thread size and corresponding number of bearings. The result is a halving of the pressure required between the two, providing even greater accuracy and the ability to seal the spindle head to prevent contamination.
The aim was to produce a maintenance-free solution and build on the advances made with the original Archimedes outreach system. Customer responses were incredibly positive, but we are always looking to improve…
Don’t just take our word for it…
The message that has emerged from customers over the past few decades has been the quality, strength and reliability of the Baumann sideloaders.
The company’s long-term approach puts real emphasis on the quality of manufacture and product reliability. With high quality support, they have a new machine that improves their operation, reduces waste, provides greater comfort and productivity, as well as getting immediate fuel and maintenance savings.
Get in touch with us here to talk about getting a used or new sideloader.
