Improved work environment and safety with the Walking tractor model TW-20

Case: Engtex AB

Engtex AB is a leading developer and manufacturer of advanced technical textiles. With a state-of-the-art production facility in Ulricehamn, the company has established itself as a key player in the automotive, military, construction, and infrastructure industries, focusing on functional textiles.

In Engtex AB's production process, there was a critical stage where finished textile rolls, weighing between 1000 and 1500 kg, needed to be moved between different halls for further processing. The previous solution involved loading the rolls onto trolleys with the help of a traverse, which were then manually pushed by personnel to the next hall. This heavy work caused significant physical strain and posed a risk to both personal health and safety, especially since personnel with varying physical capabilities performed this task.

One of the biggest issues was the high risk during the start and stop phases of the movement. When a heavy trolley was set in motion or stopped, there was a risk of it rolling uncontrollably. This could result in the trolley colliding with nearby pallets, machines, or other equipment, potentially causing damage to property and endangering nearby personnel. Particularly in the tight spaces where these movements occurred, it was difficult to control the heavy load with just manpower, increasing the risk of accidents.

" – Our staff has reacted very positively to the change, and we are pleased with the increased safety and improved work environment."

Mathias Carlsson, Production Manager at Engtex AB

TW-20 solution

Engtex AB began searching for a solution that could relieve the staff while also increasing safety. After discovering TW-20 walking tractor on Helge Nyberg AB’s website, they quickly recognized its potential. The implementation was simple and smooth, with the only adjustment needed being the manufacture of a special hitch that fit their trolleys and was detachable to prevent employees from hitting their legs when not in use. Engtex produced this solution themselves, but Helge Nyberg AB can, of course, produce a hitch based on the customer’s specific needs.

Increased safety, improved work environment and more efficient workflow

After introducing the TW-20 into their production process, Engtex AB has seen several significant improvements:

Increased safety: Employee safety has greatly improved as they no longer need to perform the physically demanding task of manually pushing heavy trolleys. Additionally, trolleys could previously roll away uncontrollably when pushed manually, potentially causing severe damage to the surrounding environment. With the TW-20, the load is secured, and an automatic braking system ensures the trolleys stops in a controlled manner when the operator releases the handle.
Improved work environment: The work environment has improved as the risk of injury has decreased, and employees can now move the trolleys with minimal physical effort.
More efficient workflow: Employees find that the task is now completed faster.

For Engtex AB, the introduction of the TW-20 walking tractor has not only resolved a critical work environment issue but also improved the overall efficiency of their production process. This is a clear example of how the right tool can make a significant difference in both safety and productivity.