Background

Moorend Ltd are one of the world’s leading manufacturers of four-track systems for construction and agricultural machinery, and their products can be found on jobsites all over the world. Based just down the road from Wheatway Solutions’ head office, we have collaborated closely with Moorend on a number of different projects over the years.

So, when a customer approached them to supply a bespoke lifting attachment, Wheatway was the natural choice to help develop the product.

The Product

The goal of this project was to develop a versatile lifting arm with an integrated tow ball, designed to extend the loader’s reach while providing secure and reliable lifting and towing points.

The attachment features a three-position arm that is secured using a removable pin. This design allows for two lifting positions, full and half extension, while enabling the arm to fold away securely when the attachment is being used for towing.

Beneath the arm is an integrated tow ball, ideal for safely manoeuvring trailers and mobile plant around jobsites. By positioning the tow ball on the loader’s boom, the operator benefits from a clear view of the trailer and its surroundings, significantly enhancing site safety.

The attachment is equipped with a universal interface, compatible with compact loaders from Avant, Multi-One, and Norcar. As a built-to-order product, it can also be customised to suit any make or model of compact loader, making it a truly adaptable and practical solution for a range of applications.

Design and Development

All design and prototyping work for this project was carried out in-house, by our experienced R&D team, who have over 100 years of combined expereince.

Working closely with Moorend, our R&D team to the project from initial concept through to finished product. Projects such as this can present significant challenges, such as ensuring compatibility with multiple carriers. However, this is where our R&D teams extensive expereince proved essential, as the prototype only needed two minor adjustments to the interface.

Manufacturing

Once the final design had been agreed, the project moved into the manufacturing phase. Initially, our fabrication team profiled the components, whilst the engineering team machined the precision components.

One the frame and arm had been welded, and all the components powder coated, it was handed off to the production team for final assembly.

Manufacturing the project in-house allowed us to maintain strict control over quality and production time frames, ensuring the project was delivered on schedule and to an exceptional standard.

Compliance and Technical Documentation

Before the final product could be sold in the UK and Europe, it required UKCA and CE certificates. This is an official declaration from the manufacturer that the product is safe, and that it conforms to all of the relevant regulatory standards. A CE certificate is also a requirement for export to Europe.

As an established manufacturer and experienced exporter, our team have an in-depth knowledge of this process. We carry out every stage in-house, including creating all of the required technical documentation.

In the case of this project, this capability allowed us to deliver a bespoke, market ready solution without delay.

Real World Testing and Design Validation

Once the manufacturing and compliance phases were complete, the product was handed over to the team at Moorend for extensive testing, before delivery to the customer. They were able to test the lifting arm on compact loaders from Avant, Multi One and Norcar. They also tested the functionality of the lifting arm, with objects of varying weights and sizes.

The final product is currently undergoing further evaluation by the customer, and we are awaiting in-depth feedback. However, initial reports are positive.

Do You Need a Bespoke Industrial Solution?

Sometimes you’re facing a problem that doesn’t have an ‘off-the-shelf’ solution, and it’s these problems we specialise in solving. We work closely with customers across a variety of global industries, to design, manufacture and deliver innovative solutions to their biggest challenges.

If you would like to discuss a project, then you can get in touch with our team at info@wheatway.com.