Enabling the smooth transportation of Elephants using a Truck Mounted Ramp
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- Case Study
Table of Contents
Challenges
One of India’s leading animal welfare boards wanted to make a truck to ferry a full-grown elephant along with its calf safely across long distances
The truck should be capable of loading & unloading the elephant & its calf safely with easy controls for operating smoothly
The solution has to be portable in a way that it can be fitted onto the trailer body
It should be sturdy enough to take the load of the elephant
Solutions
We selected the vehicle – a 28T GVW Eicher vehicle with adequate carrying capacity for Mahout Cabin, Water Tanks and carrying 2 elephants
The Axle configurations and ROH were also chosen appropriately for safe climbing of the elephant onto the truck
We specially designed a robust ramp of 6 Ton capacity and 3 folds using advanced hydraulic systems that we designed, manufactured and installed in-house at the Nandan factory
The ramp operates on a single button to open itself and slide out in stages to deploy on the ground surface
The self-supporting legs give it additional support and the rough surface avoids animals from slipping while climbing
The gradient is moderate to allow an elephant to climb easily
The ramp also serves as the rear door of the truck in a closed position.
Result
Easy operations possible making it easier for the operator to control the ramp & reduce the need for multiple handlers.
Special focus on safety of the Elephant for climbing the truck was aided by a the moderate gradient provided for easy access
Robust & Reliable design for a long lasting & efficient life cycle of the product.
