Transfer machine

A transfer machine, intended for transferring loads, comprising:

• a frame coupled to a wheelwork;
• a horizontal support plane, coupled to the frame between a vertical transfer apparatus and a loading side of the transfer machine, for supporting a load during transfer;
• and
• wherein, the vertical transfer apparatus comprises:
• a plurality of vertical supporting lugs, each lug located outwardly of and being fixed to the frame and coupled to a telescopic beam, the telescopic beam articulated to swing in the vertical plane by a swing actuator;
• a horizontal connecting beam, coupled to a plurality of grippers to grip and hold the load, the connecting beam coupled articulately to a free end of the telescopic beam;
• and,
• the vertical transfer apparatus lifts and lowers the load, onto the support plane and off the support plane to the ground or a second load, from the loading side of the transfer machine which is also the loading side of the support plane,
• the vertical transfer apparatus is coupled to the frame and located on the opposite side of the support plane with respect to the load to be lifted,
• the vertical transfer apparatus is arranged to reach over the support plane when lifting or lowering the load, in order to move the load onto or off the support plane, and wherein,
• a lateral transfer mechanism positions each gripper, along a longitudinal axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the transfer machine, during the transfer, to balance stresses on the wheelwork;
• the lateral transfer machine comprising:
• at least one lateral actuator, effective between the connecting beam and one of the telescopic beams, the mechanism simultaneously moving each gripper along the longitudinal axis;
• and
• a plurality of horizontal actuators, effective between each of the grippers and the connecting beam, the horizontal actuators adjusting the horizontal distance between the grippers.