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Over 103 tracks installed!
As greenhouses operations continue to grow in size, distances from the harvest to the processing area tend to lengthen as well. To bridge this distance, Metazet in the Netherlands developed an unmanned chain track system for harvesting carts.
The goal was to make a reliable, unmanned, safe and cost effective internal transport system that suits flowers and plants as well as vegetables. After a considerable period of thorough research and engineering, Metazet has developed a reliable in floor chain track system to which harvesting carts can be easily connected.
The chain track is slotted into the main aisle and the head house. Carts can be put on the chain track at any time and at any place, making it unnecessary for staff members to control transport of the cart beyond the initial hook in. In the head house a stock of carts can be lined up, making it possible to have a steady and ongoing workflow. A computer generated connection at the sorting machines is often applied to create stationary and variable stops, weigh scale stops, corner turns and switch points. This makes the carts useable to their highest potential.
Since 2004 the Chain Track System has been developed and sold in The Netherlands. Over 130 greenhouses are using this chain track system in flower operations, (Gerberas, Roses) for potted plants and for vegetables (i.e. tomato, pepper, cucumber and eggplant).
The advantages of the MTZ Chain Track System
- Continuous supply of carts to the processing area.
- Unmanned; no labour costs once operational.
- System can cooperate with most sorting lines, so unloading of carts and, when applicable, loading of empty boxes can be fully automated.
- Stationary stop points, variable stop points, turns, slight grade changes, weigh scales and the ability to switch tracks are available.
- Low maintenance costs.
- With over 130 tracks sold it is a proven system, Tracks up to 1500 meters (almost a mile) have been installed, and longer track systems are possible.
- The Chain Track creates a more efficient working environment.
Advantages over other systems
- Fully-automated system
- Unmanned; very limited labour costs once operational.
- Coupling and uncoupling is no longer necessary.
- ‘Snaking’ is eliminated. Single carts can start to ‘snake’, resulting in a whole train of carts snaking.
- No need to wait until carts are collected and then sent in ‘convoy’. Each cart can be sent to its’ final destination immediately.
- Empty carts return automatically to the production area.
FormFlex Horticultural Systems is the official dealer for the North American market. For more information you can contact us at:
FormFlex Horticultural Systems
4881 Union Road
Beamsville, Ontario, L0R 1B4
Tel: 905-563-0031
Fax: 905-563-0311
E-mail: sales@formflex.ca
Web Site: www.formflex.ca | 
