GBM is pleased to announce the successful delivery and on-site commissioning of a custom-engineered telescopic Overheight Frame (OHF) for COSCO, one of the world’s leading shipping and logistics companies. This project represents a significant achievement in specialized container handling equipment, showcasing GBM’s ability to design and manufacture advanced solutions that address the specific needs of major industry players.
The telescopic OHF was developed in close consultation with COSCO’s operations team, who required a robust and reliable solution for handling overheight containers across their terminals. The result is a piece of equipment that incorporates the latest advancements in OHF technology, ensuring smooth operation even when paired with older reach stackers—a common challenge in mixed fleet environments.
This delivery underscores GBM’s commitment to providing high-performance handling solutions that not only meet but exceed customer expectations. From initial design through to on-site testing, every stage of this project was executed with precision and a focus on long-term reliability.
Advanced Technology
At the heart of this telescopic OHF is GBM’s proprietary triangle guide mechanism, a design that represents the current state of the art in overheight frame technology. Unlike conventional systems that can bind or hesitate when extending and retracting—particularly on older or less powerful reach stackers—this innovative mechanism ensures consistently smooth movement regardless of the age or condition of the handling equipment.
The triangle guide system works by providing positive guidance throughout the entire telescoping range. Precision-machined guides and carefully calculated geometry keep the sections aligned during extension and retraction, eliminating the binding that can occur with less sophisticated designs. This means that even when paired with a reach stacker that has seen years of service, the OHF operates with the same fluidity as on brand-new machinery.
Built for Durability and Low Maintenance
The mechanism is not only smooth but also built to last. High-strength materials and hardened wear surfaces ensure that the guides maintain their precision over thousands of cycles. Sealed bearings and protected sliding surfaces keep contaminants out, reducing maintenance requirements and extending service life.
For COSCO’s operations, where equipment is expected to perform reliably around the clock, this durability translates directly into reduced downtime and lower total cost of ownership. The OHF is designed to spend more time working and less time in the maintenance bay.
1.5× Safety Factor Proves the Design
Factory Testing
Before this telescopic OHF was approved for shipment, it underwent extensive testing at GBM’s manufacturing facility. The test protocol called for subjecting the frame to loads 1.5 times its rated capacity—a margin that exceeds typical industry requirements and demonstrates our commitment to safety and reliability.
During these tests, the frame was cycled through its full range of motion under load, with strain gauges and displacement sensors monitoring every critical component. The data confirmed that stresses remained well within design limits and that the telescoping action remained smooth even under maximum test loads.
Why 1.5× Matters?
The 1.5× safety factor is not just a number. It represents a margin of error that accounts for the unexpected—sudden load shifts, dynamic forces during handling, and the gradual wear that occurs over years of service. By proving that the OHF can handle 50% more than its rated capacity without distress, we give COSCO’s operators confidence that the equipment will perform safely and reliably throughout its working life.
This approach to testing reflects GBM’s engineering philosophy: design not just to meet specifications, but to exceed them by a margin that matters in the real world.
On-Site Delivery and Commissioning
Hands-On Support from Start to Finish
Delivering a custom-engineered piece of equipment is about more than just shipping it to the customer’s door. For COSCO, GBM provided comprehensive on-site support throughout the installation and commissioning process. Our engineers traveled to the terminal, working alongside COSCO’s technical team to ensure that every aspect of the OHF’s setup was optimized for local conditions.
This hands-on approach allowed us to address any questions or concerns in real time, drawing on the deep knowledge of our design and application engineers. From checking mechanical interfaces to fine-tuning hydraulic parameters, no detail was overlooked.
Testing That Confirms Performance
With the OHF installed on COSCO’s reach stacker, a series of field tests were conducted to verify performance under actual operating conditions. The frame was cycled through multiple extensions and retractions, handling a variety of container types and weights. Operators reported that the telescoping action was indeed smooth and responsive, just as the factory tests had predicted.
The results were unequivocal: the OHF met all performance targets and exceeded expectations in terms of ease of use and reliability. COSCO’s team expressed their satisfaction with both the equipment and the level of support provided by GBM.
Solving Real Operational Challenges
Adapting to Mixed Equipment Fleets
One of the key challenges faced by terminals like COSCO’s is the diversity of equipment in their fleets. Reach stackers of different ages and manufacturers have varying hydraulic capacities and control characteristics. An OHF that works well on a new machine might struggle on an older one—unless it is designed with adaptability in mind.
GBM’s telescopic OHF addresses this challenge through its innovative triangle guide mechanism, which minimizes the force required for extension and retraction. By reducing the load on the reach stacker’s hydraulics, the OHF performs consistently across the fleet, eliminating the need to dedicate specific machines to overheight container handling.
Improving Productivity and Safety
For COSCO, the benefits extend beyond equipment compatibility. The smooth operation of the OHF means faster cycle times and reduced operator fatigue. When equipment responds predictably, operators can work with confidence, positioning containers accurately without the need for repeated adjustments.
Safety is also enhanced. The robust construction and generous safety margins built into the design mean that operators can trust the OHF to handle the loads they present, day in and day out. The peace of mind that comes from reliable equipment is invaluable in a busy terminal environment.
GBM’s Commitment to Innovation
The successful delivery and commissioning of this telescopic OHF for COSCO is more than just another project completion. It is a testament to GBM’s ability to develop advanced solutions that address real-world operational challenges, and to our commitment to supporting customers long after the equipment arrives on site.
We thank COSCO for their trust and collaboration throughout this project. Their willingness to work closely with our engineering team allowed us to tailor the OHF precisely to their needs, resulting in a solution that delivers tangible benefits from day one.
As GBM continues to push the boundaries of container handling technology, we remain focused on the principles that have guided us for years: listen to customers, engineer for real-world conditions, and stand behind our equipment with unwavering support.
For more information about GBM custom telescopic OHFs and how they can enhance your terminal operations, please contact our sales team or visit our website.
