New Plymouth District Council | Custom Hydraulic Rotator Attachment

New Plymouth District Council manages seasonal planting displays throughout the city using durable galvanised steel tubs. At the end of each planting cycle, these tubs need to be collected, transported back to the nursery, and emptied in preparation for replanting.

With a large number of tubs in circulation, the Council required a more efficient and repeatable method for handling and emptying them. The solution needed to integrate with existing forklift equipment, streamline operations, and most importantly, reduce the physical strain placed on staff during the emptying process.

Emptying the steel tubs was previously a labour-intensive task that relied heavily on manual handling. Each tub had to be tipped or emptied by hand, often involving awkward lifting, bending, and tipping motions.

Given the weight and size of the tubs—especially when filled with soil and plant matter—this created a significant risk of musculoskeletal injuries, particularly to the back and shoulders. The repetitive nature of the task further increased the likelihood of strain and fatigue, while also slowing down overall productivity at the nursery.

The Council needed a safer, more ergonomic solution that would eliminate manual lifting while maintaining efficiency.

Stratalign designed and manufactured a custom hydraulic rotator attachment specifically for this application. The unit features purpose-built clamping bars to securely grip the galvanised steel tubs, allowing them to be safely lifted and rotated using a forklift.

Once clamped, the operator can hydraulically rotate the tub to empty its contents in a controlled and precise manner—without leaving the forklift seat during the tipping process. This not only improves efficiency but also ensures consistent handling every time.

By removing the need for manual emptying, the solution has effectively eliminated the risk of back injuries associated with the task. The result is a safer working environment, reduced physical strain on staff, and a faster, more streamlined workflow for seasonal changeovers.