4.9.2026 / 5-minute read

Scientific Grade Customization: 10-Ton Mechanical Tilter for Shandong University Research Lab

Overview

Client: Shandong University (Dezhou Campus)
Contract No.: HT202501614
Application: Rock-breaking and wall-penetration experimental research.
Core Equipment: Heavy-Duty 90° Mechanical Tilter (10,000kg Capacity).

Specifications

Parameter	Technical Specification
Model	90° Mechanical Tilter (Heavy-Duty Series)
Rated Load Capacity	10,000 kg (10 Tons)
Tilt Angle	90 Degrees
Base Table Size	1500 * 1500 mm (Dual Table)
Expanded Table Size	1700 * 1700 mm (With Wing Plates)
Drive System	4KW Motor + 20A-2 Precision Chain
Frame Material	J2001008 High-Strength Rectangular Tube
Platform Surface	8mm Carbon Steel Plate
Control System	Wireless Remote + Local Inching Control
Finish	Industrial Safety Yellow (High Visibility)

Technical Challenges & Requirements

Extreme Load Stability: Flipping 10 tons of natural rock requires immense structural integrity to prevent deformation or sudden shifts in the center of gravity.
Variable Specimen Sizes: The rocks used in experiments vary in size. A fixed-size platform would limit the types of experiments the university could conduct.
Lab-Friendly Drive System: Unlike industrial workshops, labs often prefer mechanical drives over hydraulics to avoid oil leaks and ensure precise, repeatable positioning.
Safety & Accessibility: Heavy rocks must be loaded via forklift, and operators must remain at a safe distance during the 90° flip.

The Gradin Solution

High-Torque Mechanical Drive (20A-2 Chain): Instead of hydraulic cylinders, we utilized a 4KW motor paired with reinforced 20A-2 double-row chains. This provides a smooth, “stutter-free” 90° rotation with zero risk of hydraulic fluid contamination in the lab.
Expandable Modular Platform:
- The base table measures 1500 x 1500mm.
- We added 200mm removable wing plates on all sides. This allows researchers to expand the surface to 1700 x 1700mm for larger specimens, providing unmatched versatility.
Integrated Forklift Pockets: The platform includes removable rectangular tubes secured by heavy-duty bolts. These act as guide rails for forklift tines, making the loading/unloading of 10-ton rocks safe and efficient.
Remote Safety Control: A long-range wireless remote control system was integrated, allowing researchers to trigger the flip from a safe observation zone, fully isolating the operator from the high-load zone.

Details

FAQ

A: In laboratory and research environments like Shandong University, precision and cleanliness are paramount.

Zero Leakage: Mechanical drives eliminate the risk of hydraulic oil leaks, keeping the lab floor clean.
Self-Locking: The chain and gear mechanism provides better self-locking at any angle, ensuring the 10-ton rock remains stable even if power is lost.
Low Maintenance: Chains are easier to inspect and maintain in a clean-room or indoor research setting.

A: Research experiments often use rocks of varying sizes. The base table is 1500 x 1500mm, but we’ve included 200mm wide removable wing plates. By bolting these on, the surface expands to 1700 x 1700mm. This modularity allows the university to conduct experiments on a wider range of specimens without needing multiple machines.

A: Safety is our top priority for high-load equipment:

Structural Safety Factor: The frame uses J2001008 high-strength rectangular tubes, designed with a safety margin far exceeding the 10-ton limit.
Remote Operation: A wireless remote allows the operator to stand up to 50 meters away, completely clear of the “danger zone” during the flip.
Heavy-Duty Chains: We use reinforced 20A-2 double-row chains, which are engineered for high-torque industrial lifting.

A: We have integrated removable forklift pockets (rectangular tubes) on the table surfaces. These tubes are secured by bolts and allow forklift tines to slide underneath the rock for easy placement. Once the rock is secured, the tubes can be removed if they interfere with the specific experiment.

A: Absolutely. While this unit was customized for rock-breaking experiments, the 10-ton mechanical tilter platform is ideal for: