Shumaker Industries has elevated technology underpinning the Load & GO, an automated ready mixed truck wash system installed in batch plant alleys across the country since its 2013 debut. Topping new features is Interactive Mixer Recognition, where a series of infrared electric eyes communicate truck position to a PLC by Siemens unit, which in turn a) directs the driver through wash stages via a red/yellow/green light alert; and, b), more importantly, activates three spray cycles per vehicle location.
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| South Carolina’s Knight’s Ready Mix deployed the first 2018 Load & GO. Shown here at the hopper and fin stage, system nozzles and spray bars can be configured for rear or front discharge mixer fleets. |
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| Shumaker Industries built the Interactive Mixer Recognition feature around electric eyes, PLC by Siemens unit, and traffic signal. Load & GO system options include rails guiding mixer trucks to positions maximizing wash cycle speed, efficiency and coverage. |
The Load & GO can now accurately quantify the volume of water entering the drum during the 10-second hopper and fin wash stage—a difficult task when washing down with a hose. At standard setting with correctly aligned truck, the system adds 7.5 gallons during the hopper and fin pass, based on a 45-gallon/minute capacity pump.
The Load & GO exhibits cleaning power rooted in 70-plus nozzles directing water at 1,200 psi. Configured to rear or front discharge mixer fleets, the drive through stand supports side spray bars and overhead nozzles affording 270-degree vehicle coverage. Because every ready mixed plant makes a different mess at charging point and through the alley, each Load & GO is customized to keep mixers clean. The high-pressure water and close nozzle proximity allow the system to clean an entire truck in a rapid pass. Options include wheel and under carriage wash nozzles and bars, and end of the day soap applicator.
Shumaker engineers stress Load & GO advantages when compared to traditional mixer wash down methods, among them:
- Safety. Keeps the driver in the mixer versus leaning over the hopper from the ladder, trying to reach far passenger’s side points during wash down.
- Efficiency. Reduces wash down time to a typical one-minute cycle, eliminating mixers being stacked three- to four-deep at a rack.
- Quality control. Adds the same amount of water to the mixer every time, allowing dispatchers to make a calculated slump adjustment.
- Uniform, consistent cleaning. Systematically cleans every area, every pass—resulting in less chemical use, concrete chipping time and broken windshields.
- Lower environmental impact. Reduces the amount of process water from hundreds to 30 or fewer gallons.
— Shumaker Industries, Northumberland, Pa., 800/326-9349; www.shumakerindustries.com
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| Stage 1 – Cab and drum; no water enters drum. |
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| Stage 2 – Hopper and fin; 7.5 gallons of water enter drum during 10-second spray. |
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| Stage 3 – Exit rinse, rear and side views; no water enters drum. |