Company offers device to stop leakage from concrete trucks


djc home \| top \| special issues index May 9, 1997

Company offers device to stop leakage from concrete trucks

Journal staff

Ready-mix truck chute closure has become a serious issue in many areas of the country. For most companies, claims for broken windshields are increasing as a result of inadequate chute closure or driver failure to employ a chute closure device.

Rock and concrete debris comes out of chutes as trucks travel to and from job sites and heightened public awareness puts the issue of safety at the forefront. Ready-mix companies are finding it imperative to address this issue but, until recently, have not found a chute closure device that is both effective in keeping debris from coming out the chute and is driver-friendly.

Forfam Inc. claims its new Shute Shutter addresses this problem with the world's first fully automatic chute closure system.

Engineered over many months with input from ready-mix drivers, mechanics and management personnel, Shute Shutter automatically opens when the driver lowers the flip chute. Shute Shutter is underneath the main chute when the chute is lowered and closes when the flip chute is raised. To discharge out the front of the main chute, Shute Shutter flips over to lie on top of the flip chute, completely out of the way.

A unique feature of the product is its fully automatic "AutoLock," which made its debut early this year. AutoLock has no springs, plungers or moving parts to get clogged with concrete. It automatically locks on the main chute flange when the flip chute is raised and automatically releases when the flip chute is lowered. Shute Shutter's AutoLock is strong enough to hold back a chute full of concrete, ideal for trucks driving in hilly terrain.

The company says drivers love the new chute closure system because it is user friendly and fully automatic. Shute Shutter operates automatically when the driver lowers and raises the flip chute. There is nothing to wash out, no levers or latches to open and close, nothing to forget to attach or close. Additionally, Forfam engineered Shute Shutter such that no pinch points exist where the chute closure system attaches to the chute.

The top of the Shute Shutter door features a smooth protrusion that drivers can use for better leverage when raising and lowering the chute. The door itself is fabricated of a strong aluminum alloy which is used in aircraft construction. Bracket and hardware are carbon steel. Shute Shutter is installed in minutes, with the bracket welded to the chute. The entire system is engineered to accommodate dissimilarities between chutes.

Forfam says ready mix companies claim that Shute Shutter saves from two to five minutes per load over the fabric "shower caps," on each and every load. The resulting savings per truck is in the thousands of dollars over the course of each year. Shute Shutter cannot be lost or torn & may last as long as the chute or truck.

Forfam can be contacted at (888) SSHUTTR or (209) 736 9643.

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