From Ship to Shore: How Fast Axle Replacements Keep Shipping Operations on Track

At one of the busiest shipping ports on the West Coast, an efficient maintenance team manages a fleet of more than 50 Taylor 900-series Loaded Container Handlers. These massive machines are the backbone of the port’s daily operations, capable of lifting over 45,000 pounds and stacking containers three high. Designed with wider axles than typical forklifts, these machines provide the stability required to move heavy cargo quickly and safely. The port is a vital hub for goods entering and leaving the country, and the team is often tasked with keeping the flow of cargo moving smoothly—whether it’s from ship to truck, ship to rail, or vice versa.

When a large vessel docks at the port, a race against the clock begins. Cranes meticulously unload containers, which are then placed onto trucks or trains by the container handlers for transport across the country. If transport isn’t available immediately, the container handlers stack the containers in the yard, storing them until the trucks or trains arrive. This process happens in reverse when a ship is being loaded for departure. The port’s team must work seamlessly, knowing that delays can lead to major consequences for both their clients and the port itself.

These machines, also known as Reach Stackers, are often in continuous operation. During peak shipping periods, they can run around the clock for several days straight. The strain this places on the equipment is immense. The AxleTech axles (model PRC7545, or the PRC7534 in older units) used in these machines are engineered for heavy-duty performance, but under the constant pressure of 24/7 operation, parts inevitably wear down. The axle housings and differentials are most prone to breaking under the strain of lifting such heavy loads. For machines that don’t experience catastrophic failures, the constant stop-and-go of port operations usually leads to significant wear on the brakes, bearings, and seals. These components, though smaller, are equally critical to the safe and efficient operation of the container handlers.

Downtime is not just an inconvenience—it’s a threat to the port’s livelihood. The maintenance team knows that any machine failure can quickly escalate into a logistical nightmare. The port operates under strict contracts with shipping companies, requiring cargo to be unloaded or loaded within tight timeframes. Failure to meet these deadlines could result in financial penalties and, even worse, loss of business if clients choose to take their cargo to another port. In an industry where reliability and speed are paramount, the stakes are high.

In the event of a breakdown, the team must act fast. For critical components like axles, they prefer to replace the entire axle rather than rebuild it, ensuring the machine is back in service as quickly as possible. Although Taylor offers replacement axles, the lead time for new parts from the OEM can be long. With no room for delay, the port has forged a strong partnership with Heavy Duty Transaxle, who specializes in providing AxleTech axles and other crucial components.

Heavy Duty Transaxle has proven to be an invaluable partner in keeping the port’s operations running smoothly. HDT stocks entire sets of axles and a full range of component parts, including wheel end packages, brake packages, and bearing packages. Their ability to quickly deliver replacement parts, often from their extensive on-hand inventory, is critical to minimizing downtime and preventing operational disruptions. With Heavy Duty Transaxle’s support, the maintenance team can ensure that their fleet of Taylor Loaded Container Handlers remains in peak condition, ready to handle the next wave of cargo without delay.

In an industry where time is money, the efficiency and reliability of the port’s container handlers are essential. Thanks to their trusted partnership with Heavy Duty Transaxle, the port can maintain its reputation for swift and dependable service, keeping the flow of global commerce moving and meeting the ever-growing demands of the shipping industry.