Opening Lock Gates Easily with a Portable Power Tool

Travelling the canal network in a narrow boat is a leisure time pursuit taken on by thousands each year. During these excursions the fun of opening the lock gates is an activity that the entire crew can get involved with.

But if you’re part of the local authority responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of the lock gates, relentless winding of the lock key can be tiresome and increase the possibility of a strain injury.

Some lock gates on the canals network have a 6 meter drop. With that  water pushing against the lock paddles, the effort needed to turn the crank can test even the strongest worker.

To combat this issue Total Lockout offer a portable power tool designed for turning valves, penstocks and sluice gates in all industries and can be readily adapted to the task of raising lock gate paddles. The MC89 is lightweight and compact but delivers 900 Nm of maximum torque and is battery powered meaning it can be used on even the most remote of canal locks.

We were recently on site on the Exeter Ship Canal addressing this exact issue. Due to their size, the gates at Turf have a motorised winch for opening and closing once the lock has been emptied or filled. In the event of a power outage the motor has to be wound by hand, a laborious tasks that requires up to 5,000 revolutions. Here again, the portable actuator from Total Lockout can make light work of this task; getting the job done in a much shorter time and without risk of injury to the operator.

To find out more about our range of Portable Valve Actuators read our extensive information on our About Portable Valve Actuators page as well as about the best tool for this job, the MC89. To discuss your Portable Valve Actuator needs or to speak to our expert team please call us on 01376 325506 or email us at sales@totallockout.com.