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Headstock and tailstock positioners

Headstock and tailstocks are used for assembly, handling and welding applications of short and long work pieces.
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Headstocks

Key Plant design, manufacture and supply an extensive range of headstock & tailstocks. There are various models to suit all customer applications with motorised, manual and fixed height options.

Key Plant HSC fixed height headstock and tailstocks with 3 jaw self centering chuck

HSC Series

Fixed height headstocks with 3 jaw chuck for internal and external clamping.

HSC specs

Key Plant HSVP fixed height headstock and tailstocks

HSVP Series

Fixed height headstocks, available to buy and rent.

HSVP specs

Key Plant Port a lift powered elevating headstock and tailstocks

PAL Series

The Port-a-Lift is a powered elevating headstock and tailstock for work pieces up to 50,000lb.

PAL specs

Hollow bore headstock with heavy duty self centering jaw

HBHS Series

Hollow bore headstocks with heavy duty 3 jaw self-centering clamp.

HBHS specs

Elevating ST headstock and tailstocks for handling workpieces from 10,000lb to 55,000lb

EST Series

Elevating headstock and tailstock systems for handling 10,000lb – 55,000lb applications.

EST specs

Variable height elevating headstock and tailstock for heavy duty applications

EHD Series

Our Elevating HD series is a variable height headstock and tailstocks system for heavy duty applications.

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Custom built headstocks engineered to your project requirements

Special purpose

Custom built headstock and tailstock positioners engineered to meet your needs..

Custom machines

Used headstock and tailstocks available to buy from Key Plant

Used Headstocks

Used / Ex-rental headstocks and tailstocks available to buy.

Used equipment

Guarantee safety and precision when lifting and rotating your work pieces with Key Plant headstocks and tailstocks.

A headstock and tailstock system designed, manufactured and supplied by Key Plant Automation

Buy and rent headstock and tailstock positioners.

Ideal for lifting and rotating work pieces of various capacities and sizes, Key Plant headstocks are designed to maximise flexibility, safety and productivity. Headstock and tailstock positioners are primarily used for long rectangular workpieces that require support from both ends. For smaller weldments, such as pipe elbows, a fixed height HSC or HSVP headstock is a popular option within pipeshops. Whether welding manually or by automation, Key Plant headstocks help improve the quality and consistency of the weld, reducing future rework projects.

Their easy to use operation and accessibility with integrated equipment; Headstocks also significantly enhance operator ergonomics.

For over 65 years we have designed and manufactured a range of headstock and tailstock positioners with motorised, manual and fixed height options to suit all customers applications. From the manufacturing of boats, to the fabrication of pipe elbows; we can provide a headstock for every project requirement.

Available for sale, and on rental & lease packages; Our headstock range consists of HSC, HSVP, Port-a-Lift, Elevating and Hollow Bore models. Specialised designs can be built to suit larger or unique components with clamps and jig tooling.

About Key Plant headstock and tailstocks

HSC Series

Fixed height

Key Plant HSC fixed height headstocks are supplied with a 3 jaw self centering machine chuck for internal and external clamping. The HSC range is a popular choice for pipe welding and fabrication. We manufacture a range of HSC headstocks that are available for sale, rental and lease.

HSVP Series

Fixed height

Like our HSC range, the fixed height HSVP headstock model is ideal for use in pipe shops, and can be used in conjunction with our Adjust-O-Stand pipe supports. We manufacture various SWL capacities available for sale, rental and lease.

PAL Series

Powered elevating

Powered elevating head and tailstock provides maximum efficiency/throughput and minimizes safety concerns when lifting and rotating heavy work pieces.

The head and tailstock are elevated by means of a hardened stainless-steel screw with low friction re-circulating ball screw and nut, electrically synchronized between the head and tailstock.

HBHS Series

Hollow bore headstocks

Achieve highly controlled and consistent welds with Key Plant Hollow Bore headstocks. Machines are fitted with a heavy duty 3 jaw self-centering clamp with a hollow bore through the centre of the machine to allow the work piece to pass through and chuck clamp for adjustment.

Our hollow bore headstocks can be used in conjunction with our adjustable height support idler(s) on rails.

EST Series

Elevating headstocks

Smooth, safe and controlled rotation with the Key Plant EST, a variable height synchronised headstock and tailstock system. The system also offers stationary and floor rail options. Contact us today for more information.

EHD series

Elevating headstocks

Smooth, safe and controlled rotation with the Key Plant EHD, a variable height synchronised headstock and tailstock system. Ideal for positioning those larger and heavy duty workpieces for welding by hand or automation. The system offers stationary and floor rail options. Contact us today for more information.

Special purpose

Custom built

With in-depth engineering knowledge and leading-edge technology, Key Plant design, manufacture and install special purpose headstocks and tailstocks for industry leading companies worldwide. From defence contractors and shipbuilding manufacturers, to trailers and pipework fabricators – Key Plant can provide the complete headstock solution for a wide and diverse range of industries.

Used Positioners

Ex-rental / pre-owned

Working within a budget? or just looking for a great deal? We have a comprehensive stock of used and ex-rental equipment available to buy. Various models and capacities available, contact us today to discuss your requirements.

Headstock options & features

Gripper welding chucks and clamps

Welding chucks and clamps

We manufacture an extensive range of clamps and chucks to be used with our headstocks and tailstocks. Providing options of 2, 3 and 4 jaw chucks with independent or self-centering jaws.

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Adjustable and fixed height options

Adjustable height and fixed

Whatever your project requirement, we can supply the ideal headstock and tailstock package to suit your needs. As the manufacturer; we offer motorised, manual and fixed-height options.

Integrate other Key Plant equipment with your system and optimise production

Integrate and optimise

Create an automated solution and optimise your productivity by integrating your headstocks with other Key Plant equipment, like column and boom manipulators and pipe supports.

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A pendant used to operate equipments

Pendants and control systems

Our headstocks come with a wired CE or UL standard pendant. Foot pedals, bespoke controls, touch displays, and PLC systems can be integrated on request.

Man-o-matic controller sets a sequence of pre-determined positions

Man-O-Matic

The innovative Man-O-Matic controller enables a sequence of pre-determined positions to be set. Contact us for more information.

A DS14 Digital diameter selector manufactured by Key Plant Automation

DS14 diameter selector

Input the welding diameter of your workpiece. The DS14 automatically calculates the required RPM of the positioner table, and sets the speed demand in the inverter drive (VFD).

Other positioning equipment

Check out our welding positioners, welding floor turntables and welding rotator / turning roll range.

A Fixed height Welding positioner VP range by Key Plant

Positioners

2 and 3 axis tilt-turn welding positioners.

Welding positioners

Key Plant 30 ton welding rotator

Welding Rotators

Welding rotators for turning pipes and other cylindrical vessels.

Welding rotators

Key Plant Servo floor welding turntable

Floor turntables

Welding floor turntables for various industries.

Floor turntables

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