Linde launches electric trucks up to 18 tonnes

Linde Material Handling (Linde MH) now offers a new range of electrically powered heavy-duty forklift trucks with load capacities from 10 to 18 tonnes. Twelve models in total impress with excellent all-round visibility and provide maximum flexibility with a choice of either lead-acid or lithium-ion battery systems.

Offering load capacities of 10, 12, 14, 15, 16 or 18 tonnes and various load centres, the Linde E100 to E180 trucks are a particularly interesting option for companies operating in the wood, steel and stone industries and the beverage sector. One of the first customers also includes a major furniture company.

“Zero emissions, quiet operation, high serviceability, flexibility in use, and precise and agile driving characteristics – these advantages clearly speak in favour of using the electric drive in the heavy-duty class as well,” says Christopher Reis, Product Manager Heavy Trucks.

“With the electric heavy-duty forklift, our customers get a vehicle that is just as worthwhile for light duty as it is for 24/7 continuous use.” Operators have a choice between lead-acid and lithium-ion battery systems. “However, the special feature is that they can even swap the battery technology at any time without having to change the hardware. This is a truly unique selling point of these vehicles and offers a significant advantage not least in terms of subsequent use,” emphasises Reis.

A special drive concept with four motors – two for the left and two for the right wheel – provides the necessary power for transporting the remarkably heavy loads. This enables the most powerful model, the Linde E180/900 with 18 tons load capacity and a load centre of 900mm, to reach a driving speed of 20km/h within just 10 seconds even when fully loaded.

The electrification of the largest truck series means that Linde MH’s entire portfolio of counterbalanced trucks in the load range from 1.4 to 18 tonnes is now available with the most common types of energy technology. Thus, the intralogistics specialist is able to offer its customers the option of selecting the appropriate drive for the specific application at hand, even in the largest payload class.

The development of the large Linde electric forklifts has been aided by more than 50 years of experience with this drive concept. “The use of proven technology ensures high reliability in operation – which is a particularly important feature for our customers,” emphasises product manager Reis. For instance, the design of the new, compact heavy-duty truck series is based on the eight-tonne range, featuring a double drive, double lifting hydraulics, two batteries and scaled pumps.

The decoupled, rubber-mounted cabin design is borrowed from the smaller forklifts as well, but has been significantly improved once again in terms of all-round visibility: An armoured glass roof and large glass panes in the side doors as well as the front screen and rear windows, in combination with the specially shaped counterweight, provide the driver with the best-possible visibility and thus safety during operation. The driver’s seat is optionally rotatable by 17° and offers an armrest, providing relief when reversing.

The orange seat belt with belt buckle monitoring function helps with implementing the safety belt obligation. To enable the battery system to be adapted to different application requirements, there are various battery and charger versions available.

 

Recognising the value of reconditioned attachments

Investing in a used forklift attachment in a great condition is a cost-effective way of upgrading your material handling equipment at a pre-owned price, according to B&B Attachments.

With over 40 years’ experience in the UK and Ireland forklift truck attachment market, B&B Attachments is in a unique position to provide reconditioned clamps to meet its customer’s requirements.

B&B Attachments specialises in the design and manufacture of forklift truck attachments and material handling solutions. The company’s extensive workshop facilities allow its experienced fitters to meet the challenge of providing high quality reconditioned and refurbished clamps. All attachments are inspected, serviced, repaired, and tested. They undergo a rigorous remanufacturing process where original equipment manufactured parts are used wherever possible. Its range of used forklift attachments are available in mounting classes II, III and IV.

“All B&B’s reconditioned attachments are thoroughly restored back to their original condition with some of the most experienced industry professionals finding it hard to tell them apart from new stock,” comments Sales Director, Neal Fowler. “All units are backed by our 3- or 6-month warranty options, with dedicated sales and service teams providing full technical backup and support. All reconditioned attachments are sold with Thorough Examination Certification included.

“Or why not test out our attachments before buying, with our dedicated hire fleet of over 2,500 attachments, available through our European network. All attachments are available on flexible long- or short-term hire agreements to suit the hirer’s need. Whether the requirement is a week, a month, or a year, B&B have the solution that works best for you.”

 

Recognising the value of reconditioned attachments

Investing in a used forklift attachment in a great condition is a cost-effective way of upgrading your material handling equipment at a pre-owned price, according to B&B Attachments.

With over 40 years’ experience in the UK and Ireland forklift truck attachment market, B&B Attachments is in a unique position to provide reconditioned clamps to meet its customer’s requirements.

B&B Attachments specialises in the design and manufacture of forklift truck attachments and material handling solutions. The company’s extensive workshop facilities allow its experienced fitters to meet the challenge of providing high quality reconditioned and refurbished clamps. All attachments are inspected, serviced, repaired, and tested. They undergo a rigorous remanufacturing process where original equipment manufactured parts are used wherever possible. Its range of used forklift attachments are available in mounting classes II, III and IV.

“All B&B’s reconditioned attachments are thoroughly restored back to their original condition with some of the most experienced industry professionals finding it hard to tell them apart from new stock,” comments Sales Director, Neal Fowler. “All units are backed by our 3- or 6-month warranty options, with dedicated sales and service teams providing full technical backup and support. All reconditioned attachments are sold with Thorough Examination Certification included.

“Or why not test out our attachments before buying, with our dedicated hire fleet of over 2,500 attachments, available through our European network. All attachments are available on flexible long- or short-term hire agreements to suit the hirer’s need. Whether the requirement is a week, a month, or a year, B&B have the solution that works best for you.”

 

Hyster launches flagship A Series forklifts

Hyster has launched its new Hyster A Series lift truck series, with the H2.0-3.5A internal combustion models now available. The A Series trucks are designed specifically for each customer using A+ Logic, a fully integrated set of scalable and adjustable features that allow users to fine-tune the truck to match their specific application needs.

“For the A Series, Hyster has revolutionised its manufacturing process to deliver the tough, high quality lift trucks that you expect, built around the particular needs of the intended application and the operator,” says Robert O’Donoghue, VP Marketing and Solutions EMEA, for Hyster. “That’s why we describe this series as ‘Distinctly Hyster, built for you’.”

With A+ Logic at the core, the A Series lift trucks can be easily configured to fit each customer’s unique needs, delivering superior performance for the specific operation as well as a low total cost of ownership. The scalable design philosophy makes it easy for customers to add the features that are needed for productivity in their operation and avoid paying for unnecessary options that increase cost without adding value.

“We have designed the trucks this way as no two customers face identical challenges,” says Robert. “With the Hyster A Series, instead of providing you with options for a truck we already built, we build the truck you need according to your duty cycle, environment, and tasks.”

The Hyster H2.0-3.5A internal combustion lift trucks with capacities from 2 to 3.5 tonnes are the first trucks to be released in the series. Not only are they highly configurable, but the base models offer industry-leading fuel economy, excellent visibility, simplified service, and robust components that help prevent unplanned downtime.

“Operator confidence and comfort are tremendously important as they help to enhance productivity,” explains Robert. “That’s why the new A Series lift trucks feature operator-centric design to support proper ergonomics and high performance.”

The spacious operator cabin on the H2.0-3.5A trucks is specifically engineered to emphasise overhead, forward, and rear visibility and give the operator greater freedom of movement to help reduce strain on the body. This attention to design makes the lift truck comfortable and convenient to operate, helping to increase productivity across the whole shift. Additionally, there are available features including operator assistance systems and an innovative Dynamic Stability System (DSS) option.

All A Series trucks are also ‘telematics ready’ for use with the Hyster Tracker wireless asset management solution, which gives businesses the data needed to optimise their fleets, control costs, reduce downtime, and streamline maintenance even further.

The newly released models replace the Hyster Fortens and XT lift trucks at the same capacity. The A Series is expected to expand to include other Hyster IC lift trucks in various capacities in due course.

 

Hyster launches flagship A Series forklifts

Hyster has launched its new Hyster A Series lift truck series, with the H2.0-3.5A internal combustion models now available. The A Series trucks are designed specifically for each customer using A+ Logic, a fully integrated set of scalable and adjustable features that allow users to fine-tune the truck to match their specific application needs.

“For the A Series, Hyster has revolutionised its manufacturing process to deliver the tough, high quality lift trucks that you expect, built around the particular needs of the intended application and the operator,” says Robert O’Donoghue, VP Marketing and Solutions EMEA, for Hyster. “That’s why we describe this series as ‘Distinctly Hyster, built for you’.”

With A+ Logic at the core, the A Series lift trucks can be easily configured to fit each customer’s unique needs, delivering superior performance for the specific operation as well as a low total cost of ownership. The scalable design philosophy makes it easy for customers to add the features that are needed for productivity in their operation and avoid paying for unnecessary options that increase cost without adding value.

“We have designed the trucks this way as no two customers face identical challenges,” says Robert. “With the Hyster A Series, instead of providing you with options for a truck we already built, we build the truck you need according to your duty cycle, environment, and tasks.”

The Hyster H2.0-3.5A internal combustion lift trucks with capacities from 2 to 3.5 tonnes are the first trucks to be released in the series. Not only are they highly configurable, but the base models offer industry-leading fuel economy, excellent visibility, simplified service, and robust components that help prevent unplanned downtime.

“Operator confidence and comfort are tremendously important as they help to enhance productivity,” explains Robert. “That’s why the new A Series lift trucks feature operator-centric design to support proper ergonomics and high performance.”

The spacious operator cabin on the H2.0-3.5A trucks is specifically engineered to emphasise overhead, forward, and rear visibility and give the operator greater freedom of movement to help reduce strain on the body. This attention to design makes the lift truck comfortable and convenient to operate, helping to increase productivity across the whole shift. Additionally, there are available features including operator assistance systems and an innovative Dynamic Stability System (DSS) option.

All A Series trucks are also ‘telematics ready’ for use with the Hyster Tracker wireless asset management solution, which gives businesses the data needed to optimise their fleets, control costs, reduce downtime, and streamline maintenance even further.

The newly released models replace the Hyster Fortens and XT lift trucks at the same capacity. The A Series is expected to expand to include other Hyster IC lift trucks in various capacities in due course.

 

Kite achieves carbon neutrality for second year

Kite Packaging Group Limited was first verified as Carbon Neutral in 2021, and April 2022 brought with it a renewed confirmation by Carbon Neutral Britain that Kite has offset carbon emissions for the current year.

In 2021, Kite successfully achieved carbon neutrality for Scopes 1 and 2 which included offsetting all of its own fuel. For 2022, the company has extended its offsetting to include their third-party deliveries which falls into Scope 3.

Therefore, all Kite trucks and outbound deliveries made by its third-party couriers will be offset and hence, carbon neutral. As a result, the whole group now operates with carbon neutral delivery, whether that’s between Kite’s RDCs and NDC or directly to its customers. This will be shown on all customer delivery notes.

To illustrate additional advancement on 2021’s certification of carbon neutrality, the employee share-owned company has revealed that 70.64 tonnes of CO2 emissions were removed from the total this year by using renewable energy for electrical consumption. This reflects its strategy to only sign new contracts with renewable energy sources to bring its emissions to zero in this area.

Kite expresses its ambitions to continue going above and beyond the normal expectations of a business, stemming from a collective desire to do the right thing environmentally and care for the wellbeing of our planet.

 

 

Kite achieves carbon neutrality for second year

Kite Packaging Group Limited was first verified as Carbon Neutral in 2021, and April 2022 brought with it a renewed confirmation by Carbon Neutral Britain that Kite has offset carbon emissions for the current year.

In 2021, Kite successfully achieved carbon neutrality for Scopes 1 and 2 which included offsetting all of its own fuel. For 2022, the company has extended its offsetting to include their third-party deliveries which falls into Scope 3.

Therefore, all Kite trucks and outbound deliveries made by its third-party couriers will be offset and hence, carbon neutral. As a result, the whole group now operates with carbon neutral delivery, whether that’s between Kite’s RDCs and NDC or directly to its customers. This will be shown on all customer delivery notes.

To illustrate additional advancement on 2021’s certification of carbon neutrality, the employee share-owned company has revealed that 70.64 tonnes of CO2 emissions were removed from the total this year by using renewable energy for electrical consumption. This reflects its strategy to only sign new contracts with renewable energy sources to bring its emissions to zero in this area.

Kite expresses its ambitions to continue going above and beyond the normal expectations of a business, stemming from a collective desire to do the right thing environmentally and care for the wellbeing of our planet.

 

 

Forklift accidents are a global concern

Unfortunately, no matter where you go in the world, forklift-related workplace accidents are far too common. Recent events from around the globe demonstrate this unsettling fact.

  • In the United Kingdom, a reversing forklift at a goat milk producer struck and killed a woman, resulting in a £200,000 fine.
  • In Canada, the Minister of Labour is investigating the death of a worker struck by a forklift at an Ontario steel company.
  • In Singapore, 3 out of 20 workplace fatalities so far this year have involved forklifts.

In the UK, forklifts account for more workplace accidents than any other machine, and 57% of all people injured by forklifts in the UK are pedestrians. In the US, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration estimates that if companies implement more stringent safety and training policies, forklift accidents could be reduced by 70%.

As the statistics and recent forklift accidents attest, any workplace that requires pedestrians to work near mobile equipment, like forklifts, must take pedestrian safety seriously and implement protective measures to keep their workers safe.

Keeping workers safe

SEEN Safety has addressed the persistent global issue of pedestrian safety head-on with its world-class IRIS-860 sensor. Through cutting-edge technology, their sensors have improved workplace safety for countless pedestrian workers around the globe who work in close proximity to forklifts and other mobile equipment.

SEEN works with companies in various industries where people and material handling machines work closely together – such as distribution centres, manufacturing, and logistics warehouses. They make sensors designed to detect when an employee has entered a critical area around mobile equipment like forklifts or wheel loaders. If a worker enters the area behind reversing equipment, the IRIS-860 sensor will audibly alert the driver to their presence.

SEEN’s sensors are simple to use. With the IRIS-860 sensor, workers do not need a complicated battery-operated transponder. Instead, the sensor identifies workers by transforming one of the most commonly used pieces of personal protective equipment, the high visibility vest, into part of an active safety system that is immediately effective and easier to implement than other options on the market.

The hard work of detection is done by SEEN’s infrared sensors, which work well beyond what an optical camera can ‘see’ in the visible light spectrum. SEEN deliberately uses infrared for detection, it is extremely reliable regardless of dust & dirt, weather and variable lighting – conditions commonly encountered in materials handling operating environments. Failure to detect reliably may be ok if people aren’t close to the machine when it’s operating, but it’s crucially important when a person enters the high risk zone behind a reversing machine.

In addition the sensors can be configured to meet the requirements of a specific worksite. Often, the operator is focused on their load which is usually in front of them creating a blind spot behind the machine, this is the area where pedestrian collisions can be the most catastrophic. SEEN’s sensors are designed to be configured to target that area precisely and reliably, focusing on the detections that really matter and minimising nuisance alerts.

The system is effortless to use, requiring zero specialist knowledge to install or set up, and always offers reliable protection, regardless of conditions. The sensors are also significantly more cost-effective than other alternatives, making it possible to spread them across your entire mobile equipment fleet.

 

Forklift accidents are a global concern

Unfortunately, no matter where you go in the world, forklift-related workplace accidents are far too common. Recent events from around the globe demonstrate this unsettling fact.

  • In the United Kingdom, a reversing forklift at a goat milk producer struck and killed a woman, resulting in a £200,000 fine.
  • In Canada, the Minister of Labour is investigating the death of a worker struck by a forklift at an Ontario steel company.
  • In Singapore, 3 out of 20 workplace fatalities so far this year have involved forklifts.

In the UK, forklifts account for more workplace accidents than any other machine, and 57% of all people injured by forklifts in the UK are pedestrians. In the US, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration estimates that if companies implement more stringent safety and training policies, forklift accidents could be reduced by 70%.

As the statistics and recent forklift accidents attest, any workplace that requires pedestrians to work near mobile equipment, like forklifts, must take pedestrian safety seriously and implement protective measures to keep their workers safe.

Keeping workers safe

SEEN Safety has addressed the persistent global issue of pedestrian safety head-on with its world-class IRIS-860 sensor. Through cutting-edge technology, their sensors have improved workplace safety for countless pedestrian workers around the globe who work in close proximity to forklifts and other mobile equipment.

SEEN works with companies in various industries where people and material handling machines work closely together – such as distribution centres, manufacturing, and logistics warehouses. They make sensors designed to detect when an employee has entered a critical area around mobile equipment like forklifts or wheel loaders. If a worker enters the area behind reversing equipment, the IRIS-860 sensor will audibly alert the driver to their presence.

SEEN’s sensors are simple to use. With the IRIS-860 sensor, workers do not need a complicated battery-operated transponder. Instead, the sensor identifies workers by transforming one of the most commonly used pieces of personal protective equipment, the high visibility vest, into part of an active safety system that is immediately effective and easier to implement than other options on the market.

The hard work of detection is done by SEEN’s infrared sensors, which work well beyond what an optical camera can ‘see’ in the visible light spectrum. SEEN deliberately uses infrared for detection, it is extremely reliable regardless of dust & dirt, weather and variable lighting – conditions commonly encountered in materials handling operating environments. Failure to detect reliably may be ok if people aren’t close to the machine when it’s operating, but it’s crucially important when a person enters the high risk zone behind a reversing machine.

In addition the sensors can be configured to meet the requirements of a specific worksite. Often, the operator is focused on their load which is usually in front of them creating a blind spot behind the machine, this is the area where pedestrian collisions can be the most catastrophic. SEEN’s sensors are designed to be configured to target that area precisely and reliably, focusing on the detections that really matter and minimising nuisance alerts.

The system is effortless to use, requiring zero specialist knowledge to install or set up, and always offers reliable protection, regardless of conditions. The sensors are also significantly more cost-effective than other alternatives, making it possible to spread them across your entire mobile equipment fleet.

 

Clark launches forklifts with higher load capacities

Clark‘s globally coveted S-Series celebrated its debut in 2018. With the special “Smart, Strong and Safe” features of the counterbalance trucks, Clark set a benchmark for future truck generations back then. Now the materials handling vehicles manufacturer is expanding the popular series to include IC engine-powered trucks with load capacities of 4 to 5.5t.

Like their smaller counterparts with load capacities of 2 to 3.5t, the new models are also equipped with active safety systems, a smart information system and extensive additional equipment. Operators can tailor the trucks to their individual use and thus achieve high productivity at a low total cost of ownership (TCO), says the manufacturer. And the operator does not miss out either thanks to the excellent ergonomics and safety of the trucks.

The new S-Series models consist of the S40-S55 diesel and LPG forklifts with superelastic or pneumatic tyres. The trucks are the first choice for both medium-duty and extremely tough applications. Wherever high handling performance and availability are crucial – such as in multi-shift operations in industry, trade and distribution, in the paper and beverage industry or in demanding foundry operations – the trucks score with their robust design, reliable, safe and powerful operation and low operating and maintenance costs.

Strong – robust and low-maintenance

The construction basis of the S-Series is, as usual with Clark, the proven “Built to last” concept, which is based on more than 100 years of experience in forklift construction. It stands for a solid construction with high-quality and durable components. The forklifts have, among other things, wet maintenance-free multi-disc brakes, a durable and electronically protected gearbox, tried and tested lift masts from our own production with a robust 6-roller fork carriage, an extremely stable steering axle as well as the fully welded frames familiar from Clark.

Powerful Kubota industrial engines are used in both the diesel and LPG forklifts of the S-Series. The Kubota 4-cylinder diesel engine with common rail fuel injection V3800-CR-TE5B has a fully electronic engine control. This not only makes it environmentally friendly, but also provides an optimised torque curve and more economical operation. Due to the integrated exhaust gas aftertreatment with diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) and diesel particulate filter (DPF), the Kubota diesel engine, like the LPG engine, meets the strict exhaust gas standards of EU Stage 5.

Operators can look forward to low operating and maintenance costs with the S-Series. The vehicles have, for example, maintenance-free multi-disc brakes with oil cooling, which also show their strong braking effect on wet or dusty ground. At the same time, the brake booster ensures that less force is required for braking. The long maintenance intervals should also be emphasised. In case of maintenance, all relevant components are easy to reach for the service technician. Downtimes are therefore kept to a minimum.

Active safety systems

Clark offers the S-Series with numerous safety features: These include the standard automatic engaging parking brake, which is automatically activated when leaving the parked vehicle and makes the operator’s daily work much easier. The truck control system prevents the forklift from starting against the parking brake. This not only increases safety, but also contributes to longer component durability.

The parking brake also increases safety on ramps. The operator always has the truck under control, as unintentional rolling away or back is prevented. This anti-roll-back feature is standard and can be activated or deactivated via the truck’s control system. Safety and comfort are also ensured by the direction switch integrated in the hydraulic or mini-lever. This allows the driver to change the direction of travel without having to reach around.

The load weight indicator is available as an option. This measures the weight of the load on the forks and helps the driver to avoid overloading the truck. With the Vertical Mast System (VMS), which is also optional, a tilt sensor automatically brings the mast into a vertical position so that goods can be stored and retrieved quickly and safely. The VMS positions the mast vertically both when tilting forwards and backwards and compensates for the vehicle position on uneven floors or ramps.

In order to adapt the maximum travel speed of the truck to the application profile, a speed limiter is optionally available. And last but not least, Clark offers a car-like reversing camera for safe reversing, with the aid of which the driver has an optimum view of the activities in his path when reversing.

Ergonomic driver’s workplace

The ergonomic workplace concept of the S-Series offers the driver a high level of comfort. This starts with the entry: the driver can comfortably get on and off the truck via the wide non-slip step and the large grab handle. In the spacious interior, the driver enjoys the best head and legroom. Clark has placed the tilt cylinders under the base plate on the new series, thus ensuring unobstructed entry and exit.

The comfortable full-suspension seat with safety belt has a folding backrest and can be adjusted to the weight of the driver. To increase safety during forklift operation, the transmission and direction switch can only be operated when the seat belt is fastened by means of appropriate additional equipment. The ergonomic steering wheel, automotive-style pedals and hydrostatic power steering allow the operator to control the truck intuitively and without effort.

The vehicle is operated either by hydraulic levers attached to the bonnet or, optionally, by mini-levers integrated into the fully adjustable, swinging armrest. The movements required to operate the levers are minimal, relieving the strain on the driver’s arm-shoulder area.

The splash-proof 5-inch TFT colour display provides information on all important vehicle parameters, such as travel speed, load weight and operating time until the next maintenance. Safety and warning messages can be individually programmed and are displayed in 26 languages. In addition, the display is used for onboard diagnostics and has password-protected access in case of service. If desired, to save fuel and increase safety, the vehicle can be programmed so that the engine automatically shuts off at idle as soon as the driver leaves the truck seat. When a reversing camera is used, the image is transmitted to the colour display.

The overhead guard provides a good view upwards when storing and retrieving high racking levels. All mast variants with free lift have double primary cylinders so that the driver also has an unobstructed view of the forks and load to the front. By decoupling the engine, transmission and drive axle, Clark has reduced vibration and noise to a minimum so that the driver can concentrate on his work. A wide range of storage options, a 12 V power connection and, on request, a radio or an additional USB charging port, e.g. for mobile phone devices, round off the workplace.

Extensive additional equipment

Clark offers the S-Series with extensive additional equipment for a variety of different applications: These include container-compatible driver’s protective roofs, a reversing camera, a Safety Light for visual warning when driving forwards and backwards, an acoustic reversing alarm, various seats with armrests or side bars, SE tyres, orange safety belt and a wide range of attachments.

In addition, various cab variants are available: these range from rain (cab roof) or weather protection (roof and windscreen) to a partial cab (roof, windscreen and rear window) to a fully equipped full cab with two-part side door and sliding window, air conditioning, heating with proportionally controllable heating valve, heated rear window and front and rear windscreen wipers, so that the driver can work in concentration and comfort even in the harshest climatic conditions.

 

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