IFOY Test Report: Crown SP 1500

With just a few weeks to go until the IFOY Awards are handed out in Dortmund on June 22nd, we continue our look at all of the 2023 finalists and share the verdict from the IFOY test conducted during the evaluation by an expert jury in March. Our next entry is the SP 1500 series order picker from Crown.

Category: Warehouse truck “highlifter”

IFOY Test Report

The SP 1500 is Crown’s latest high-lift order picker. It offers a load capacity of up to 1,250kg, driving speeds of up to 12km/h and a maximum lift speed of 0.71m/s at lift heights of up to 11.2m. To meet market demands, Crown redesigned the entire platform ̶ based on feedback from 250 customer surveys worldwide. The result is greater comfort, better handling, and more customisation options for users. The only element in the cab that has not changed is the Gena system, although the display now runs a new generation of software.

Thanks to the Work Assist Rail, numerous customised solutions allow the operator to set up the workstation entirely as desired. In the current configuration, however, this is only possible with tools. The safety doors that provide access to the booth have been renewed and are now easier to operate. The cab itself is 150mm higher so that even tall operators do not feel trapped as quickly or hindered by peripheral equipment attached to the Work Assist.

For the first time in high lift trucks, Crown offers the option of a dual configuration that allows the operator to control the truck from either side of the cab. The controls feature active sensing: When the right-hand control unit is gripped, the left-hand unit will be automatically activated. Thanks to the clever positioning of the controls, all hydraulic functions can be operated in a single movement. The steering wheel is tiltable and can be adjusted and operated in both horizontal (European) and vertical position (standard in the USA). The two control units on the mast side are also height-adjustable. Also new are the bright LED lights on the sides of the cabin contours. These illuminate the picking positions in the often dark aisles and give the operator an even better view of the goods.

During the IFOY test drive, it is obvious that visibility is optimised to an unprecedented degree on the SP 1500. A standard centre window, unique to these trucks, provides unsurpassed downward visibility even from great heights. Two large viewing windows are also present on the fork side, while the cab floor features grilles that provide optimal visibility without requiring the operator to leave the safe contours of the truck. For the first time on high-lift order pickers, Crown has also included a panoramic skylight that also optimises upward visibility.

The IFOY test team would have liked to have seen the central lift cylinder also replaced with two cylinders recessed into the mast for even better visibility during the extensive visibility optimisation. According to Crown, this will be considered in a future optimisation. In addition, a central cylinder that is up to 100mm shorter than the previous one would be sufficient now.

Another improvement expected in future forklift models, especially in Europe, is a footplate that acts as a dead man’s switch as a whole. At present, the SP 1500 is equipped with a large dead-man’s button, which is also much more convenient than that of its predecessor.

Another innovation is found under the battery cover. In addition to 24V units, Crown now supplies the SP 1500 with 48V batteries (from 432Ah to 960Ah). For example, for application situations where a higher residual capacity is required or a longer operating time is needed. The 48V batteries significantly increase the truck’s performance and enable, among other things, high-performance lifting. Here, the lifting speed increases to up to 0.71m/s. The standard lifting speed is already 0.58m/s, which is well above the market average. Another standard feature is regenerative lowering of the mast for greater energy efficiency.

IFOY test verdict: The SP 1500 high-lift order picker is the new standard for efficient order picking. Visibility and clarity are industry-leading and bring the greatest benefits. But the numerous customisation options to configure the workstation entirely according to your needs are also unique.

IFOY Innovation Check

Market relevance: With the SP 1500, Crown is setting new standards within order picking applications, which are increasing due to more and more demands. Increasing requirements for performance, efficiency and ergonomics in e-commerce and retail are therefore leading to high market relevance.

Customer benefit: Using the completely new model, the performance data of the SP 1500 can convince all across the board. With a lift height of over 10m at high travel and lifting speeds, a clear increase in performance can be expected. The unique ergonomics with a large number of configuration options, which were developed from studies conducted directly at the customer’s premises, are another key feature. The different aisle widths, the uniquely individually adjustable operation and the excellent field of vision are particularly worthy of mention. This without a doubt increases comfort for customers while at the same time ensuring a high level of safety during order-picking.

Novelty / Innovation: In addition to the increased performance characteristics, Crown is showing some innovative features that have a high degree of novelty in this area. Due to the high lift height, regenerative lowering could be used sensibly for the first time to increase energy efficiency, whereby low conversion efficiency is to be expected due to the hydraulic-electric-generative solution. A very impressive feature is the operator’s area, which provides the right adjustability for every body size and ensures visibility of all vehicle boundaries even at maximum lift height thanks to the viewing openings in the floor and the centre window.

Functionality / Type of implementation: The SP 1500 delivers what it promised on paper and appears in an outstandingly solid design. In every respect, it offers adjustment possibilities that promise comfortable work and even address the different needs of the European and American markets. For example, the steering wheel can be switched between vertical and horizontal in the simplest way, which underlines the universality of the truck with this exemplary detail.

Verdict: Crown’s SP 1500 convinces in every respect and is ahead in the market comparison.

Market relevance +
Customer benefit ++
Novelty / Innovation +
Functionality / Type of implementation ++
[KEY: ++ very good / + good / Ø balanced / – less / — not available]

 

IFOY Test Report: Crown SP 1500

With just a few weeks to go until the IFOY Awards are handed out in Dortmund on June 22nd, we continue our look at all of the 2023 finalists and share the verdict from the IFOY test conducted during the evaluation by an expert jury in March. Our next entry is the SP 1500 series order picker from Crown.

Category: Warehouse truck “highlifter”

IFOY Test Report

The SP 1500 is Crown’s latest high-lift order picker. It offers a load capacity of up to 1,250kg, driving speeds of up to 12km/h and a maximum lift speed of 0.71m/s at lift heights of up to 11.2m. To meet market demands, Crown redesigned the entire platform ̶ based on feedback from 250 customer surveys worldwide. The result is greater comfort, better handling, and more customisation options for users. The only element in the cab that has not changed is the Gena system, although the display now runs a new generation of software.

Thanks to the Work Assist Rail, numerous customised solutions allow the operator to set up the workstation entirely as desired. In the current configuration, however, this is only possible with tools. The safety doors that provide access to the booth have been renewed and are now easier to operate. The cab itself is 150mm higher so that even tall operators do not feel trapped as quickly or hindered by peripheral equipment attached to the Work Assist.

For the first time in high lift trucks, Crown offers the option of a dual configuration that allows the operator to control the truck from either side of the cab. The controls feature active sensing: When the right-hand control unit is gripped, the left-hand unit will be automatically activated. Thanks to the clever positioning of the controls, all hydraulic functions can be operated in a single movement. The steering wheel is tiltable and can be adjusted and operated in both horizontal (European) and vertical position (standard in the USA). The two control units on the mast side are also height-adjustable. Also new are the bright LED lights on the sides of the cabin contours. These illuminate the picking positions in the often dark aisles and give the operator an even better view of the goods.

During the IFOY test drive, it is obvious that visibility is optimised to an unprecedented degree on the SP 1500. A standard centre window, unique to these trucks, provides unsurpassed downward visibility even from great heights. Two large viewing windows are also present on the fork side, while the cab floor features grilles that provide optimal visibility without requiring the operator to leave the safe contours of the truck. For the first time on high-lift order pickers, Crown has also included a panoramic skylight that also optimises upward visibility.

The IFOY test team would have liked to have seen the central lift cylinder also replaced with two cylinders recessed into the mast for even better visibility during the extensive visibility optimisation. According to Crown, this will be considered in a future optimisation. In addition, a central cylinder that is up to 100mm shorter than the previous one would be sufficient now.

Another improvement expected in future forklift models, especially in Europe, is a footplate that acts as a dead man’s switch as a whole. At present, the SP 1500 is equipped with a large dead-man’s button, which is also much more convenient than that of its predecessor.

Another innovation is found under the battery cover. In addition to 24V units, Crown now supplies the SP 1500 with 48V batteries (from 432Ah to 960Ah). For example, for application situations where a higher residual capacity is required or a longer operating time is needed. The 48V batteries significantly increase the truck’s performance and enable, among other things, high-performance lifting. Here, the lifting speed increases to up to 0.71m/s. The standard lifting speed is already 0.58m/s, which is well above the market average. Another standard feature is regenerative lowering of the mast for greater energy efficiency.

IFOY test verdict: The SP 1500 high-lift order picker is the new standard for efficient order picking. Visibility and clarity are industry-leading and bring the greatest benefits. But the numerous customisation options to configure the workstation entirely according to your needs are also unique.

IFOY Innovation Check

Market relevance: With the SP 1500, Crown is setting new standards within order picking applications, which are increasing due to more and more demands. Increasing requirements for performance, efficiency and ergonomics in e-commerce and retail are therefore leading to high market relevance.

Customer benefit: Using the completely new model, the performance data of the SP 1500 can convince all across the board. With a lift height of over 10m at high travel and lifting speeds, a clear increase in performance can be expected. The unique ergonomics with a large number of configuration options, which were developed from studies conducted directly at the customer’s premises, are another key feature. The different aisle widths, the uniquely individually adjustable operation and the excellent field of vision are particularly worthy of mention. This without a doubt increases comfort for customers while at the same time ensuring a high level of safety during order-picking.

Novelty / Innovation: In addition to the increased performance characteristics, Crown is showing some innovative features that have a high degree of novelty in this area. Due to the high lift height, regenerative lowering could be used sensibly for the first time to increase energy efficiency, whereby low conversion efficiency is to be expected due to the hydraulic-electric-generative solution. A very impressive feature is the operator’s area, which provides the right adjustability for every body size and ensures visibility of all vehicle boundaries even at maximum lift height thanks to the viewing openings in the floor and the centre window.

Functionality / Type of implementation: The SP 1500 delivers what it promised on paper and appears in an outstandingly solid design. In every respect, it offers adjustment possibilities that promise comfortable work and even address the different needs of the European and American markets. For example, the steering wheel can be switched between vertical and horizontal in the simplest way, which underlines the universality of the truck with this exemplary detail.

Verdict: Crown’s SP 1500 convinces in every respect and is ahead in the market comparison.

Market relevance +
Customer benefit ++
Novelty / Innovation +
Functionality / Type of implementation ++
[KEY: ++ very good / + good / Ø balanced / – less / — not available]

 

AMRs Deployed in Irish Pharma DC

United Drug, Ireland’s largest pharmaceutical distribution company has partnered with Locus Robotics, an industry leader in autonomous mobile robots (AMR) for warehouse fulfilment, to deploy 21 LocusBots at their Baldonnel Dublin distribution centre to improve customer order fulfilment productivity. The innovative, robot-driven warehouse automation system will also ensure order pick accuracy and improve workplace quality, ergonomics, and safety. The Dublin site deployment is the first of its kind in Ireland.

With the rapid increases in online volume, coupled with the lack of available labour, health care distributors have been challenged to rapidly scale to meet growing wholesale and consumer demand for quick, accurate, and cost-effective order fulfilment. Deploying Locus AMRs within United Drug’s Baldonnel warehouse will proactively position them to meet these demands with a scalable, proven, and cost-effective solution.

“This partnership reflects our ongoing commitment to deploy innovative logistics solutions that use advanced technology to address increasingly complex fulfilment challenges,” says Paul Malone, Head of Operations for UDD & UDC at United Drug Ireland. “In a tight labour market, the Locus solution helps us to efficiently optimise productivity across our existing labour force so that we can enhance our customer service levels.”

“We are proud to partner with United Drug to deploy our powerful and efficient multi-bot solution to support their warehouse operations in Baldonnel, Dublin,” said Rick Faulk, CEO of Locus Robotics (pictured). “Our purpose-built robotics solution seamlessly addresses the needs of United Drug’s distribution warehouses by eliminating unproductive worker walking time to dramatically improve picking volumes and shorten order cycle times. In addition, Locus helps to ensure key worker health, ergonomic, and safety.”

Powered by LocusOne, the industry’s smartest, fully integrated warehouse orchestration and execution platform, LocusBots are engineered for maximum warehouse efficiency, delivering optimal productivity utilising the latest navigation and vision system technologies. LocusBots navigate autonomously through the warehouse working closely and safely with associates to improve order picking productivity and throughput efficiency. They can be flexibly and seamlessly deployed as demand changes, supporting a diverse range of picking strategies and workflows.

Locus Robotics is the world leader in revolutionary, enterprise-level, warehouse automation solution, incorporating powerful and intelligent autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) that operate collaboratively with human workers to dramatically improve product movement and productivity 2–3x. Named to the Inc. 500 two years in a row, and winning over 17 industry and technology awards, the Locus solution dramatically increases order fulfilment productivity, lowers operational costs, and improves workplace quality, safety, and worker ergonomics. Supporting over 100+ of the world’s top brands and deployed at 250+ sites around the world, Locus Robotics enables retailers, 3PLs and specialty warehouses to efficiently meet and exceed the increasingly complex and demanding requirements of today’s fulfilment environments.

Trelleborg Wheel Systems Officially Joins Yokohama

Following last year’s announcement, Trelleborg Wheel Systems is pleased to announce the acquisition by The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd. has been successfully completed for 2,074 million euro.
From this day forward, the company will officially be part of The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd., operating under the name ‘Yokohama TWS’ as a new company.

The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd., based in Hiratsuka, Japan, is a global leader in the tyre industry and other rubber applications, such as conveyor belts, hoses & couplings, and fenders.
With 860.5 billion yen in revenues (approx. 6 billion euro), it is a truly international concern, employing over 28,000 people around the globe and operating in more than 120 countries.

This acquisition enables The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd. to consolidate its leading position among tire producers in the world, becoming a global leader in the off-highway tires segment with the addition of Trelleborg, Mitas, Maximo, Cultor brands and Interfit service network to its portfolio.

Paolo Pompei, former President of Trelleborg Wheel Systems and current President and CEO of Yokohama TWS, says: “Today we are closing a successful chapter in our history with the Trelleborg Group and opening a new page with a leading player in the tire industry, sharing our values and vision for the future. Over the last few years, we have delivered continuous business growth combining strategic acquisitions with dedicated investments, and this has allowed us to build a strong and sustainable platform supported by a global manufacturing footprint, innovative products and solutions and an extensive sales network in close proximity to our customers. I’m extremely proud of what the TWS team has been able to achieve so far and we are all honoured that Yokohama has decided to invest in us, building together with their existing business, a new leading player in the off-highway segment.”

Yokohama TWS will continue delivering the same high quality products, solutions, and level of service to all its customers worldwide. As a new company, Yokohama TWS will operate with no change to its organizational structure.

Yokohama TWS is part of The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd. and is a leader in designing and producing tyre and wheel solutions to drive a sustainable future for Agriculture, Construction, Material Handling and Two-Wheeler markets. Its state-of-the-art manufacturing sites reach customers worldwide, producing more sustainable solutions while implementing advanced technologies. Yokohama TWS includes Trelleborg, Mitas, Maximo, Cultor and Interfit whose network of local specialists offer tailor-made services to meet customers’ needs for any applications wherever they are. In 2022, the division generated sales over € 1.2 billion and currently employs more than 6,600 people in 42 countries.

Trelleborg Wheel Systems Officially Joins Yokohama

Following last year’s announcement, Trelleborg Wheel Systems is pleased to announce the acquisition by The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd. has been successfully completed for 2,074 million euro.
From this day forward, the company will officially be part of The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd., operating under the name ‘Yokohama TWS’ as a new company.

The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd., based in Hiratsuka, Japan, is a global leader in the tyre industry and other rubber applications, such as conveyor belts, hoses & couplings, and fenders.
With 860.5 billion yen in revenues (approx. 6 billion euro), it is a truly international concern, employing over 28,000 people around the globe and operating in more than 120 countries.

This acquisition enables The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd. to consolidate its leading position among tire producers in the world, becoming a global leader in the off-highway tires segment with the addition of Trelleborg, Mitas, Maximo, Cultor brands and Interfit service network to its portfolio.

Paolo Pompei, former President of Trelleborg Wheel Systems and current President and CEO of Yokohama TWS, says: “Today we are closing a successful chapter in our history with the Trelleborg Group and opening a new page with a leading player in the tire industry, sharing our values and vision for the future. Over the last few years, we have delivered continuous business growth combining strategic acquisitions with dedicated investments, and this has allowed us to build a strong and sustainable platform supported by a global manufacturing footprint, innovative products and solutions and an extensive sales network in close proximity to our customers. I’m extremely proud of what the TWS team has been able to achieve so far and we are all honoured that Yokohama has decided to invest in us, building together with their existing business, a new leading player in the off-highway segment.”

Yokohama TWS will continue delivering the same high quality products, solutions, and level of service to all its customers worldwide. As a new company, Yokohama TWS will operate with no change to its organizational structure.

Yokohama TWS is part of The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd. and is a leader in designing and producing tyre and wheel solutions to drive a sustainable future for Agriculture, Construction, Material Handling and Two-Wheeler markets. Its state-of-the-art manufacturing sites reach customers worldwide, producing more sustainable solutions while implementing advanced technologies. Yokohama TWS includes Trelleborg, Mitas, Maximo, Cultor and Interfit whose network of local specialists offer tailor-made services to meet customers’ needs for any applications wherever they are. In 2022, the division generated sales over € 1.2 billion and currently employs more than 6,600 people in 42 countries.

UK Freight Association Elects new Chair

Charles Hogg has succeeded Rachel Morley as the elected national chair of BIFA – the British International Freight Association – for a two-year period.

Charles, commercial director at BIFA member company, Unsworth, who has been vice-chair for the past two years, was appointed a director of BIFA in 2019 and chairs the trade association’s Surface Policy Group.

Alongside Charles will be Keith Baguley,  UK import manager at Atlantic Container Line (ACL)who became BIFA’s regional chairman, Merseyside in 2018, and has now been elected as vice-chair.

Rachel Morley becomes immediate past chair for a two-year term, and  Sir Peter Bottomley, MP, remains as BIFA president.

BIFA director general Steve Parker comments: “In welcoming Charles and Keith into their new positions, I wish to express my appreciation for the contribution made by Rachel Morley over many years; and pleasure that Sir Peter has agreed to continue in office.

“Charles and Keith’s’ wide-ranging experience and senior roles in successful freight forwarding companies will ensure that BIFA and its members will benefit greatly from these new appointments.”

BIFA Members can be either Full or Associate members. Full members are those actively providing international freight services and/or customs brokerage services, whereas Associate members are not primarily engaged in international freight or customs brokerage but have an ancillary interest in the industry and wish to develop their interests through the Association.

UK Freight Association Elects new Chair

Charles Hogg has succeeded Rachel Morley as the elected national chair of BIFA – the British International Freight Association – for a two-year period.

Charles, commercial director at BIFA member company, Unsworth, who has been vice-chair for the past two years, was appointed a director of BIFA in 2019 and chairs the trade association’s Surface Policy Group.

Alongside Charles will be Keith Baguley,  UK import manager at Atlantic Container Line (ACL)who became BIFA’s regional chairman, Merseyside in 2018, and has now been elected as vice-chair.

Rachel Morley becomes immediate past chair for a two-year term, and  Sir Peter Bottomley, MP, remains as BIFA president.

BIFA director general Steve Parker comments: “In welcoming Charles and Keith into their new positions, I wish to express my appreciation for the contribution made by Rachel Morley over many years; and pleasure that Sir Peter has agreed to continue in office.

“Charles and Keith’s’ wide-ranging experience and senior roles in successful freight forwarding companies will ensure that BIFA and its members will benefit greatly from these new appointments.”

BIFA Members can be either Full or Associate members. Full members are those actively providing international freight services and/or customs brokerage services, whereas Associate members are not primarily engaged in international freight or customs brokerage but have an ancillary interest in the industry and wish to develop their interests through the Association.

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