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Tag: forklift technology

BYD attracts attention of fruit industry

Posted on by David Priestman

BYD Forklift Europe, the world’s leading manufacturer of New Energy Vehicles (NEVs), has brought a selection from its range of 100% zero-emission forklift trucks to Fruit Attraction 2021 in Madrid at its stand 6B01 in hall 6. BYD is using its presence at the show to demonstrate to the Spanish and European fruit and vegetable industry the many cost savings and operational benefits of running an emission-free materials handling fleet.

With the unique BYD Iron-Phosphate Battery at the heart of each of its products, BYD forklifts enhance a business’s green credentials whilst also offering significant cost savings and operation benefits. Furthermore, BYD Iron-Phosphate Batteries come with the most advance design, highest levels of safety and an industry-leading 8-year (or 10,000-hour) warranty, offering companies in the fruit and vegetable sector a safe, reliable, and long-term materials handling equipment partner.

Fruit producers will also be reassured to learn that BYD has an established professional dealer network covering 100% of the Iberian Peninsula, ensuring fast and local service and support.

Visitors to BYD’s stand in the ‘Auxiliary Services’ area of Fruit Attraction will be greeted by a selection from its fast-charging BYD Iron-Phosphate Battery powered range of equipment, including:

  • The eye-catching BYD ECB20S, BYD’s latest forklift truck. Displayed at an exhibition for the first time in Europe, the BYD ECB20S completes its three-wheel counterbalance range. This fully-equipped workhorse offers a tremendous amount of options, and like all BYD Iron-Phosphate powered equipment it allows you to top-up the battery at short intervals during operator breaks, ensuring highest levels of availability around the clock.
  • Two versions of its popular stacker truck, the BYD EPS14, one with a fold-down platform and one which is walk-behind. With a nominal capacity of 1400kg and lifting heights of up to 5400mm, these stackers can comfortably handle most internal operations found in a busy fruit processing environment.
  • The versatile BYD PTW20S pallet truck, for heavier nominal loads up to 2000kg, can be used to load and unload trucks swiftly and efficiently, as well as in areas such as a warehouses where space is at a premium.

Any business in this sector operating a forklift truck or a fleet of materials handling equipment will already most likely be using electric-powered equipment. The main difference is that, most of these will be powered by traditional lead-acid batteries which are not only notorious for spilling acid and leaking gasses, but also run with a considerably reduced capacity the more they are used.

That’s why manufacturers of forklifts are rushing to embrace lithium-ion technology, as it eliminates these health and safety issues and offers longer-lasting batteries with a greater operational window. However, as a sector-leading innovative company, BYD is a step ahead of the game as its 100% maintenance-free Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries offer many more benefits than standard lithium-ion batteries.

For example, they can be charged from 20% battery life to 100% in just 60 minutes. The efficiency of the BYD Iron-Phosphate Battery means the total cost of ownership (TCO) of a BYD forklift can be as much as 60% lower than an equivalent lead-acid battery powered rival.

BYD is unique amongst forklift makers in that it designs, manufactures and develops its own batteries and battery management systems (BMS), the same tried-and-tested technology that sits at the heart of its market-leading range of electric buses that can be seen in major cities and airports across Europe and the rest of the world. Additionally, BYD produces critically-acclaimed passenger cars and trucks, ensuring its technology is operating successfully in the most challenging and demanding conditions.

“BYD understands the business of fruit and vegetable producers and processers, and have developed a range of products that are very well suited to handle the lifting and moving challenges they face,” says Ignacio García, BYD Forklifts Country Manager Iberia. “With a growing network of dealers in the region and a range of safe, reliable equipment, BYD can also help companies operating in this industry sector to enhance their green credentials.”

Visitors to Fruit Attraction 2021, which is taking place in Madrid on 5th-7th October, are invited to visit the BYD Forklift stand to find out how to reduce their logistics costs, optimise their operational efficiency, and demonstrate a quantifiable improvement in their environmental profile which they can use to help win new customers and retain existing business.

Intralogistics experts present hybrid talk series

Posted on by David Priestman

“Thesen am Tresen – The STILL Logistics Talk” is the title of a talk series for investment decision-makers and logistics enthusiasts developed by the Hamburg-based intralogistics company STILL. The first round of talks will be held during the German Logistics Congress in Berlin from October 20 to 22.

STILL will turn the gourmet restaurant “Hugos” at the Berlin Hotel “InterContinental” into a recording studio during the 38th edition of the congress of the German Logistics Association (BVL).  For 40 minutes each in a total of five talks, logistics experts from industry, trade, logistics services and science will discuss provoking theses that are of concern to them today and in the future. The discussions at the bar will revolve around the topics of globalisation, digitalisation, the environment, automation and security, and will be hosted by the logistics journalists Anita Würmser and Thilo Jörgl.

For those interested who are not attending the congress, the sessions will be broadcast live on the internet. Those who cannot watch the free live streams will have the opportunity to watch them afterwards on the STLL website. Through this hybrid format, STILL aims to make this valuable content accessible to a wider audience.

“We will discuss the megatrends in the field of logistics in an innovative format that people are familiar with from television. We are delighted that decision-makers from the most important industries and renowned scientists have accepted our invitation to share their knowledge publicly in an entertaining format,” states Frank Müller, Senior Vice President Brand Management / Sales & Service Steering STILL EMEA. Researchers from TU Dresden, Helmut Schmidt University in Hamburg, the Fraunhofer IFF in Magdeburg and the Fraunhofer IML in Dortmund are those who have accepted the invitation. Representatives from Warsteiner, Hermes Fulfilment, FIEGE, DB Schenker, SICK, BLG Logistics and logistics experts from KION and STILL are among those on the panel from the business world.

Thesen am Tresen – The STILL Logistics Talk at a glance

Wednesday, October 20, 2021, 11.00-11.40 CET – Globalisation

Can we manage without China? How Covid is changing value chains.

Andrea Eck, Member of the Board of Management, BLG Logistics

Christine Mezger-Behan, Vice President Logistics System, KION ITS EMEA

Ralf Düster, Member of the Executive Board, Setlog Holding

Anita Würmser (host)

 

Wednesday, October 20, 2021, 15.00-15.40 CET – Climate and Environment

Everything but exhaust fumes: Here’s what the forklift truck of the future will look like.

Rolf Beckmann, Director Engineering, FIEGE Group

Daniel Küster, Supply Chain Director, Warsteiner Group

Prof. Dr. Thorsten Schmidt, Chair of Technical Logistics, TU Dresden

Frank Müller, Senior Vice President Brand Management & Sales & Service Steering STILL EMEA

Thilo Jörgl (host)

 

Thursday, October 21, 2021, 11.00-11.40 CET – Digitalisation and Artificial Intelligence

The warehouse is dead. Long live the warehouse! How artificial intelligence is changing logistics.

Tobias Zierhut, Senior Vice President – Mobile Automation, KION Group

Prof. Dr. Dr. h. c. Michael ten Hompel, Executive Director, Fraunhofer Institute for Material Flow and Logistics IML, Dortmund

Anita Würmser (host)

 

Thursday, October 21, 2021, 3:00-3:40 CET – Automation

A digital dump is still a dump: How to avoid automating the wrong way.

Kevin Kufs, CEO, Hermes Fulfilment

Prof. Dr. Julia Arlinghaus, Director, Fraunhofer Institute for Factory Operation and Automation IFF, Magdeburg

Marina Hein, Vice President International Key Account Solutions, KION ITS EMEA

Thilo Jörgl (host)

 

Friday, October 22, 2021, 11.00-11.40 CET – Safety/Research

Mostly cloudy: How cloud applications prevent accidents in the warehouse.

Erik Wirsing, Vice President Global Innovation, DB Schenker

Andreas Höll, Technical Industry Manager, Sick

Prof. Dr. Alice Kirchheim, Chair of Logistics Systems Technology, Helmut Schmidt University Hamburg

Ansgar Bergmann, Technology & Innovation – CTR, Project Manager CTO, STILL

Thilo Jörgl (host)

 

 

Bespoke solution for refractory manufacturer

Posted on by David Priestman

A UK refractory manufacturer seeking to replace an ageing forklift has benefitted from a bespoke materials handling solution from Roburtrucks.

Derbyshire-based DSF Refractories & Minerals (DSF) is the largest shaped refractory manufacturer in the UK, producing heat-resistant materials for extreme-temperature applications, including the lining of glass furnaces and petrochemical reactors, exporting more than 80% of their refractory shapes. The company is a major importer of minerals and other raw materials, which it processes on-site for its own production requirements, as well as supplying other refractory manufacturers.

For over 10 years, DSF had used a counterbalanced machine to load and unload large refractory blocks from its kilns. As it reached the end of its service life, increasingly frequent issues were causing production downtime and costly repairs. Additionally, the machine’s stabilising attachment often damaged the refractory blocks and loads were sometimes unstable during movement. As this was an older machine that did not have power steering, this caused operator fatigue, which was highlighted by DSF as a possible risk of injury to the company’s staff.

Following an introduction to DSF by Endeavour Forklifts, Roburtrucks was appointed to design and build a bespoke handling solution, which would be fully fit for purpose in a hazardous manufacturing environment.

Objectives

Following a customer consultation with DSF, Roburtrucks began the design phase for a machine that would deliver the following materials handling and health and safety objectives:

  • Incorporate power steering
  • Grab refractory blocks safely and securely
  • Ensure load stability when moving across uneven floors
  • Be comfortable for operator use
  • High reliability for continuous operation

Solution

Roburtrucks designed and manufactured a highly compact counterbalanced Stacker, featuring a unique securing clamp. The machine provides a lifting capacity of 1000kg (or 800kg with the removable clamp) and delivers two operational uses. As well its bespoke functionality, the removal of the clamp enables the machine to be utilised as a conventional counterbalanced Stacker for other purposes in the factory.

In order to prevent damage to the refractory blocks, the lifting clamps designed and engineered by Roburtrucks were coated with Secutex multi-functional geotextile, which allows some leniency in the material to ensure secure grabbing characteristics.

Results

The new machine delivered by Roburtrucks was quickly proven to increase productivity for DSF through the secure handling of refractory blocks weighing up to 600kg. Able to operate safely and efficiently across uneven floors in a challenging environment, the bespoke solution addressed all previous health and safety concerns. Equally, the reliability of the new machine has proven significant with no downtime incurred to date.

Russell Ferns, Health and Safety Officer, DSF Refractories & Minerals, commented: “From the introduction to Roburtrucks by Endeavour Forklifts through the design and build process, delivery and driver familiarisation, the service we have received was second to none. Nothing was too much trouble for the Roburtrucks team and this was a challenging project.

“We had experienced a number of failed attempts to get the right piece of kit for the specific purpose we needed but Roburtrucks delivered on its promise that the truck would meet all the desired objectives. Our long-term relationship with Mark Bann from Endeavour Forklifts meant that we weacre able to trust his judgment when recommending Roburtrucks to our company, which proved to be an excellent partnership.”

CLICK HERE to find out more.

 

STILL presents energy system webinar

Posted on by David Priestman

Lead-acid battery, lithium-ion technology or fuel cell? To operate economically and efficiently, you need to identify the most suitable energy system for your particular transport processes. This decision depends on many factors and therefore requires a high degree of experience. The intralogistics and energy experts of the Hamburg-based intralogistics provider STILL gave a comprehensive overview of the different energy systems during a recent “Energy” webinar and explained the advantages and disadvantages of each system in a clear and hands-on way.

Energy is becoming an increasingly important issue in intralogistics. The European Union aims to have a climate-neutral economy by 2050 at the latest – Germany even wants to achieve this goal much sooner. This means that CO2 emissions must then be avoided as far as possible or stored to the same extent as they are emitted. In order to achieve this goal, the EU Commission and the individual countries are now imposing laws and regulations to oblige everyone to make their contribution. These include increased CO2 taxes, expensive emission certificates and a complete ban on internal combustion engines, which will make electric drives mandatory for all vehicles by 2030 at the latest.

In addition, consumers are also becoming more sensitive with regard to the climate neutrality of services and products. For this reason, companies are also increasingly looking to ensure that their supply chains meet sustainability requirements. Suppliers, for instance, must provide certificates on the origin of raw materials, production conditions and the CO2 footprint. A good ecological balance sheet is thus increasingly becoming a competitive advantage.

Looking for the right energy system

One thing is true throughout Europe: Energy is precious, it is becoming ever more precious and therefore the consumption and use of energy must be managed intelligently. In intralogistics, this begins with the selection of the appropriate energy system for the drive of industrial trucks. The current choices are lead-acid batteries, lithium-ion technology, or fuel cell systems. But no matter which system is chosen, this decision will have an impact. On the infrastructure of warehouses and production sites, on the choice of transport systems, on operating costs and ultimately on the size of the investment.

“Each of these energy systems has its own special features and requires certain prerequisites in handling,” explained Dyrk Draenkow, product manager for energy systems, during the webinar. To come to a sustainable and economically efficient decision, the overall picture must be considered: transport processes, the desired handling performance, the type of vehicles and, of course, the infrastructure of the warehouse.

Suitability criteria

According to Björn Grünke, also product manager for energy systems, this leads to five criteria that can be used to identify systems that are optimally suited to the respective requirements: vehicle availability, infrastructure aspects, acquisition and operating costs, as well as sustainability. According to the expert, lead-acid batteries have a rather mediocre overall result in this analysis. While their performance in terms of vehicle availability is mediocre, they are not at all convincing in terms of infrastructure due to their high storage space requirements.

On the other hand, they come out on top when it comes to investment costs. Compared to all known energy systems, the purchase price of lead-acid batteries is very low at around 150 euros per kilowatt hour. However, this bonus is offset by the system’s only moderately efficient operating costs. And when it comes to sustainability, this energy system can only partially convince the STILL experts.

“This technology is exhausted. No further developments towards significantly shorter charging times or higher power density are to be expected,” said Draenkow and added: “However, if we disregard the limitations described, this type of battery will remain a reliable and very useful energy system for the next few years. It is especially suitable for users who have only a few vehicles and only a few working hours to deal with.”

Lithium-ion technology

Li-ion batteries can be interim charged at any time – and that within a very short time, without damaging the battery or shortening its service life. This makes it possible to use the vehicle flexibly, around the clock, without having to change the battery: lithium-ion technology thus ensures maximum availability even in multi-shift operation. And as far as charging time is concerned: in most cases, as experience has shown us, one hour of charging means up to three hours of driving.

Moreover, this energy system places very few demands on the infrastructure. When it comes to investment costs, the situation is somewhat different: Lithium-ion batteries still have a higher purchase price than lead-acid batteries. It is about two to three times as high.

“However, lithium-ion batteries have at least twice the service life with the same capacity. If you look at the general price development of lithium-ion cells since 2010, the trend is clear: They are getting cheaper and cheaper,” says Grünke. The system also stands out when it comes to sustainability. Charging and control options for increasing efficiency are constantly being developed further, while at the same time the acquisition costs for the system are being reduced.

Fuel cell systems

What is special about this energy system is that the electricity is generated within the vehicle and no longer comes out of the socket. Draenkow says: “When we talk about a fuel cell in intralogistics, we mean a so-called battery replacement module. This corresponds to a specific battery trough in terms of size, weight and shape. This means that an existing lead-acid or lithium-ion battery can be replaced one-to-one with this module. All the components necessary for a fuel cell are assembled in such a module.”

This includes the fuel cell itself, the so-called stacks. These convert the energy stored in hydrogen into electrical energy. This energy is then used to charge the integrated Li-ion battery. This is needed to supply the vehicle with continuous power. Also part of the system is a high-pressure hydrogen tank, including a fuelling nozzle and other components. It is an all-in-one system.

Since the system does not have to be charged but refuelled, there is no downtime at chargers or sockets. After only 2-3 minutes at the hydrogen pump, the vehicle is available again at full capacity. This creates maximum flexibility in terms of operating times and allows for tough demands and/or multi-shift operation without restrictions. Experience shows that a tank filling can allow up to eight hours of use, depending on the vehicle type and use.

However, the hydrogen required must be delivered by tanker truck. Or you can make yourself completely independent and produce the hydrogen yourself with your own electrolyser on the premises. This, however, requires additional electricity. If you want to be sure not to emit any CO2 in the process, you can produce the “green” energy yourself:  by wind turbine and or photovoltaics.

Of course, this involves a certain amount of effort, which is why fuel cell technology can only be rated as moderately suitable in terms of the infrastructure criterion. And with regard to investment costs: On the one hand, a “fuel cell ready” vehicle must be purchased new ex works. On the other hand, costs arise for the acquisition of the suitable fuel cell system. These are currently priced at a factor of 4-5 of a lead-acid battery. And to create the necessary infrastructure still requires high investments, so that it is currently hardly possible to profitably use fuel cells for vehicles.

However, funding programmes at the national and European level are helping to make this business case “green” in economic terms in the future. Subsidies are available both for the equipment of the vehicles and for the infrastructure. Draenkow comments: “Basically, what will apply to the future of fuel cells is the economies of scale: the more hydrogen consumers there are on the premises, the faster the costs per kilogram of hydrogen can be reduced.”

Summary

The efficiency of an energy system always depends on the particular application. Unfortunately, there is no single system for all applications. Guidance in this very confusing situation is provided by the intralogistics and energy experts of the Hamburg-based intralogistics supplier STILL – for example during the energy webinar, but they are also available anytime to offer advice and support to companies that are about to make an investment decision.

New functions for Linde Logistic Trains

Posted on by David Priestman

With new trailers and a cloud-based tugger train guidance system, Linde Material Handling (MH) is making horizontal packaged goods transportation even more attractive. Innovative functions for C-frame and Bridge-Frames ensure greater safety and flexibility.

The tugger train guidance system determines the optimal route for drivers, reduces error rates and employee training time, and responds to order-related changes with adjustments in real time. Thus, even complex tasks become manageable and can be reliably carried out.

Horizontal goods transportation by means of tugger trains is particularly advantageous where large quantities of different parts and components have to be delivered over long distances to the right place at the right time. This is the case in the automotive industry, as one example, where each vehicle consists of many thousands of components that are assembled piece by piece until the finished car finally rolls off the production line.

“Here, bundled material transport using tugger trains makes more economic and ecological sense than individual transports and furthermore, they are in line with the Lean philosophy,” explains Mal Rexhepi, Product Manager Automation & Load Train Solutions. Further advantages of production supply enabled by tugger trains include the reduction of in-house traffic volume and the associated lower accident potential combined with plannable processes.

New frame features

From September 2021, Linde MH will be launching new trailer models for the Linde Logistic Train – including the LT-C with C-frame, the LT-B with Bridge-Frame and the LT-BM with Bridge-Frame and movable middle support. The improved frame functions ensure even greater safety and flexibility.

One new feature is the innovative and patented lifting profile mechanism for the Bridge-Frames. It not only enables the transport of a wide variety of rolling racks and trolleys, but also, with the appropriate design, the lifting of pallets without load carriers if these have been placed in the trailer with a pallet truck, for example. For this purpose, the lifting profiles are initially concealed in the trailer frame at the beginning of the loading process so that the operator can push in the trolleys unhindered.

The optional middle support, which can be moved freely against the direction of travel, allows the use of several different container sizes in the same trailer without significantly increasing the train length.

The highlight of the C-frames is the fork stabilisation control. The patented solution prevents the forks from sagging even under the highest possible loads and thus ensures safe transport of the load. The ergonomic ejection mechanism is another helpful feature: When the driver releases the lock using the foot switch, the load is pushed away from the back of the forks, making it easier to pull the load carriers out of the trailer.

All Linde MH frame models are fitted with a mechanical load locking mechanism as standard: As soon as a container is placed in the frame, the lock closes automatically. When the driver gets into the train, the frames are automatically lifted, upon leaving the driver’s platform, the load is lowered. When the tugger train is moving, the lowering of the frames is technically impossible. Conversely, it is impossible for the operator to set the tugger train in motion with the frames lowered.

For outdoor use, the frames can – beside many other options – be equipped with a weather guard to protect the load. The mechanical all-wheel steering ensures the high directional stability of the tugger trains: No matter how many trailers are used, the entire train remains on track. Thanks to a standardised interface, the trailers are even prepared for semi- or fully automated operations. Trolleys have also recently been included in the scope of delivery. They are available in various designs and can be further equipped, for example with modular rack superstructures.

Guidance system

The changeover from individual to bundled material transportation brings with it many advantages – as well as greater complexity with regard to logistical planning for warehouse employees. “It is necessary to organise routes and load carrier changes as efficiently as possible in order to avoid time losses and errors. To accomplish this, the entire cycle from upstream production to final assembly must be carefully planned and coordinated,” explains Oldrik Wagner, Product Manager Software Solutions. “With our tugger train guidance system, we can now provide step-by-step support to operators in carrying out their tasks.”

The tugger train control system receives all relevant information on material transports from the ERP or WMS system without any media discontinuity. From this, it generates individual driving orders and displays them on a large touch screen in the cockpit. Order by order, the drivers are directed to the respective assembly workstations along the predetermined, optimal route.

This process is preceded by the configuration of the tugger trains, trailers, stops, routes and reports by means of multilingual software. Via the dashboard, warehouse managers have an overview of the entire application and can trigger key figures and reports to further optimise its use.

25% of electric Toyota FLTs are Lithium-ion

Posted on by David Priestman

Nearly a quarter of all Toyota electric-powered forklift trucks ordered for delivery in the UK now feature Lithium-ion battery technology.

“While lead acid remains by far the dominant battery type within the electric-powered forklift market, sales of Lithium-ion forklifts have been on a sustained upward curve for some time,” says Gary Ison, Sales Training & Product Development Manager at Toyota  Material Handling UK.

“Lead acid batteries have been a highly capable forklift power solution for years, and it is estimated that in the region of 90% of all electric forklifts in operation throughout the world are still running on these battery types. But Lithium-ion battery technology is now seen as the next evolution in forklift efficiency.”

Lithium-ion’s share of the electric forklift market is widely expected to proliferate significantly over the next five years with a report recently undertaken by India-based analyst, Research Dive, forecasting that the global Lithium-ion forklift battery market will be worth close to US$1,348.5m by 2026.

Gary Ison says: “Over the last decade or so, electric-powered forklifts have become an increasingly popular choice for businesses across all industry sectors who find themselves under growing social and legislative pressure to operate in as environmentally sensitive way as they can.

“Traditionally, electric lift trucks have relied on lead-acid battery technology but the Lithium-Ion solution has now become well established as a viable alternative. Today, in the right applications, Lithium-ion is revolutionising the way some companies operate their intralogistics processes.”

Growth in the Lithium-ion powered forklift market is being driven by a number of factors, not the least of which are the energy efficiency benefits and savings on fleet running costs that Lithium-ion offers.

But of equal significance are the advances in both battery and charger technology that have alleviated the health and safety issues that, for a while, were linked with Lithium-ion  batteries following a number of high profile fires at industrial buildings reportedly started by malfunctioning Lithium-ion batteries.

“There is no doubt that, some of the problems experienced by the early adopters of Lithium-ion battery technology made people cautious, but the science has moved on and it is easy to understand why more and more electric truck users are interested in Lithium-ion,” says Gary Ison.

He continues: “Lithium-ion batteries have the ability to be recharged in as little as one hour – which increases a truck’s overall availability. One hour’s charging will give in the region of 4 to 5 hours of operating time. Also, as these batteries allow for opportunity charging, trucks can be recharged anywhere by the operator during breaks in a shift or other periods of downtime. As a result, there is no need to swap batteries – so dedicated charging rooms and spare batteries aren’t necessary.”

Lithium-ion’s quick and easy opportunity charging functionality means that Lithium-ion battery fleets are most beneficial at sites where trucks are working at high intensity over multiple shifts or extended periods.

“Lithium-ion’s suitability as a power source for lift trucks is not driven by the number of forklifts in operation at a site but by the intensity of their schedule. A company that runs one reach truck 24 hours-a-day will benefit from switching to Lithium-ion batteries while a facility with a dozen machines that are used for light duties from 9-to-5 would commercially probably still be better served by trucks powered by lead acid batteries,” explains Gary Ison.

Infrastructural considerations

“But,” he cautions, “at any multi-shift operation with a high number of trucks working it is essential to manage and schedule operator break periods and consider the scenario where several trucks are ‘plugged in’ for recharging at the same time.

“This is because during the shorter ‘opportunity’ recharging process a Lithium-ion  battery can draw down up to four times the power from the National Grid than that which is needed to charge a traditional lead-acid battery over 8 – 12 hours.

Gary Ison continues: “If charging schedules are not properly managed and too many Lithium-ion  batteries are on charge at the same time there is risk that a building’s power supply could be overloaded.

“At Toyota we advise customers considering switching to Lithium-ion to speak to their utilities provider to flag up any potential power supply issues from the outset. But good charging discipline will deliver the consistent power levels required to allow the trucks to work around the clock – even within the most demanding environments.

“At Toyota we employ bespoke simulation software that enables us to consider all aspects of a client’s operation from the outset and model the optimum choice of battery and battery charging regime for any facility. From there we can advise on power requirements and help customers considering switching to Lithium-ion batteries to look at the bigger picture when assessing Lithium-ion batteries’ suitability for an application

“So, if you are considering switching to Lithium-ion, make sure your MHE supplier really understands your business and undertakes a thorough survey of your handling operation as well as – most importantly – the infrastructure of your site.

“With Lithium-ion offering so many benefits it is easy to forget that, for some users, the traditional lead acid battery will still represent the best option. Our pride in the Toyota brand means that we will always provide the right power solution for every electric truck application. It doesn’t matter if it’s Lithium-ion or lead acid – as long as it’s right for the customer.”

Reach trucks are Lithium-ion ready

The first three models in Toyota’s recently-launched BT Reflex family of reach trucks – the high-performance R-series, the E-series (which features Toyota’s iconic and unique tilting cab) and the flexible O-series for inside and outside use – are  all Lithium-ion ready.

The new trucks come with a choice of three intelligent energy packages to suit every customer’s application requirements: a 300 amp/hour battery for lighter duties; a 420 amp/hour battery for medium intensity work; and a 630 amp/hour solution for high intensity workhorses. All three packages are based on Toyota’s own modular Lithium-ion battery system and deliver a high degree of operational flexibility.

Linde provides forklifts to support flood relief efforts

Posted on by David Priestman

Linde Material Handling is continuing to support reconstruction efforts in central Europe following the devastating floods that struck the region earlier this year.

Even more than three months after the devastating floods that had taken place along the rivers Ahr, Kyll or Erft, many places in this part of western Germany are still a scene of destruction. Back in August, Linde MH and network partner Linde Material Handling Rhein-Ruhr made various forklifts available to the German Red Cross (DRK) for an indefinite period of time – and these are still in use to help transport supplies to those affected and support reconstruction efforts.

“We were shocked by the extent of the damage and wanted to help by way of what we and our network partners can do best: high-performance goods handling,” says Stefan Prokosch, SVP Brand Management at Linde MH. To this end, the company unbureaucratically handed over numerous vehicles to the German Red Cross for their use for an indefinite period of time.

Since then, the forklifts have been used to move many tonnes of loads at various locations, helping to ensure that supplies reach the population and relief workers in addition to supporting clean-up and reconstruction work in the affected areas. In July, the parent company KION Group had already donated €1m in emergency aid to the German Red Cross.

Forklifts as flood helpers

To date, Linde Material Handling and its network partner have delivered more than a dozen industrial trucks to various DRK bases. Most of the equipment – forklifts and warehouse trucks with a load capacity of up to two tonnes – is used at collection points for relief supplies in Euskirchen and Alsdorf. Here, they help by unloading HGVs and transporting materials around the warehouse. “The vehicles were welcomed with great cheers,” reports Mirco Trautewig, who is responsible for marketing at Linde MH Rhein-Ruhr. “Before, there were often only manual pallet trucks available, the use of which required a lot of effort from volunteers.”

A larger diesel forklift with a load capacity of five tonnes is currently in use in the municipality of Grafschaft, district of Ahrweiler at the food distribution point set up there. From this central location, the German Red Cross supplies a total of twelve field kitchens in which up to 29,000 meals are prepared every day and distributed to those in need as well as to volunteers via 42 distribution points. With a load capacity of eight tonnes, the diesel forklift in use at the DRK’s collection and transshipment centre in Koblenz offers even more power.

This vehicle is utilised by Red Cross workers to unload power generators, drying devices and other heavy equipment, which is delivered from all over Germany by truck before being distributed from here to the flood-stricken areas. A team of employees from the Central Service, Truck Finish and Sales Germany departments in Aschaffenburg worked together to ensure that the two forklifts reached the affected region quickly. “Everyone pulled together and was enthusiastic about the project,” says Klaus Reichert, the sales representative responsible for Linde’s forklift pool.

One operation in the flooded area proved to be particularly precarious: A medium-sized company that had stored hazardous materials on its premises suffered the complete destruction of its warehouse and production facilities due to the massive ingress of water. “Only a short time after receiving the emergency call from our sales organisation, we were able to send a suitable explosion protection truck to the site, which has been helping with the clean-up work ever since,” says Marcel Fackert, Managing Director Linde Protected Solutions.

Combilift expands electric range

Posted on by David Priestman

Irish materials handling specialist Combilift has officially launched its latest product, the Combi-XLE, as a further addition to its impressive range of electric models. In line with the growing demand for electric powered equipment, this multidirectional forklift with up to 5t lift capacity, combines emission-free operation with powerful performance for a wide range of industries and applications.

The original engine powered XL C-Series model was developed to address the requirements of tough working environments such as those in the timber, concrete and steel sectors. The new Combi-XLE incorporates the same key design features as its earlier counterpart such as high ground clearance, large cushioned front and rear tyres and a spacious cab, allowing smooth operation on semi rough terrain whilst offering a high level of driver comfort.

With sustainability ever higher on the agenda, Combilift further helps its customers achieve their environmental goals with its versatile “3 forklifts in 1” models, which work inside and out, reducing fleet size and thereby their carbon footprint. A hallmark of all Combilift products is the ability to increase storage capacity without expanding the size of a facility, resulting in lower energy usage and associated costs such as heating, lighting and maintenance, which is of significant benefit to the environment and the workforce.

Noise pollution and carbon emissions, which can impact on the health and well-being of people as well as wildlife, is also no longer an issue  thanks to electric power. Drivers, employees and visitors on site appreciate the quiet operation, as do neighbouring residents and businesses, particularly in urban areas.

The Combi-XLE incorporates up-to-the-minute technology such as the patented all-wheel traction that reduces tyre wear, load swing and enhances braking. Also included is a newly developed, patented Eco-Steer System which provides a smaller turning radius and improved user experience. Since Electric powered trucks do not have traditional combustion engines, or hydraulic transmissions, there is no longer any need to check and top up engine fluids/lubricants, resulting in longer intervals between services, ultimately saving costs. The use of toughened, eco-friendly water-based paint also dramatically reduces the amount of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) during build.

“The technology we have incorporated into the Combi-XLE means that its performance is equally on a par with diesel or LPG powered forklifts when it comes to handling very bulky and heavy loads, whilst of course offering a greener operation,” said Combilift CEO and Co-Founder Martin McVicar. “We made our first electric C-Series over 18 years ago, and now over 60% of the trucks we manufacture are electric, with availability in almost all models across our range. As more and more of our customers are opting for electric power it is obvious that they are as committed to sustainability and a circular economy as we are.”

At Combilift’s own manufacturing facility, features such as daylighting technology – LED lights with individual PIR sensors, solar panel energy and rainwater harvesting are all aimed at conserving natural resources and decreasing energy consumption. 92% of all components used in the truck assembly are 100% recyclable and the company is also on track to save over 473t of CO2 by using carbon neutral wood chip instead of gas for heating within the factory.

Customer testimonial

Roger Bullivant Limited, part of the Soletanche Freyssinet Group, manufactures precast concrete elements for installation in engineered foundation systems. Its production director Dave Clement says: “At our South Derbyshire precast factory, we use five multidirectional Combi-XLE trucks to transport product from the factory to storage and then to load-out for distribution nationwide.

“As we had already been using Combi units for years, the product decision was straightforward, and from a driver perspective, the operation remains essentially unchanged.

“The reasons to move to electric were twofold: to eliminate exhaust particulates in the factory and as part of our Group environmental plan to minimise our carbon footprint. So, an improvement to the environment in more ways than one.”

 

CLICK HERE to watch a video of the Combi-XLE: https://youtu.be/N5CG8_YhCgU

 

Briggs helps major sporting events prosper

Posted on by David Priestman

Briggs Equipment’s fleet of short-term hire equipment has been busy throughout 2021, helping some of the biggest events in the UK’s sporting calendar prosper. Working closely alongside partners Arena Group, a wide range of equipment including access products, forklifts and JCB rough terrain machines have been supplied by Briggs to play a key role in the construction and installation of event structures and seating.

Two of the events that Briggs have supported recently, include the Royal Windsor Horse Show and Matchroom Boxing’s Fight Camp. The Royal Windsor is the UK’s largest outdoor horse show and a fleet of JCB handling equipment helped install the various seating structures that safely housed thousands of spectators throughout the event.

Matchroom’s Fight Camp was established as a result of the pandemic and the inability to accommodate large numbers of fans in arenas or stadiums. As one of the world’s leading boxing promoter, Matchroom had to keep the show on the road and created a pop-up boxing venue at their HQ to host events. Briggs have supported this activity with high quality Hyster & Yale forklifts and JLG access equipment to ensure on-site teams can operate safely and efficiently.

One of the key elements of the Briggs Short-Term Hire service is understanding the requirements of customers before any equipment is delivered. This means that as soon as the machines are delivered on-site, the operating teams can get to work straight away without delay.

Carrie Sherrington, Briggs Equipment’s Short-Term Hire Manager, South & West, commented: “We have a strong partnership with Arena Group and have worked closely with their team over many years to help support their involvement with some of the UK’s most prestigious and recognisable events.

“Despite all the challenges that the last 18 months has provided, we have been working extremely hard to provide the appropriate equipment solutions and support to ensure these events can take place. Our hire team have been exceptional in meeting challenging deadlines and making sure that the right equipment is delivered first time to our customers.

“With coronavirus restrictions lifted across the UK, we’re excited about increasing our involvement and activity in this area and look forward to support Arena Group in future events.”

Terry Smith, Arena Group’s Managing Director – Seating, commented: “Working alongside Briggs Equipment we have been able to deliver high quality solutions to help get some of the UK’s biggest events up and running. The value that Briggs provide is their capability to meet the requirements of our customers, no matter how challenging, and deliver a complete service at the first time of asking.

“We have worked with Briggs for many years and look forward to continuing our partnership.”

 

Yale truck ideal for landscaping expert

Posted on by David Priestman

The new Yale UX Series range proved to be the ideal solution for the intermittent needs of German landscaping and horticultural company Ferdinand Wiese & Sohn GmbH.

Cities, towns and villages around the world are witnessing a resurgence in the use of outdoor spaces. They provide a place to unwind, to exercise, and to briefly forget the stresses of everyday life. These spaces don’t just miraculously appear; they require precise planning, regular upkeep and maintenance to remain a source of escapism. It may not be an application that requires a full fleet of materials handling equipment, but it is the perfect challenge to rise to for the new UX Series from Yale Europe Materials Handling.

Ferdinand Wiese & Sohn GmbH was established over 70 years ago. Based in and around Hamburg, it is an expert in the construction of new outdoor spaces, tree pruning, and maintenance. The company also builds children’s playgrounds in schools and public areas, providing new opportunities for kids to get outside for fresh air and have fun. Businesses can also rely on Ferdinand Wiese & Sohn to create tailormade and attractive recreation areas for their employees to enjoy.

Sowing the seeds of an idea

Ferdinand Wiese & Sohn needed to replace an existing truck in its building yard. The company was on the search for good quality machines that performed tasks well, but without superfluous features. To assist with finding the ideal solution, Ferdinand Wiese & Sohn turned to Yale dealer MF Gabelstapler.

“We are careful not to simply sell equipment to our customers; we work with them to find the perfect fit and configure it,” said Bendix Sperber, salesperson at MF Gabelstapler. “We design the solution personally with the customer. It doesn’t matter whether the customer needs a single device or a full fleet, everyone is of equal importance and receives first-class, personalised advice throughout the sales process.”

Taking into consideration the equipment being replaced in the work yard and the budget, both a used truck and a Yale Veracitor VX were suggested in the initial discussion. However, it was during an honest and direct moment during the conversation that it became clear the Yale UX Series was the way forward.

Nurturing the working environment

Ferdinand Wiese & Sohn was convinced by the level of performance of the Yale UX Series, as well as the attractive price. The company had perceived Yale to be a premium brand in the materials handling market, but learned through MF Gabelstapler that Yale offers new trucks for all budgets.

Daniel Hahn, CEO at Ferdinand Wiese & Sohn said: “We’re very pleased with the simple efficiency of the Yale GDP35UX. The Yale UX Series is a reliable all-rounder that can handle our intermittent tasks easily. The price was unbeatable.”

The combination of affordability and the personal service from MF Gabelstapler enabled Yale to plant its first roots with Ferdinand Wiese & Sohn.

Used in the loading and offloading of trucks, the Yale UX Series truck moves a variety of loads around the yard. These are mainly pallets of goods but can often include big bags or, on rare occasions, attachments for the tractors and earthmovers. To enable it to transport these bulky loads with ease, the Yale truck features side shift and fork extensions.

The forklift’s ability to adjust from light to medium use in these occasional activities was a feature that particularly impressed the customer. “We can enjoy the security of the brand-new truck and its associated guarantee, which we wouldn’t have with a used truck,” added Daniel Hahn. “All in all, it was the best possible option for our needs.”

The benefits Ferdinand Wiese & Sohn enjoys from the Yale UX Series filters down to its individual projects. Items move around the yard efficiently, ready to be used for the latest landscaping project or playground construction.

Simply efficient

The Yale UX Series was introduced in 2020 aimed at customers with low-intensity applications. Although they may only be used for short periods at a time, they are designed to provide the high levels of efficiency and productivity associated with the Yale product range. The Yale UX Series can also be the ideal alternative to a used truck.

“For our customers, the offer of a new machine for the price of a used one with extremely attractive features sounds too good to be true – but it is a reality with the Yale UX Series. It was the logical choice for many of our clients who approached us looking for a pre-owned machine. Ferdinand Wiese & Sohn is reaping the rewards of what they have sown with its investment, and its business is blooming,” concluded Bendix Sperber.

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