Tag: forklift technology|forklifts|materials handling

The Combi-MR4 is a 4-wheel electric powered multidirectional reach-truck, which incorporates Combilift’s new Dynamic 360° steering, which provides rotation on each wheel, enabling seamless directional change of the truck while on the move. The system allows this extremely agile forklift to work in forward, sideward and crab steer mode, guaranteeing swift operation and excellent manoeuvrability. Hence the full name of the new model: the Combi-MR4 Dynamic 360.

Since Combilift launched its first C4000 model in 1998, multidirectional capability has been one of the major hallmarks of the company’s wide range of handling solutions. Twenty-four years and thousands of R&D hours later, its latest product takes multidirectional capability to the next level.

The impetus for the development of this latest addition to Combilift’s portfolio was to develop a multi-directional truck, with a very low platform to maximise storage density within racking. The Combi-MR4 is available in two unique models, with capacity ranges of 2,500kg-3,000kg and 3,500kg-4,500kg respectively, and can operate in aisles as narrow as 2,265mm when guided (based on 1200mm deep material). To maximise all storage space in racking systems the wheel configuration of two drive wheels at the rear and two sets of smaller dual front wheels provides a platform height as low as 380mm, allowing otherwise redundant areas towards the floor to be used.

In keeping with Combilift’s common overall design ethos, the highly versatile Combi-MR4 can handle long loads as well as palletised goods with ease, and can load and offload from delivery trucks. Driver comfort and safety are also major considerations, and this new truck definitely delivers the goods from an ergonomic point of view: a high visibility operator cabin, multi-function control joystick, AC-electric power steering and joystick operated hydraulic mast functions all make for a smooth ride and straightforward operation. The articulated rear axle with two rear rubber drive wheels provides optimum traction for outdoor use, while still ensuring nimble and accurate truck placement.

To achieve this level of manoeuvrability, Combilift utilised its newly developed-in-house Dynamic 360° steering. This novel steering concept enables operators to manipulate the truck’s positioning and orientation without the need to stop and change driving mode. Intuitive and easy-to-operate, this is achieved by simply twisting the control joystick right or left to adjust the wheel positions simultaneously – providing crab steering and allowing direction change on-the-go.

Combilift always likes to ensure that any new product has been thoroughly tried and tested in the field to make certain that it is 100% fit for purpose. Following the initial operation of 3,000kg Combi-MR4 units, a 4,500kg model was developed after receiving a request from Combilift’s dealer in the BeNeLux region – Mabo BeNeLux, for a larger capacity unit for their customer TABS (Timber and Building Supplies Holland).  One of the Netherlands’ leading suppliers of timber products and building materials, with 104 outlets across the country, TABS has partnered with Combilift and operated its multidirectional trucks for more than 15 years. It now has MR4 trucks at several locations in the Netherlands and is about to take delivery of its 15th and 16th trucks, which will work at its distribution centres in Zaandam and Bleiswijk.

Combilift CEO Martin McVicar: “TABS are delighted with the ongoing successful implementation of their Combi-MR4s and the improved levels of efficiency thanks to the overall design and features such as low platform height as well as the advanced Dynamic 360° steering system. I have no doubt that this new additional electric model will grow Combilift’s customer base. We are looking forward to showcasing the Combi-MR4 to our existing dealers, and potential new customers during the LogiMAT Intralogistics exhibition in Stuttgart at the end of May.”

CLICK HERE to watch a video.

GenieGrips Pty Ltd, the Melbourne, Australia-based maker of high quality, durable, forklift safety products, has added GenieGrips Stik-It Pads to its range of products.

GenieGrips Stik-It Pads are a slim, patterned anti-slip pad that protects products and minimises the risk of slipping loads. They are a self-adhesive solution to protecting product reducing risk of injury or damage. Sitting within the footprint of the forklift tyne, their low profile allows them into the smallest of openings.

GenieGrips Stik-It Pads are extremely easy to fit, with high performance acrylic adhesive tape to secure them to the forks. GenieGrips Stik-It Pads are available in one size and can be trimmed or joined together to accommodate different lengths and widths to fit most forktynes.

“Team is going well. It’s a good product. I would not have had to buy more until next year, but we had extra requirements not planned for,” said Simon Richards, IT/Traceability, West Gate Tunnel Project. “Even though they have 14t on them, all day long, they last a long time. Damage reduction means savings of thousands of dollars.”

GenieGrips Pty Ltd will be exhibiting at MODEX in Atlanta, Georgia, US Booth B8247 28th-31st March. This will provide the perfect opportunity for new and existing customers to see the range of innovative GenieGrips products.

 

 

Toyota Material Handling UK has helped the award-winning premium snack producer, Burts Snacks, to reduce intralogistics costs and achieve significant handling efficiency gains across its business.

During a review of the company’s materials handling operation, Toyota identified that by replacing counterbalance machines with multi-functional reach trucks capable of operating outside a building, Burts Snacks could not only reduce the number of forklifts within its fleet – with a resultant drop in maintenance expenditure – but also boost productivity and improve on-site safety.

Burts Snacks manufactures its growing range of own-brand, licensed and private label snacks from sites in Plymouth and Leicester. At both facilities, Toyota recommended switching counterbalance trucks for Toyota Reflex outdoor reach trucks.

The Toyota Reflex outdoor reach truck has greater ground clearance than traditional models, which along with rubber wheels with tread and a revised gearbox configuration, allows it to work in yards, block-stacking, servicing outdoor racking and loading and unloading vehicles from the side.

It can also perform inside a building and at Burts Snacks’ Plymouth site, the trucks are fitted with Kooi extra-long forks with fork cameras to allow pallet loads to be put away within the storage unit’s double-deep racking scheme.

In addition, Toyota provided a mix of electric counterbalance models, powered pallet trucks and order pickers.

The equipment at both sites has been supplied on a long-term rental contract that includes service and maintenance.

Burts Snacks’ warehouse manager, Daniel Cresswell, originally approached Toyota to supply new, ultra-energy efficient trucks to replace a number of existing electric-powered counterbalance models that had been underutilised for some time and were nearing the end of their fixed contract period.

“After seeing the Toyota proposition for our fleet, it was a simple decision for us,” Cresswell says.

All of Burts Snacks’ new machines feature Toyota’s I_Site integrated telematics package as standard. The I_Site system allows truck operating hours to be closely monitored along with battery utilisation across the fleet. This feature has been particularly beneficial at the Plymouth site where the trucks are powered by a combination of Nexus fast charge, lithium-ion and lead acid batteries.

“The I_Site system monitors the forklift’s battery and highlights if the power source is being managed incorrectly. For example, if a lead acid battery is opportunity charged, this can cause significant implications to the battery. The I_Site technology can identify this before any harm is done,” says Cresswell.

I_Site also provides valuable data on the efficiency and safety of Burts Snacks’ lift truck operators, as Cresswell explains: “Because each operator requires his or her own PIN code or smart access card to operate a truck, they quickly realise that they are accountable for their actions during the course of a shift. We find that this accountability prompts forklift drivers to take more care when going about their daily routine, which of course, in turn, results in a safer environment and reduced product, truck or building infrastructure damage.”

CK Food Stores – the largest independent food retailer in South West Wales – has upgraded the material handling equipment at its Llanelli warehouse and distribution centre with the acquisition of a fleet of refurbished powered pallet trucks from the extensive range of Approved Used forklifts available from Toyota Material Handling UK.

CK Food Stores opted to invest in refurbished equipment after carrying out an extensive review of its intralogistics processes and materials handling needs ahead of the approaching summer peak.

With used trucks generally selling for around two-thirds of the price of new equipment, the financial flexibility that used trucks offer was a significant influence on the company’s decision to choose pre-owned machines. But the fact that the trucks were available for immediate delivery was also an important factor.

CK Food Stores’ operations manager, Alun Littlejohns, commented: “With one of our busiest periods of the year approaching we needed to have a reliable truck fleet in place that would minimise unplanned downtime and allow us to meet our logistics challenges at this particularly hectic time.”

Toyota’s Stuart Reilly,  Rental & Used Equipment Director, added: “For many companies used forklifts represent an attractive and economical alternative to new equipment. And, because Toyota refurbishes trucks to such a high standard, our used trucks give many years of efficient and productive service.

“Buying or renting used trucks should never be overlooked. As the example of CK Food Stores demonstrates, acquiring pre-owned trucks can be highly beneficial to many businesses”.

Toyota supplied a total of 10 used LWE 180 powered pallet trucks to CK Food Stores to replace the company’s existing mixed fleet of pallet trucks and order pickers.

The Toyota LWE 180 is highly suited to medium- or heavy-duty transport or order picking tasks. Popular with operators due to its exceptional stability and clear and safe view of the forks, the LWE180 is easy to manoeuvre thanks to its ergonomic steering arm, which allows the truck to be driven while the tiller is in an upright position.

Toyota will provide full service and maintenance support to minimise the fleet’s running costs and ensure optimum truck uptime at the Llanelli site where some 6,000 picks are undertaken each day to keep the shelves of the CK Food Service’s 28 retail outlets stocked.

All Toyota Used Approved lift trucks are refurbished to the highest standards at Toyota’s dedicated 200,000 sq ft fleet management centre in Leicestershire. Toyota knows the full-service history of each truck and every machine is completely dismantled. Worn or defective parts – including tyres and lift chains – are replaced and the trucks are cleaned inside and out and repainted before being reassembled and safety tested.

Doosan, a leading manufacturer of robust high performance forklift trucks, has further extended its powerful new 9-Series world-class Euro Stage V compliant IC engine counterbalance forklift trucks with the launch of the advanced heavy-lifting D70S-9 range.

Built to perform in the most demanding industrial environments, and available in four models across a capacity range of 6 – 9 tonnes, Doosan says these tough diesel-powered trucks offer an unbeatable combination of outstanding fuel efficiency, performance, driver comfort and safety.

Powering the D70S-9 is the new highly fuel-efficient DM03V(A) Stage V Doosan-built diesel engine, bringing huge benefits in terms of ultra-low emissions and dramatically lower operating costs – saving almost half a litre of fuel per hour when compared with other models in the market. The new engine also provides high torque at low rpm, facilitating improved forklift acceleration, drive and climb performance – making the trucks ideal for loading and unloading using ramps.

Importantly, Doosan’s latest engine design is fully compliant with Euro Stage V regulations and is fitted with a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF). In normal operation, regeneration of the DPF takes place automatically during driving – maximising uptime and ensuring uninterrupted all-round performance.

A cost-saving standard feature of the new range is the multi torque function, allowing the operator to select the performance most suited to the task. ECO mode minimises fuel consumption, cutting down on unnecessary acceleration; High mode increases power output to match the demands of heavy-duty work; and Standard mode maintains output at levels suited to everyday tasks.

Increased in-cab visibility

A new sleek cab design offers 40% increased visibility, greater comfort and enhanced ergonomics, giving the driver the perfect conditions for safe, efficient operation.

The cab has been cleverly designed using curved front, top, and rear glass panels to reduce blind spots and provide greater all-round visibility. And with an all-new ‘full floating’ cabin design, with improved sound insulation, noise has been reduced to just 74dBA and vibration to an absolute minimum.

In-cab air quality has been enhanced too. By introducing positive air pressure within the cabin and installing two internal filters the driver is protected against the harmful effects of dusty working environments, making the D70S-9 ideal for brick works and foundries. In addition, the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system offers fully automatic temperature control and can be easily adjusted in manual mode.

When it comes to ergonomics, Doosan says the new cab layout of the D70S-9 firmly places the operator in the command driving position. An integrated 7” full LCD multi-functional display positioned close-to-eye level, along with clearly arranged switches incorporating status indicators and finger-tip controls for effortless actions, all help to boost productivity and enhance on-site safety

Along with offering easy to view data on the truck’s status, the multi-functional display panel includes an integrated maintenance management programme, diagnostic functions and PIN code security. When used in conjunction with optional front and rear cameras the panel can be used to display forward and reverse views, helping to improve safety on site. A weight indicator is another optional extra.

Powerful performance

Doosan says powerful, robust performance is assured. Its D70S-9 range has a new, highly durable reinforced steering axle and is equipped with an electronically controlled 3-speed ZF transmission, providing the driver with a smooth gear change every time and precision control when handling heavy loads. In addition, the sensitivity of the inching pedal is adjustable, ensuring accuracy when handling heavy and fragile loads such as glass bottles.

Included as standard is Doosan’s industry-leading sealed, oil-cooled disc brake system, which is virtually maintenance free and lasts up to five times longer when compared to conventional shoe brakes. The sealed units protect against outside elements such as dirt, water and grit, ensuring top-rate braking performance for enhanced safety and increased productivity.

Safety first

Safety is foremost across Doosan’s entire new 9-Series, as reflected in many of the design features already outlined. In addition, some further prominent safety features are: An operator sensing system; rear object detection system (option); auto tilt levelling (option); and blue safety light projection.

Doosan takes ease of maintenance into account too, with improved accessibility to the engine and service areas – the cab tilts back automatically, opening 20% more than on the previous model. The transmission oil filter and pressure check port are placed on top of the transmission for easy inspection and maintenance and electronic components are centralised for convenience.

Maintenance costs on the D70S-9 are dramatically reduced, with hours between servicing double those of the previous model when using upgraded lubricants – for transmission (1,000hr to 2,000hr) and engine (500hr to 1,000hr).

Manufacturer, importer and supplier of high-quality fabrics to the fashion industry, Jerseytex Ltd, has developed a new very narrow aisle high-density storage solution at its Midlands warehouse facility based on Flexi Truck articulated VNA forklift technology from Narrow Aisle Ltd.

A long-standing Flexi Truck user, Jerseytex has operated Flexi Truck VNA trucks at its site in Tipton for the past two decades.

“We bought our first Flexi Truck nearly 20 years ago and have used them ever since, so we had no hesitation in turning to Narrow Aisle when we needed a new materials handling solution to support the continued growth of our business,” said Jerseytex owner and managing director, Pritpal Singh Sidhu.

“We have proved that Flexi Truck technology represents the most efficient and cost-effective materials handling solution for us. The Flexi Truck’s design allows us to save valuable space when operating and is generally far more efficient than traditional ‘reach’-type trucks.”

John Maguire, managing director of Narrow Aisle Ltd, commented: “Flexi Truck products are renowned the world over for their reliability and build quality. Jerseytex has long realised the space and throughput efficiency benefits that Flexi Truck technology brings and we are delighted to have such a long and successful relationship with the company and their team at Tipton.”

Jerseytex uses its Flexis to support the unloading of textile rolls from incoming vehicles before delivering the fabrics directly to the new bespoke VNA racking scheme within its Midlands storage facility. By unloading incoming vehicles and delivering loads directly to the storage system, the Flexi Trucks eliminate ‘double handling’ which allows more product to be transferred in less time. As a result, Jerseytex is able to minimise its materials handling costs and speed-up operational throughput, with fewer forklift trucks in its fleet.

More than 10,000 Flexi Trucks are in operation at logistics sites across the world and there are models in the Flexi Truck VNA Digital range to suit every product type and warehouse size.

Toyota Material Handling UK has launched a new range of electric counterbalance forklifts. Designed for both indoor and heavy-duty outdoor applications, the Traigo80 80V electric counterbalance range is offered with a choice of lithium-ion, lead-acid or fuel cell power solutions.

Customers that opt for lithium-ion batteries can select two intelligent energy packs based on Toyota’s own high-density lithium-ion battery solutions. This flexibility enables users to calculate the lithium-ion battery and charger combination that is best suited to their particular application.

At most sites, a lithium-ion-powered Traigo80 will operate continuously during multiple shifts without a battery change – saving the cost of additional batteries and battery changing equipment. For example, a new Traigo80 equipped with a small lithium-ion battery can work a full 8-hour shift, with just two 15-minute charging breaks during the main operating periods, and 45 minutes of additional charging during the mid-shift meal break. Furthermore, Li-ion-powered Traigo80 trucks require zero battery maintenance.

Meanwhile, for users that choose the traditional lead-acid battery option, the new truck offers quick and easy sideways battery changing, while improved motor and component technology means the lead acid battery-driven Traigo80 consumes 15% less energy when compared to the previous model – even in the most intense and demanding applications.

In addition to lithium-ion and lead acid batteries the Toyota Traigo80 is also available with hydrogen fuel cells. For users that have the benefit of an on-site hydrogen supply, hydrogen fuel cells can be refuelled in just a few minutes and allow emission-free operation.

As well as selecting their preferred truck power source, Traigo80 customers can also choose between a compact chassis design for applications where space is confined, or a longer chassis with a larger battery for those operations where trucks are in continuous use. In addition, two models with a chassis suitable for longer load handling on 600mm load centres have also been introduced.

Available in capacities from 2 to 3.5 tonnes with lift heights up to 6.5m, the Traigo80 is designed for the toughest environments and features high-level protected motors that  deliver best-in-class performance and durability in all weather conditions.

And, for the ultimate outdoor performance, a fully enclosed cabin is available to ensure optimum operator comfort and, therefore, productivity.

The Traigo80’s new operator compartment has been ergonomically designed and features an updated adjustable armrest and lots of storage compartments. An optional integrated colour touchscreen display provides key information such as lift height, load weight and mast position, while a multifunction display screen with push-button controls is also available.

A completely new range of controls – including mini-levers, a single multi-function joystick, or multifunction levers – allow operators to choose the system that best suits their driving style, while the Traigo80’s fully floating driver compartment reduces noise and vibrations highly effectively for extra comfort.

For even greater efficiency and the ultimate in truck operator safety, the Toyota Traigo80 is equipped with Assist functions, such as Toyota’s well-known and proven System of Active Stability (SAS). The multi-award winning Toyota SAS maintains truck stability by continuously monitoring the load weight, lift height and truck speed during operation.

Integrated telematics have been standard on the Toyota warehouse range since 2018 and a number of new connected smart truck features which allow customers to monitor and improve the operational safety, productivity and cost-efficiency of their materials handling equipment, are available with the new Traigo80 models.

These include an all-new pre-operation check function and the ability to recognise when the truck is being driven without a load. The system also monitors the condition of the Li-ion or lead-acid battery, which not only increases safety but also extends the battery’s lifetime.

Sam Gray, Sales Training and Product Development Manager, Toyota Material Handling UK, commented: “The launch of Toyota’s new Traigo80 counterbalance  range means companies that run the most intensive indoor or outdoor operations or whose applications demand trucks that deliver peak performance in the harshest environments, can make the transition to emission-free electric- powered forklift technology with no compromise on reliability or durability.

“Toyota Material Handling is committed to sustainability across its business and this new range of electric trucks has an important role to play in reducing the environmental impact of all companies that rely on forklifts within their business – from single truck users to the biggest fleet operators.”

Yale Europe Materials Handling is returning to the largest logistics expo in Europe, LogiMAT, set to take place in Stuttgart from 31 May – 2 June. Yale will be showcasing a wide variety of materials handling products and solutions under the theme ‘Technology that moves’, on Stand D31 in Hall 9.

“LogiMAT 2022 will be our first physical trade show in three years, and there isn’t a more fitting location to present our plans for the future,” said Timo Antony, Area Business Director Central Europe at Yale. “We’re looking forward to meeting with individuals in-person again, connecting with customers and telling them what we’ve been working on since the last time we met.”

In the three years since the previous LogiMAT, Yale has undergone an exciting business transformation, which will be demonstrated for the first time in Stuttgart.

On display will be a range of warehousing trucks as well as logistics innovations, combining technology and design to provide tailored solutions for tomorrow’s challenges.

Yale will reveal its new Series N ICE counterbalance truck for the very first time. Built on Yale’s modular and scalable platform, the Series N can easily be configured to match unique requirements, raising the bar for success in almost all applications and environments.

Visitors will also be able to learn more about the Yale UX Series for low intensity warehouse operations, which launched in 2020. Yale is keen to speak with warehouse managers to demonstrate how its UX products can benefit their operations.

A key element of the LogiMAT display will be lithium-ion technology. Yale will enhance its materials handling product offering with the recently launched SUNLIGHT lithium-ion batteries as a power solution for customers.

“There will be a lot of exciting announcements from Yale in the coming 12 months, and LogiMAT is set to kick-start a bright and prosperous chapter for our company, our dealers, and our customers old and new,” concluded Antony.

At LogiMAT 2022, Hyster will focus on ‘Powering YOUR Possibilities’ and will reveal the first preview of its new tough, scalable lift truck series.

Visitors to Stand C10 in Hall 10 from 31 May – 2 June in Stuttgart, Germany, will be among the first to discover the latest Hyster developments, including a sneak peek of a new modular and scalable IC counterbalanced truck series which is ‘distinctly Hyster – built for you’.

“At LogiMAT, we are excited to bring together our diverse global industry experience and our newest developments, showing how we support our customers specific needs with different solutions,” explains Rainer Marian, Director Network Development at Hyster Europe.

The expert team from Hyster, backed by the power of dealers from the DACH region, will be on-hand to discuss how Hyster can ‘power your possibilities’ with a range of solutions to address customers’ unique handling challenges across diverse applications and industries. Overall, the full product portfolio includes a comprehensive range of more than 140 models of counterbalance trucks, warehouse trucks and container handlers.

At the show, Hyster will also be inviting visitors to learn more about the wide selection of different power options available for its lift trucks and warehouse equipment, including intelligent lithium-ion battery solutions. Sustainability, automation, and lifetime cost reduction will also be high on the agenda.

“Space is becoming scarcer. Time pressure is increasing. Business costs are rising,” says Rainer. “As many companies are in the process of business transformation, Hyster is excited to have a range of solutions to help make it easier to overcome the specific challenges facing customers operations. We are very much looking forward to discussing this with visitors at LogiMAT 2022.”

LWC Drinks Ltd – the UK’s largest independent drinks wholesaler – has introduced a fleet of space-saving Flexi Truck very narrow aisle (VNA) articulated forklifts across its nationwide estate of distribution depots, including the company’s recently opened new 173,000 sq ft bonded DC in Chadderton, Oldham.

The Oldham site – located just 10 miles from Manchester city centre, and 1.5 miles from junctions 20 and 21 of the M60 – is twice the size of LWC’s previous local facility at nearby Openshaw and represents an investment of £12.5 million for the company.

The national beverage wholesaler’s success has been built and continues to rely upon the smooth running of its supply chain network. Across most of the country same-day delivery is offered seven-days-a-week from LWC’s network of 14 depots. Meanwhile, in those areas where same-day delivery is not possible, LWC offer a next-day service to a client base that includes some 13,500 licensed establishments across both the on-and off-trade.

The Oldham site also features a dedicated area for Click N Drink, LWC’s DTC division, which it launched in 2020 when the majority of its trade customers had been forced to shut down to comply with the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown restrictions that were having such a devastating impact on swathes of the hospitality and leisure sectors.

With a relentlessly demanding delivery schedule and a product range comprised of more than 8,000 lines – including over 1,200 draughts, 500 bottled beers, 200 ciders, 2,800 spirits, 1,500 wines and 1,300 soft drinks – efficient and cost-effective storage systems and reliable materials handling equipment are essential for LWC.

Long-standing advocate

“LWC has long been an advocate of Flexi Truck space saving technology across its business and the intralogistics systems in operation throughout LWC’s national depot network have been based on Flexi Truck technology for many years,” said John Maguire, managing director of Narrow Aisle Ltd – the West Midlands-based designer and manufacturer of the Flexi Truck range.

“By providing a highly cost-effective format that is reproduced by LWC at all of its sites, Flexi Trucks deliver tremendous space savings within the stores as well as synergies with the company’s other handling equipment that enables LWC’s truck operators’ existing skills to be utilised – an important consideration in the current climate when qualified lift truck drivers are in short supply.”

The new very narrow aisle FLEXI Truck articulated forklifts supplied to LWC, are the latest ‘Digital’ Flexi Truck models to be developed by Narrow Aisle Ltd. ‘Digital’ Flexis require minimal maintenance, which means that they ensure optimum ‘up time’ while the trucks’ ultra-efficient battery system allows sustained levels of performance to be achieved so that even the most demanding pallet throughput targets can be met.

Ease of operation and, therefore, pallet put-away and picking speed, is further enhanced by the trucks’ unique independent digital power-steering which makes Flexi Trucks particularly easy to manoeuvre within aisleways.

Articulated ‘over rotation’ and smooth digital steering combine to ensure that one turn of a Flexi Truck’s steering wheel is all that is required to enter or de-stack a pallet.

IT investment

The drinks wholesaler has introduced a new warehouse management system (WMS) and duty management system at the Oldham site. The IT investment will help standardise LWC’s operations across its distribution network and ensure that the company continues to perform as efficiently and effectively as possible.

The data capture devices that link the materials handling equipment to the WMS are mounted on the Flexi Truck’s unique ‘Halo Bar’ – an innovative accessory option that acts as a mounting for RDTs, hands-free order picking screens, label printers etc and delivers unobstructed operator forward vision so that Flexi Truck drivers can perform productively and safely at all times.

The Flexi Trucks undertake a wide range of duties. For example, LWC’s new machines will be used both outside the Oldham unit and other sites to unload incoming curtain sided trailers and inside the store to deliver pallets directly to the pallet racking system – eliminating the need for the traditional double handling that is often required at facilities where a mix of counterbalance forklifts and reach trucks are deployed.

Because LWC is committed to running its business as sustainably as possible, energy efficiency was an important influence on the company’s MHE purchasing decision. The new ‘Digital’ Flexi Truck models provide extended shift life from a single battery that has not only cut energy consumption and brought about a considerable reduction in fleet operating costs at the new Oldham site as well as LWC’s other depot facilities, but has also delivered an upgrade in productivity efficiency due to the reduction in truck downtime required to change or charge batteries.

Battery charging technology

Furthermore, the trucks’ operational efficiency is given an extra boost thanks to an integrated battery charging and changing solution designed and delivered by Narrow Aisle’s Warehouse Systems team.

Featuring operator ‘call-forward’ alert technology to identify the most appropriate fully charged battery when a change is due, the advanced fast charge system will dramatically reduce LWC’s overall mains electricity consumption and, therefore, minimise truck fleet running costs across its properties. The unique 6 hour battery charging time will allow the company to operate with only two batteries per truck on a three-shift usage pattern as required.

Maguire commented: “LWC Drinks Ltd has operated Flexi Truck articulated forklift truck technology across its business for many years. The company recognises the space saving and operational benefits of Flexi Truck technology and we are delighted that we will continue to enjoy such a successful relationship.

“The ‘Digital’ Flexi Trucks supplied to LWC represent the next phase of the iconic Flexi Truck articulated forklift’s development. Designed to minimise the use of battery energy in every work cycle by using digital lift drive and steering systems that are integrated with the latest rapid low energy charging technologies, ‘Digital’ Flexi Truck models provide a sustainable and efficient long term solution to users.”

Narrow Aisle is providing fleet management and maintenance support services across the LWC national depot network.