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Tag: forklifts

Clark launches Li-Ion high-lift pallet truck

Posted on by David Priestman

Clark has launched a new high-lift pallet truck onto the market. The efficient and versatile PSX16 pedestrian stacker with foldable ride-on platform and side protection bars is suitable for the economical transport of goods over longer distances as well as for the storage and retrieval of goods on higher racking levels.

For particularly intensive applications, the PSX16 is also available with a Lithium-Ion battery (Li-Ion). It can then be used wherever operators want to benefit from the advantages of this technology, such as easy handling and free from maintenance, the intermediate charging capability or the gassing-free recharging of the battery. With the PSX16, Clark presents its first high-lift pallet truck with Li-Ion battery and expands the product range in the field of Li-Ion vehicles once again.

With a load capacity of 1600kg, servo steering as standard, a battery capacity of up to 375Ah of the lead-acid version as well as an side battery removal system, the electric high-lift truck PSX16 offers everything needed for demanding use in industry, distribution and trade.

Clark says the truck is characterised by a robust design and intuitive operation. Thanks to compact dimensions and a small turning radius, the unit is ideally suited for applications in space-critical work areas and pedestrian operation. For this purpose, both the stand-on platform and the side bars can be folded away. In pedestrian mode, the travel speed is reduced, enabling precise manoeuvring. The powerful lift motor and the proportional hydraulic system ensure smooth and precise lifting and lowering of loads at lifting heights of up to 5.8m.

The four-point support system allows the lift to be positioned at any height. With the aid of the four-point support, the operator achieves a high residual capacity with the PSX16. The modern drive motor in three-phase AC technology guarantees a high degree of efficiency with powerful acceleration and fast change of direction. Thanks to the excellent energy balance of the PSX16, the operator can look forward to low operating costs.

Ergonomic and safe load handling

For easy and ergonomic ascent and descent, Clark has designed the platform step height to be very low at only 160mm. Good all-round visibility ensures that the operator always has the fork tips and load in view. On longer transport routes and in curves, he benefits from side guards with a soft-grip surface that ensure a comfortable grip.

The operator can activate the side guards without leaving the truck. The operator’s spine is relieved by the spring-loaded, low-vibration ride-on platform. The driver can thus cover even longer distances without stress. For a high level of safety, the speed is automatically reduced when cornering. The truck has roll-back protection for safe use on gentle slopes. The standard mast damping system allows the operator to store and retrieve goods safely and without jolts.

The ergonomic tiller is equally suitable for right- and left-handers. The display integrated in the frame provides information about the battery charge level, operating hours and error code messages.

The PSX16 high-lift pallet truck is also available as a Li-Ion version with a battery voltage of 205Ah for particularly intensive operations or in multi-shift use. The high energy density of the battery enables high driving performance and availability without the hassle of changing the battery. The Li-Ion battery guarantees extremely short charging times.

A 24/7 truck availability can be achieved by fast intermediate charging during break times without limiting the battery life. To do this, simply connect the external charger to the battery. No high-voltage connection is required. The battery can be recharged at any 230V socket. Battery and charger in the Li-Ion version are optimally matched to each other, and the built-in battery management system ensures safe operation.

In addition, the operator benefits from numerous advantages that have a positive effect on operating costs: Compared to the lead-acid battery, the Li-Ion battery has a longer service life. There is no additional expense for maintenance work, as the Li-Ion battery is maintenance-free. Intermediate charging can be carried out without the need for a special charging room and the charging location does not need to be ventilated as there is no gassing. Clark uses lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, which have a safe cell chemistry. Thus, using the Li-Ion battery is also a good choice from an ecological point of view.

Briggs acquires long-established UK forklift dealer

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Briggs Equipment has completed the acquisition of materials handling dealer, Forkway Group.

Operating from three UK sites in Amersham, Dewsbury and Southampton, Forkway has supplied industrial equipment and expert engineering services to customers since 1961 with a philosophy and commitment that perfectly complements the Briggs Proposition. The company, which has been a sub-dealer of Briggs for 10 years, is well respected within the industry for its commitment to customer service and has a loyal and diverse customer portfolio that covers key geographical areas.

Briggs Equipment says this acquisition further strengthens its position as the UK & Ireland’s leading asset management and engineering services specialists, whilst ensuring Forkway customers benefit from access to a wider range of high-quality products and supporting services. The two companies already have an established and valuable working partnership through the sub-dealer arrangement that has existed successfully for 10 years.

Pete Jones, Briggs Equipment’s Group Managing Director, commented: “With the acquisition of Forkway, we are delighted to have brought a strong and long-standing business partner fully within the Briggs Group. Their skilled employees, extensive customer portfolio and synergy with our own customer base means they are a further valuable addition to the Briggs Equipment Group.

“We continue to build on our recent acquisition activity and this latest deal underlines our ambition and focus to grow the Group and ultimately provide unrivalled service and coverage to our customers. Forkway has a proven track record of success that’s been built over a number of decades and whilst we will expand the overall capability of the business, we also recognise the importance of nurturing and protecting those unique and long-lasting customer partnerships.”

“As with all our acquisitions, we want to work with businesses that share the same values and culture as ourselves and through our experience of working with the team at Forkway, we’re confident that they will be quickly become an integral part of the Briggs Equipment Group.

“We look forward to welcoming the Forkway team into our business, working closely with them and providing the appropriate investment and support to ensure the company can continue to prosper and fulfil its huge potential.

Richard Greaves, Forkway’s Group Director, commented: “This acquisition will allow our business to accelerate its development as part of a values orientated, industry recognised and highly successful organisation. The positive culture and ambition that runs throughout Briggs will help our people thrive in their roles, whilst delivering key improvements to our product and service offering.

“I’d like to thank everyone involved with the acquisition for their hard-work and we’re now looking forward to settling in and establishing Forkway as a key part of the Briggs Equipment Group.”

UniCarriers completes MX series with compact trucks

Posted on by David Priestman

With the MXS3 and MXS4, UniCarriers is expanding its successful MX series of electric counterbalanced trucks with new models that it says set benchmarks in agility, performance and intelligence.

All the new models are characterised by their compact and robust design, excellent manoeuvrability and intelligent control systems. This makes them ideal for dynamic handling tasks in demanding, confined environments.

The MXS3 line is made up of 3-wheel forklifts with capacities from 1.4 to 2 tonnes, while the 4-wheel forklifts from the MXS4 line have capacities of 1.6 to 2 tonnes. With this expansion, the MX series now covers all categories of logistical tasks, from the MXS all the way to the heavy-duty MXL range. It means that warehouse operators can find a one-stop solution for every application, from a single supplier.

The MXS3 and MSX4 combine the heritage of their award-winning predecessors, the TX3 and TX4, with the advanced technology of the MX series. All systems and components are specified for robustness, ease of maintenance and high operating efficiency, as well as excellent ergonomics.

With their compact design, amazing manoeuvrability and intelligent control systems, UniCarriers says the MXS3 and MXS4 are ideal for handling tasks in cramped, fast-paced environments. The latest steering technology maximises agility and productivity in tight spaces.

Four-wheel steering with +100° rear turning axle provides the MXS4 with smooth and agile manoeuvring, including instant side turns with no pushback. The MXS3 features 360° steering that allows the truck to turn 180° without stopping. The unique UniCarriers S3 – Stability Support System – adapts rapidly to pedal operation, and ensures all movements are smooth. Advanced curve control enables the fastest safe cornering speed in every situation. To ensure safe operation whatever the lift height or load, advanced hydraulics keep load handling steady and precisely controlled.

The system performance of a truck is defined by the interaction between vehicle and operator, and the MSX3 and MSX4 are both optimally tuned to their driver. Among their most outstanding features is a set of intelligent assistive technologies that ensure maximum driver comfort and safety.

Advanced safety features, ergonomic controls and comfortable working conditions enhance driver confidence, performance and satisfaction. The ProVision design with its unique transparent front panel gives the driver excellent vision in all directions, ensuring safe handling. An advanced full-colour display visualises data to ensure that the driver always has the most important information available at a glance. Spacious operator compartments offer comfort and easy access features for drivers of all sizes, in any of the perfect-fit cabin solutions – including optional cold store modification.

Built to cope with the harshest conditions, this truck range is suitable for deployment in food and beverage manufacturing and wholesale, fishing and fish processing, chemicals, textiles or general and refrigerated warehousing and storage, just to name a few examples – or wherever a powerful, intelligent and agile handling solution is required.

The MXS3 and MXS4 are available now from the manufacturer and all UniCarriers dealers.

Briggs enhances safety at Port of Liverpool

Posted on by David Priestman

As part of the ongoing partnership between Briggs Equipment and Peel Ports Group (PPG), a new JCB machine equipped with innovative safety technology and telemetry has recently been delivered to the Port of Liverpool. The new truck is having an immediate impact with positive feedback from operators and management teams alike.

The machine has been fitted with a unique telemetry system, developed in conjunction with FTC, including an artificial intelligence-powered reversing camera that intuitively picks up whether a person is in the vicinity and alerts the driver in real-time.

Peel is also trialling a real-time, secure cloud portal that provides operational and safety data that can be viewed and interpreted much quicker and with greater accuracy. To highlight the effectiveness of the partnership between the two companies, and the joint focus on safety, Peel were benchmarked as the number one port in the UK for safety, as judged by Port Skills and Safety. They also recorded the lowest rate of significant injuries measured by lost time incidents (LTIs) in 2020/21.

Tony Worrall, Briggs Equipment’s National Account Manager, said: “The new JCB truck will help deliver real benefits to Peel’s efficiency, productivity and of course on-site safety. This investment in cutting edge technology and telemetry underlines Peel’s business wide safety focus and a clear ambition to remain at the forefront of the industry. It also demonstrates the strength of our Contract Management support.

“We’ve worked closely with our partners at FTC to deliver a telemetry solution that meets the demands of a modern work environment. The system is fully integrated with cloud-based technology and artificial intelligence to help provide real time data and instant safety alerts.

“We have an extremely strong partnership with Peel Ports and they remain committed to implementing a safety first culture across their business with our expert assistance and guidance.”

Phil Hall, Port Director – Mersey Division at Peel Ports, said: “We are delighted to be working with Briggs, a key strategic partner. This supports Peel Ports objective to stay at the forefront of innovation and our joined up approach contributes to delivering industry leading safety management systems.”

UK government changes red diesel consent

Posted on by David Priestman

The UK Material Handling Association (UKMHA), the trade body representing all aspects of the UK’s material handling industry, has alerted lift truck operators to important changes in the permitted use of rebated fuels, such as red diesel.

The association said the government had announced restrictions on the use of red diesel in a move which Westminster claims more fairly reflects the harmful impact of diesel emissions. The changes are intended to incentivise users to improve the energy efficiency of their operations. The government said it also hoped the changes would encourage operators to invest in cleaner alternatives or more fuel-efficient machines.

Under the changes, the permitted uses for rebated fuels, of which red diesel is one, will be significantly reduced from 1 April 2022. It will then be illegal to put rebated fuel into a machine for uses which fall outside the scope of the new rules. Operators using red diesel will need to ensure that red diesel in their current machine – or storage – tanks are used up by the April deadline.

Those no longer permitted to use rebated fuel will need to use fuels (diesels or biofuels) upon which full excise duty is paid, such as white diesel.

David Goss (pictured), Technical Director, UKMHA, said: “These changes will have a major bearing on the use of certain types of trucks and it is important that operators and hire companies are aware of their obligations ahead of the rule change.

“Likewise, Registered Dealers in Controlled Oil (RDCO) will also need to ensure they are aware of who they supply to and that excessive quantities of red diesel are not sold to users not permitted to use them prior to the deadline.

“Anyone needing further clarification can contact the UKMHA for help, while full details of the new requirements can be FOUND HERE on the government’s own website.”

Changes to rebated fuels entitlement from 1 April 2022

The permitted uses for red diesel will be restricted to certain equipment used for:

  • Accepted purposes in agriculture, horticulture, fish farming and forestry
  • Rail transport
  • Fuel used for non-commercial purposes – heating and power generation
  • Community amateur sports clubs (CASC) and golf courses
  • Sailing, boating and marine transport (excluding private pleasure craft in Northern Ireland)
  • Travelling fairs and circuses
  • Within agriculture, the equipment allowed to use rebated fuels for permissible purposes includes:
  • Tractors
  • Non-road mobile machinery (NRMM), for example, unlicenced forklifts
  • Work trucks, for example, road licensed forklifts

Accepted purposes are specified in Excise Notice 75, clause 9, and include:

  • Growing and harvesting crops, ornamental plants, timber and others
  • Rearing of animals for production of food, wool and others

Excluded from permissible uses are:

  • Construction of structures/buildings for purposes relating to agriculture
  • Purposes relating to sport or recreation
  • Transportation of produce, inputs or waste, except in specified circumstances

However, exemptions apply in certain cases. Such as:

  • Equipment using rebated fuel used for permitted purposes for agriculture, horticulture, fish farming or forestry, can be used for any other purpose on the Private land where it is ordinarily kept, and,
  • Rebated fuel can be used to travel to and from the place where the vehicle is used, including on the public highway (so long as the vehicle is licensed).

The UKMHA said HMRC had confirmed to it that the use of red diesel would be permitted when a hire truck was moving from Farm A to Farm B via the hire company depot, so long as these journeys do not include any non-qualifying work.

For applications no longer permitted to use rebated fuel, the fuel in a vehicle/machine and in any storage tanks, should be used up before 1 April 2022. However, vehicle/machine fuel tanks do not need to be flushed, except where the equipment is switching between permitted and non-permitted uses.

Storage tanks will only require flushing if they are owned/operated by an RDCO (Registered Dealer in Controlled Oil). However, stocks in storage tanks that cannot be used up prior to 1 April 2022 cannot be used for non-allowed purposes, although they can be sold to an RDCO or disposed of through an approved waste oil company.

Where a vehicle or machine is to be used for both allowed and non-allowed purposes, the requirement is to either:

  • flush out the tank to remove all traces of rebated fuel when switching uses, or,
  • use fully duty-paid diesel or biofuels for everything.

Equipment fuelled with red diesel whilst abroad and in a jurisdiction where this is allowed, can use up the remaining fuel in the tank when returned to the UK. It is not necessary to flush the tank so long as documentary evidence can be produced demonstrating that the vehicle has not been refilled unlawfully in the UK.

Further Government advice on this can be FOUND HERE.

For hire equipment, from 1 April 2022, rebated fuel must not be put into a vehicle, machine or appliance for a use that is no longer allowed and any fuel in the equipment should be used up before the deadline. However, it is not required to flush the fuel tank except where the equipment is moving between permitted and non-permitted uses.

The hire company (owner of the vehicle/machine) is responsible for their own equipment, and it is their responsibility to make clear to users of the said equipment, which type of fuel can be used and for what purpose. In this way, the burden of responsibility is on the owner (hire company) to confirm that the tank has been either flushed to remove all traces of rebated fuel when switching uses or, instead, to ensure that only fully duty-paid fuel is used for all purposes.

The owner must ensure the correct fuel is put in the tank prior to hiring out their equipment and they must also take all reasonable steps to ensure the correct fuel is used in the machines when they are hired out, for example, when refuelled by the user. If the owner (hire company) finds red diesel in a tank once a machine has been returned, they will need to flush this out.

Therefore, the UKMHA’s advice to hire companies is to review their contract terms and to consider amending contracts to show that charges could be incurred by the user if they are found to be in breach of requirements.

“However, we have been informed by HMRC that they understand that the owner cannot always control what fuel any given user may put into the tanks and so will consider each case on its own merit,” said Goss. “If traces of red diesel are detected in the tank for a non-permitted use, the hire company will be asked to prove with receipts/invoices that they had put the correct fuel in the tank, as will the fuel user, in order to determine who was in the wrong.”

In the case of Registered Dealers in Controlled Oil (RDCO), ahead of the April 2022 deadline, RDCOs have a responsibility not to supply customers affected by the changes with more rebated fuel than they can realistically use before the rule change. An RDCO that repurposes a storage tank from red to white diesel is required to drain and flush the storage tank. Anyone wishing  to stop being an RDCO needs to de-register and keep records to show how stocks of rebated fuel were disposed of.

There is further Government advice for RDCOs here.

Linde launches safety app for ATEX vehicles

Posted on by David Priestman

The EX Monitoring App from Linde Material Handling notifies drivers of explosion-protected industrial trucks about the status of safety-relevant parameters and supports service technicians in diagnostics and repairs. The advantages for operators include a higher level of comfort, increased transparency, time savings and even better availability of vehicles during operations.

In order to avoid ignition sources that could lead to explosions in a potentially explosive atmosphere, the ATEX directive requires the consistent monitoring of defined, safety-relevant parameters when operating industrial trucks. Linde MH has developed its EX Monitoring App to enable the continuous monitoring of such values: It ensures maximum vehicle availability by displaying safety-relevant values and errors and providing concrete recommendations for action.

The app supports forklift drivers and fleet managers in operating the vehicle as safe and failure-free as possible. At the same time, it simplifies maintenance, diagnosis and repair.

“This makes the operation of explosion-protected vehicles in sensitive areas even more productive,” summarizes Elke Karnarski, the product manager responsible for explosion-protected Linde industrial trucks and solutions.

Many areas of the chemical, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, food and beverage industries, as well as logistics, are vulnerable to explosions because hazardous materials are manufactured, processed, transported and stored in such areas. Here, it is essential to eliminate any ignition sources that could cause an explosion with devastating consequences.

Industrial trucks are found in ATEX zones 1/21 and 2/22 – these include, for example, areas of production where hazardous materials are openly mixed or transferred into other containers, as well as areas where hazardous materials are stored and transported in closed containers and can be released in the event of an accident or collision. When gases or dusts combine with oxygen in ambient air, this can create an explosive atmosphere. Ignition sources on vehicles can be avoided by means of appropriate explosion-proof equipment as well as the consistent monitoring of safety-relevant parameters – which encompass up to 50 values in an explosion-protected vehicle, primarily temperature-relevant parameters, resistance values, voltages and wear.

These include the temperature of the housings of electronic control units and power modules, brake shoes, magnetic brakes and the traction motor. Up to now, it has been common practice to inform the driver of safety-critical faults by means of a flash code on the vehicle display. In everyday operation, however, the identification and handling of faults is not always carried out as it should be. With varying consequences – sometimes the vehicle remains out of service longer than necessary. Often the fault is not checked thoroughly enough. And sometimes even a visit by a service technician is inefficient because it could not be adequately prepared.

Linde’s EX Monitoring App offers a solution. It provides drivers and fleet managers in ATEX zones 1/21 or 2/22 with comprehensive condition monitoring information. The app checks the explosion-protected vehicle on the spot and shows what needs to be done in each specific case. It explains the meaning of the flash code and identifies the specific error.

The integrated two-stage traffic light system lays out the next steps simply and unambiguously: A yellow indicator signifies that the vehicle should be cooled down and a maintenance appointment made. If the light is red, it’s time to stop immediately and call a service technician! Additional assistance is provided by means of the detailed diagnostic function which indicates all values of the monitored components and parameters.

The app also displays the error history and provides specific recommendations for action. Thus, all details regarding the wear of safety-critical components and the remaining operating hours are recorded.

The EX Monitoring App from Linde MH is a USP. Already available for five series, it will be part of all future explosion-protected Linde industrial truck models.

UK forklift orders soaring

Posted on by David Priestman

Rising confidence as business looks for a swift recovery from a succession of pandemic-induced lockdowns is generating unprecedented demand for new lift trucks across nearly all sectors of the market. However, as new data from the UK Material Handling Association (UKMHA) shows, manufacturers are struggling to keep pace with demand due to the ongoing shortage of critical components.

Following a 24% decline in bookings during 2020, orders have surged this year, with latest estimates predicting a 38% increase by year-end. Such a figure represents a 5.7% increase on the figures for pre-pandemic 2019 levels.

With industry demand expected to stay strong into next year, experts at Oxford Economics have predicted in their Autumn Economic Forecast, which has been produced for UKMHA constituent, BITA, a further 6.5% growth in bookings for 2022.

However, while deliveries have also recovered – currently hovering around levels seen in 2016, the economists have predicted supply issues could continue to disrupt delivery schedules well into next year before eventually subsiding.

“While shipments have staged a strong recovery, they are lagging well behind the growth in bookings,” states the new report. “This is natural due to lead times between bookings and shipping, but it likely also reflects wider supply chain issues that are affecting industries this year. We expect supply chain issues to persist well into next year, but they will eventually improve, and companies will continue to adapt. Therefore, the backlog will continue to rise into next year.”

The situation is by no means unique to lift trucks; virtually all aspects of the manufacturing industry are currently being disrupted due to the shortage of critical components. The situation is compounded by labour shortages, escalating fuel and energy costs, and raw material costs.

Nevertheless, surging consumer demand continues to drive the market and this is expected to remain the case during 2022, despite inflationary pressures.

One of the primary beneficiaries of the current situation has been the Counterbalance sector, which has witnessed a startling recovery. Prior to the pandemic, counterbalance bookings were in decline, falling more than 5% in 2019, with the weakness most pronounced in Class 4/5. The pandemic exacerbated the trend, with Classes 1 and 4/5 subsiding by 21% and 34% respectively last year, with the decline most prominent in the first half of the year.

Bookings staged a strong recovery throughout 2021 as pandemic restrictions eased. All classes were up well above 100% in the second quarter, while bookings for Class 1 continued to grow in Q3 but pulled back for Class 4/5 from the levels seen in the previous three months.

With industrial production predicted to rise by 5.6% this year, driven by strong consumer demand – a trend anticipated to continue into 2022, demand for the trucks is expected to remain high.

“Overall, we expect counterbalance orders to rise 33% this year. In 2022 we expect bookings to exceed 2019 levels after rising 17%,” adds the forecast.

If anything, the picture within the warehouse sector is even more positive, as growing consumer demand again influenced the market. The Oxford Economics report predicts e-commerce sales are likely to remain high going into 2022, relative to pre-Covid levels, despite shops reopening.

“We expect bookings will rise 42.5% in 2021 which will bring the sector 15% above 2019 levels,” states the report.

Tim Waples (pictured), CEO of UKMHA, said: “While these results reflect the continuous growth trend for 2021, they will make pleasant reading for our manufacturers and dealers, who have endured a torrid 18 months due to the pandemic.

“If the predictions are correct and growth can be maintained into next year, then the UK material handling sector is looking at a very prosperous 2022. It is all the more disappointing therefore, that supply issues are disrupting shipment of new trucks. Let us hope the situation can be resolved sooner rather than later – for everyone’s benefit.”

Pipe company chooses electric forklifts

Posted on by David Priestman

Pioneering composite steel drainage pipe manufacturer, AquaSpira, recently unveiled ambitious plans to reduce its embodied carbon by half and has taken a significant step in achieving it by switching from IC engine to electric forklifts at its site in Nelson, Lancashire.

When the company’s three trucks were due for replacement, AquaSpira contacted local Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks dealer Jofson for support.

AquaSpira Managing Director Neil Wallace explained: “We are investing in a series of initiatives to de-carbonise our production, in line with our R&D innovations to de-carbonise through pipe design and sensors. This has included the use of recycled materials in our manufacturing, the installation of solar panels and reducing our road mileage.

“It’s all about making sensible decisions for the good of both our company and our workforce. Choosing electric forklifts will help us cut not only our carbon footprint but also our running costs. This work supports the huge strides we are making in helping housing and commercial developers and the transport industry considerably reduce their impact on the environment through their drainage specifications.”

Small but tough

Jofson Sales Manager Lee Whittaker worked with AquaSpira to source the right trucks for its operations, recommending three models from the award-wining Mitsubishi EDiA range – renowned for its agility, strength and state-of-the-art ergonomics.

Given the different requirements across the site AquaSpira acquired a 2-tonne EDiA EM FB20AN for use in the warehouse, a 2.5-tonne EDiA EX FB25CN for general purpose work such as unloading and loading, and a 3-tonne EDiA EX FB30CN for heavy-duty lifting of steel coils and finished pipes.

Whittaker said: “All EDiA models are compact and have a >100° steering axle with dual drive motors which guarantees a very small turning circle, making them ideally-suited to working in tight spaces such as the warehouse, or out in the yard where they are required to manoeuvre around equipment and materials.

“These trucks are lifting large metal and plastic loads which have a tendency to slip and move, so extra care is needed. EDiA has a Sensitive Drive System that ensures smooth movement and its Intelligent Cornering System judges angles at the very start of a turn and automatically optimises speed for greater stability.

“EDiA has exceptional all-round, 360° visibility thanks to Scandinavian design principles, while the ECO and PRO modes allow the motor parameters to be adjusted to suit each operator’s capability and the task undertaken. All these features add up to give operators greater confidence and control when handling difficult loads day in, day out, further reducing the risk of accidents.”

A fleet management system was also added, which provides PIN-code access for authorised use and pre-shift check programmes.

“The system ensures greater accountability among operators as we know who is working on what truck and when,” says Leigh Cain, Transport Supervisor at AquaSpira.

“We chose some really useful safety features for the trucks, including a rear blue spotlight, and a rear handle and horn, all of which help alert pedestrians working nearby so they keep a safe distance from the truck.”

Run on the sun

In the future, AquaSpira plans to install solar panels to generate electricity for the site, allowing the forklifts to be charged using renewable energy.

Plus, Mitsubishi says the EDiA forklifts will keep going and going thanks to their low energy consumption.

“The trucks only need to be charged every couple of days,” added Cain. “What’s more, because they are every bit as powerful as the old diesels and LP gas trucks, they can carry large loads, so we have fewer trips back and forth across the yard. That means the battery charge lasts longer and we get more done. The electric trucks are great for productivity.”

The new EDiA trucks are used to cover a large site over varied and sometimes uneven terrain, but have proved equal to every challenge.

Cain said: “The operators like the new trucks and the fact that we can adjust a lot of the truck settings means every task is handled with ease.

“The noise is the biggest difference we noticed. The EDiA forklifts are very quiet, and as there are no emissions it is much safer for anyone working around them, especially in the warehouse.”

As well as supporting leaner and cleaner operations, electric trucks have the added benefit of being future-proof, given the impending end to red diesel subsidies that could see the running costs of diesel trucks soar.

Whittaker said: “AquaSpira will be able to run its EDiA trucks on a fraction of the cost compared to using gas bottles or diesel fuel, without any compromise on power and performance. I’d advise businesses in other heavy industries such as construction and manufacturing that traditionally use IC engine trucks to consider following the same route as AquaSpira by switching to electric, not least to avoid being hit with ever higher fuel and maintenance costs.”

Since working with Jofson, AquaSpira has been impressed by the high levels of support.

“The team at Jofson was very responsive throughout the entire process, from assessing our requirements right through to answering our queries and commissioning the trucks on site. They’ve been great to work with,” said Cain. “The service they offer is second to none.”

 

Jungheinrich helps Vaillant switch to lithium-ion

Posted on by David Priestman

Aiming to continue business growth through a full upgrade and replacement of its warehouse fleet and a warehouse construction project, Vaillant Industrial, part of Vaillant Group, has prioritised a focus on sustainability in line with business objectives to design and deliver systems and manufactured products that use renewable energy.

With plans to become a carbon-neutral plant by 2025, it partnered with lithium-ion specialist Jungheinrich to introduce a new 26 vehicle lithium-ion fleet to operations.

Through this collaboration, Vaillant is now able to fully retire its lead acid fleet and become a 100% lithium-ion site whilst also gaining economic and operational benefits including a more stable and efficient power source that is faster and easier to use.

The lithium-ion batteries are longer-lasting and more efficient, resulting in a reduction of maintenance costs and reduced risk of dangerous acids or gases being emitted. The new fleet has increased the capacity on some of its larger trucks from 2.5t to 3.5t through a combination of ETV 216i reach trucks and conventional counterbalances, allowing the vehicles to cater for the pressed steel works and tools. The ETV 216i is the core product in the new fleet and is the first reach truck in the world with an integrated lithium-ion battery, aiding the progression towards sustainability goals.

The first five trucks and all tow tractors have now been operational for a month with great reception from employees. During the transition, Vaillant also was able to take advantage of Jungheinrich’s ‘Power By The Hour’ initiative – a flexible way to pay for only the hours the truck is used for – to ensure it remained operational. With the new fleet, Vaillant have been able to eliminate battery change from its operations by utilising opportunity charging through lithium-ion technology.

The new lithium and rapid interim charging times enable a virtually continuous operation on a 24/7 basis and pickers on site have seen improvements in productivity and efficiency as manual handling is reduced with increased uptime. Additionally, Jungheinrich integrated Vaillant’s fleet with automated scales and increased gadgetry on trucks for improved safety.

Vaillant also completed a full warehouse construction upgrade project with Jungheinrich which introduced a new logistics and racking system that optimised storage up to 11m and can accommodate the new ETV 216i trucks. This new and optimised warehouse has increased capacity from 1,100 pallet locations to 4,000.

Training has been a key part of the warehouse upgrade. Vaillant now has six qualified instructors on site that went through the Jungheinrich training at one of the dedicated training centres across the UK. This has allowed Vaillant to assess and validate current employees as well as temporary labour to operate at the extended heights of above 7m that it is now moving into.

It also trialled Jungheinrich’s Virtual Reality Simulator on-site, with a view to be able to provide a safe environment to train and assess employees. Using this VRS, drivers will experience a real-life situation in an environment that holds no risk in the warehouse and non-drivers can gain an appreciation of the role as well as Vaillant benefiting from a digital footprint of operations.

Following on from these vast sustainable improvements and progression of business objectives, Vaillant plans to expand its fleet for 2022 and become 100% lithium-ion powered and plans to use Jungheinrich as its main provider for all types of vehicles including production.

Adrian Ancliff, Head of Production Logistics and Scheduling, Vaillant Industrial, commented: “We have certainly achieved what we wanted to from our partnership with Jungheinrich, and the end design, construction, and way our new warehouse operates is fantastic and has exceeded our expectations. The team was very responsive and excelled to keep us operational throughout.

“Being able to become a 100% lithium-ion site is superb and helps us move much closer to our sustainable goals. Looking to 2022, we plan to expand the fleet and will continue to use Jungheinrich as our main provider. The future is bright, and the future is yellow!”

Neil Warren, Region One Business Director at Jungheinrich, said: “We are thrilled that we can play a role in Vaillant Group’s move to more sustainable operations by transitioning fully from lead-acid gas to lithium-ion technology. This provides huge environmental and economic benefits including efficiency and productivity gains.

“We are very passionate about providing sustainable solutions for our customers that also complement business objectives and so it has been a pleasure to work alongside Vaillant on the upgrade and renewal of its warehouse fleet. We have thoroughly enjoyed our partnership and look forward to an ongoing relationship with Vaillant.”

Gaining an edge through (digital) values

Posted on by David Priestman

Sustainability and digitalisation – these two topics are currently the most important drivers in logistics. This is the conclusion following the successful premiere of Thesen am Tresen – the STILL Logistics Talk during the German Logistics Congress in Berlin. The Hamburg-based intralogistics company STILL is already planning a continuation of the hybrid talk show format for 2022.

Globalisation, digitalisation, environment, automation and security. Those five trend topics were the focus of 40-minute talks for investment decision-makers and logistics enthusiasts during the 38th edition of the German Logistics Congress (20th-22nd October) organised by the German Logistics Association (BVL) e. V. at the InterContinental Hotel. For this new format, STILL transformed the gourmet restaurant “Hugos” on the 14th floor of the hotel into a recording studio with the Berlin skyline as background. Those who were not present at the logistics summit were able to follow the clips live on the internet hosted by logistics journalists Anita Würmser and Thilo Jörgl.

“We received a very positive response both in the recording studio and in social media,” said Frank Müller, Senior Vice President Brand Management & Sales & Service Steering at STILL EMEA. “The audience was not only thrilled by the fact that renowned experts from business and science candidly analysed the current situation in logistics and defended their theses. The relaxed discussion of pointed theories at the bar also proved to be a highly interesting and entertaining format.”

Among the theses discussed were:

  • Can we do without China? How the Corona crisis is changing value chains.
  • Anything but exhaust fumes: This is what the forklift truck of the future looks like.
  • The warehouse is dead. Long live the warehouse! How artificial intelligence is changing logistics.
  • A digital dump is still a dump: How to avoid automating the wrong way.
  • Mostly cloudy: How cloud applications prevent accidents in the warehouse.

“After the successful premiere of these opinionated talks at television level, we have decided to continue the format. Where we will set up the bar again and which theses we want to discuss will be announced in 2022,” says Müller.

Especially well received were the sessions on digitalisation and automation. Kevin Kufs, CEO at Hermes Fulfilment, underlined the importance of functioning high-performance logistics for the economic success of a CEP service provider. “The end customer does not forgive broken promises,” Kufs emphasised. For this reason, Hermes Fulfilment is planning further investments in digital tools but also in several automated logistics centres here in Germany. The time-consuming preparations are already underway.

“A major obstacle to innovative security concepts based on biometric data is data protection legislation,” stated Ansgar Bergmann, Technology & Innovation – CTR, Project Manager of the CTO at the KION Group. In connection with digital projects, Erik Wirsing, Vice President Global Innovation at DB Schenker, warned that companies underestimate the damage caused by hacker attacks: “Without data security, there is no business anymore these days,” was his thesis.

Jakub Piotrowski, CIO/CDO at BLG Logistics, took up the cudgels for cross-company cooperation in data projects because “digitisation will be expensive and the algorithm will determine success”. In the talk on digitalisation, he appealed to companies to act together on simple software projects for economic reasons. In this context, he referred to the topic of open source, so that not every company pushes ahead with the same elaborate software projects, but instead falls back on already existing, accessible programming. This is why BLG Logistics has also joined the Open Logistics Foundation.

In this context, Prof. Dr. Dr. h. c. Michael ten Hompel, Executive Director of the Fraunhofer IML, referred to the situation in the USA. A large part of the corporate assets generated on the other side of the Atlantic in 2020 were intangible assets, i.e. patents, algorithms and the like. This should be the way to think here in Germany, too. The chances for European companies to lead in the field of material handling in the future are good, according to the scientist.

“Europeans are at the forefront of intralogistics,” said Prof. ten Hompel. In his opinion, more companies should put the two trend topics of swarm intelligence and simulation-based artificial intelligence at the very top of their agendas.

Forging alliances and entering into partnerships – according to contract logistics expert Harald Seifert, this is also the right approach for logistics service providers and shippers to be successful in the future. In the sequence on globalisation, the chairman of the advisory board of Seifert Logistics Group stated that due to supply chain disruptions such as pandemics, strikes or environmental disasters, business-critical items should again be increasingly produced and stored in Europe – even if this is more expensive.

Ralf Düster, board member at Setlog, only partially agreed with him. He predicted that certain sectors, such as the fashion industry, would continue to produce goods largely in Asia. “This is the only way that importers and traders can continue to offer their goods at low prices and remain competitive,” said Düster.

In this context, Christine Mezger-Behan, Vice President Logistics System at KION ITS EMEA, emphasised that dual sourcing is becoming increasingly important for supply chains. In her view, strategically important parts will increasingly be purchased in Europe in the future, while the rest will be purchased in countries with low wage levels: “Each industry must decide for itself what is purchased in Europe and what is not,” said Mezger-Behan.

In addition to digitalisation, sustainability will also be a key issue in the global world of tomorrow. This was the tenor of the sequence on environment and climate. All experts agreed that the share of electric forklift trucks sold worldwide will continue to increase.

Nevertheless, Daniel Küster, Supply Chain Director of Warsteiner Group, does not want to immediately phase out forklift trucks with combustion engines from his fleet. For high-performance applications in the beverage industry in day and night operation, he considers his highly developed combustion engines to be more efficient than electric forklifts. However, like the scientist Prof. Dr. Thorsten Schmidt from the Technical University of Dresden, he expects significantly more powerful energy storage systems to come onto the market in the coming years.

These must, however, also remain affordable, says Küster. “We don’t need show cases but use cases,” Küster demanded at the bar. Rolf Beckmann, Director Engineering at Fiege Logistik Stiftung, added that the current development results of new battery types with sodium-ion technology are promising.

Anyone who missed the live streams can watch the recorded sessions HERE.

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