Tag: forklifts

Narrow Aisle Ltd – the manufacturer of the iconic Flexi Truck articulated warehouse truck range – has extended its warranty, service and parts operation in Scotland.

Dedicated to meeting the requirements of Flexi Truck users north of the border, the new investment will see coverage extended to the whole country and will enable rapid response to call-outs across Scotland to ensure that Flexi Truck customers’ performance is optimised.

In addition, Narrow Aisle intralogistics specialists will operate in Scotland to provide warehouse storage design, fleet management and power source guidance. The warehouse design and storage system configuration advice offered to Flexi Truck users will ensure that maximum space utilisation and throughput efficiency benefits are derived from all of their trucks. It will also allow companies to begin to plan their operations around the latest cobotic e-commerce customer order picking technology and processes.

John Maguire, managing director of Narrow Aisle Ltd, commented: “The Scottish market is extremely important to us and Flexi Truck sales across the country continue to grow year-on-year. The territory brings its own challenges – not the least of which are some logistical difficulties in reaching certain customer sites in the wider region of the Highlands, so we feel it is absolutely essential to have a long-term presence within the market.

“The new Scottish investment will enable us to strengthen relationships with our clients and deliver the highest levels of support to Flexi Truck users throughout the country.”

Narrow Aisle Ltd has supplied more than 15,000 Flexi articulated forklift trucks to users throughout the world and has a global network of over 70 authorised distributors.

Narrow Aisle Ltd – the VNA materials handling solutions specialist – recently hosted a series of distributor open days at its UK Flexi Truck manufacturing plant in Great Bridge, West Midlands.

Attended by some 150 visitors, the three open days gave guests the opportunity to see some of the recent additions to the Flexi Truck range of articulated warehouse trucks and hear how the latest generation of Flexi Truck models are helping today’s logistics operations meet their sustainability goals.

In an address to guests, John Maguire, Narrow Aisle Ltd.’s managing director, explained that the company is focusing on the further development of environmentally conscious battery-powered trucks with renewed emphasis on lithium-ion technology which, he said, is ideally suited to the needs of some modern, 24/7 logistics and e-fulfilment hubs.

“Over the last three years or so there has been a major change in attitudes to forklift power sources. Lithium-ion battery technology has come of age at precisely the right time to meet the market’s environmental, productivity and safety demands,” Maguire, commented.

“The radically different on-demand charging regime that lithium-ion offers is ideally suited to interface with on-site ‘solar’ power generation systems, as the demand is spread across the working day rather than concentrated at one time and drawn from the costly mains supply.

“Of course, lead acid batteries remain a highly efficient option for electric forklifts and many electric Flexi Truck lift trucks still feature this type of battery. But lithium-ion technology is now regarded as ideally suited to the needs of modern, 24/7 logistics and e-fulfilment operations.”

Narrow Aisle’s Flexi LiTHiON range of lithium-ion powered articulated warehouse trucks require zero maintenance and deliver extended multi-shift availability – making the trucks the ideal ‘green’ energy solution for modern order fulfilment operations, retail warehouses, temperature controlled stores, chemical stores and automotive manufacturing facilities.

Maguire added: “We see it as essential that our product offering constantly evolves and, of course, sustainability drives much of our research and development thinking. More and more customers are targeting zero emissions across their business so it is critical that Narrow Aisle has a range that helps them to achieve their sustainability goals.”

In addition an example of the new generation of automated picking robot technology that can help ecommerce operators increase productivity by up to 50% was presented to demonstrate the ease with which these Cobotic picking machines can interface with Flexi Trucks in a very narrow aisle storage system.

The robots and pickers work alongside Flexi Trucks safely in VNA aisles assembling customer orders. This functionality is not available in traditional VNA warehouses because it is deemed unsafe for low level order pickers to work in the same aisleway as guided man-up VNA order picking machines.

After enjoying a barbecue lunch and entertainment, guests toured Narrow Aisle’s Flexi Truck production facility. Capacity at the Black Country site, which Narrow Aisle has occupied since the mid-1980s, continues to be increased to enable the growing demand for Flexi Trucks – both from within the UK and worldwide – to be met.

Maguire concluded: “Our customers need to trust that we are able to provide Flexi trucks on fast lead times when they require them and, as sales of trucks in the Flexi Truck range continue to grow, we have to ensure that our production facilities are able to keep pace with demand. This means that we need to keep investing in our UK manufacturing site to support the dedicated work of our hugely skilled engineering teams.”

 

Intralogistics specialist Linde Material Handling (MH) is now equipping its R14 HD to R25 reach trucks for payloads of 1.4 to 2.5 tonnes with a new heavy-duty mast. It offers operators a better view of the load and the surroundings as well as greater residual load capacities, enabling them to move pallets quickly and safely at lift heights of up to 15m.

In order to accommodate more goods and a larger range of products, warehouses and racking systems are growing ever higher. This places increasing demands on the reach trucks used, because the loads need to be stored and retrieved quickly and safely up to the top shelf levels. And that’s not all: While the vehicles are able to reach higher and higher with the mast extended, they must also be able to pass through gates and racking without any problems with the mast retracted.

At the same time, the vehicle must not become longer in size. Every centimetre counts so that the equipment can remain as manoeuvrable as possible, be able to cope with narrow aisle widths and make optimal use of storage areas. Last but not least, solutions are needed for the mast vibrations that occur with increasing lift height and for the increasingly limited visibility conditions.

Visibility-optimised mast

The best possible view of the load and surroundings is the basic prerequisite for the safe use of reach trucks. With the new heavy-duty mast, this is achieved in two ways: For one, it is much wider than previous models, and secondly, the developers were able to dispense with the cross struts previously required. This results in significantly larger viewing windows between the mast sections, which significantly improves the view of the forks. Depending on the type and design, the driver’s field of vision is extended by up to 27%.

The optimised design of the head cross beam also extends the upward visibility, allowing the operator to better see and thus control the forks when storing and retrieving at high lift levels. But it is not only the view upwards that is improved. The new mast also enables an optimised view of the horizontal working environment, as it is mounted on the vehicle in a more advantageous position. In this way, the driver can look past the loaded mast without leaning to the side.

With a maximum lift height of up to 15m, the new mast reaches a full two meters higher than the masts previously installed. It also has a higher residual load capacity, so that the vehicles can handle significantly more load weight than before when the mast is fully extended. To ensure that the reach trucks with the new mast can safely pass through warehouse passages, Linde MH has further optimised the ratio between lift height and overall height. As a result, the new 15m mast is even lower when retracted than the corresponding 13m version of the predecessor model.

Robust and service-friendly

Even greater stability of the mast is provided by more robust mast profiles with staggered reinforcements that additionally stiffen the reach mast and minimise deflection of the individual components. This results in lower mast vibrations during storage and retrieval at great lift heights, which not only saves the driver the waiting time until swinging out, but also avoids collisions between the mast and racking, which often cause severe damage to the load and infrastructure. Even more mast stability at great heights can be achieved with the optional Dynamic Mast Control (DMC) driver assistance system: a sensor-controlled electric thrust actuator compensates for mast vibrations and deflections through targeted and highly precise counter-movements.

The vehicle length has remained unchanged so that the reach trucks can manoeuvre in narrow warehouse aisles as usual. To simplify mast replacement, the reach carriage now remains within the vehicle chassis during dismantling. In this way, the vehicles can be rapidly moved to another location and quickly put back into operation there. This reduces time requirements and costs by up to 50%.

 

When POLI-TAPE required various loading equipment in confined spaces working at heights of up to 12 metres, Hyster supplied a rental fleet of forklifts equipped with driver assistance systems and tracker. The result was transparency and efficiency in POLI-TAPE’s warehouse and production facilities with minimal downtime and damage.

Whether shop windows, vehicles, or textiles, films from POLI-TAPE are used to cover and label a wide variety of surfaces. Products of the family-owned company from the western German state of Rhineland-Palatinate are present in more than 90 countries. At the headquarters in Remagen and in subsidiaries in the USA, France, and Italy, around 400 employees are committed to top quality. They produce films for transfer to textiles, self-adhesive digital printing, and special films for labelling and advertising technology.

Such a product portfolio entails a variety of sensitive materials and complex processes. In addition to the normal Euro pallet, the company moves oversized loading equipment, for double transports or two-metre rolls of film weighing several tonnes. For this variety of tasks, POLI-TAPE was looking for a partner who could cover all transport tasks along the entire supply chain from a single source.

From film to glue to paper, a wide variety of materials arrive in Remagen. Finished products leave the company every day. A shift operation supplies and removes production over 16 hours via seven ramps. 40 forklift trucks maintain the flow of goods; if it comes to a standstill, customers all over the world are waiting for their goods. One of the most critical breaking points in this process is the twelve-metre-high warehouse. If a high-bay or reach truck fails in the narrow aisles, in the worst case one of the lines comes to a standstill. The precisely coordinated orders for films in all possible shapes and colours have to be rescheduled.

Another challenge is the lack of space. 27,000 sq m for storage and production are used up to the last corner. There is no room for space-consuming turning manoeuvres and the number of internal movements is constantly increasing. At peak times, the vehicle fleet moves up to 1,000 fully packed loading units on a single day. Indoors, it is particularly important to drive quickly, yet carefully. Outdoors, forklifts have to negotiate uneven floors to prevent the goods from sliding. Hyster uses its broad portfolio to ensure little transport damage and maximum efficiency.

Equipment

The electrified fleet includes high rack and reach trucks, high speed trucks, pallet trucks and front stackers of the following product ranges:

• S-series pallet trucks with payloads of 1.4 to 2.0 tonnes
• P-series pallet trucks with and without platform for payloads from 1.6 to 3.0 tonnes
• Stand-on/cross-seat pallet trucks up to two tonnes capacity of the RP series
• Customised high rack and reach trucks model R2.5 and C1.5
• Counterbalance trucks with 3 and 4 wheels from the J series
• K Series medium and high lift order pickers

The Solution

Globally successful with a strong local dealer network, POLI-TAPE has found a reliable partner in Hyster. Kowalski Transportgeräte GmbH is one of the 17 local dealers in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Together, the two companies developed a comprehensive solution with individually configured forklifts of all classes including fleet management via Hyster Tracker and 24/7 service.

Today, the fleet supports all processes between warehouse and manufacturing with 40 rented Hyster forklifts. To find the right solution, Kowalski held many discussions on-site. Every specific customer requirement was analysed, understood, and implemented in individual configurations. Today, the fleet optimises efficiency in a confined space with maximum comfort for drivers.

Manoeuvrable pallet trucks supply the lines with basic components such as film, glue and paper in the area-efficiently designed production. At the end of the line, suitable forklifts take over the sensitive goods, cut and wrapped, for internal transport to the warehouse. Industrial trucks maintain the steady flow until everything is packed and ready for dispatch.

The process is labour-intensive. Only a few things can be automated. The variety of load carriers need people. Well-trained warehouse workers are hard to find in empty labour markets. Equipment that makes work easier is an important criteria in the job for many. Hyster meets these demands with manoeuvrable vehicles that are easy to control.

Hyster can cover all requirements with more than 140 different models at POLI-TAPE. Among others, small high-speed trucks supply the production. Manoeuvrable pallet trucks bring goods efficiently from A to B. Counterbalance trucks safely take over even heavy and bulky items with the best all-round visibility. Driver assistance systems additionally minimise damage to vehicles and goods. Especially in high-bay warehouses, sensors and cameras facilitate precise storage and retrieval at any height.

The logistics operation gets everything from a single source, including maintenance and service. At an operational level, the fleet manager at Kowalski has a contact person and a permanent mechanic who knows the fleet. In the background is Kowalski’s 18-strong service team, including an in-house workshop, a well-stocked spare parts warehouse, and fast deliveries from the Hyster central warehouse in Nijmegen, the Netherlands, 50km away. There are hardly any breakdowns.

Hyster Tracker brings additional operating efficiency. The telematics solution provides all the necessary data in real-time. For example, the fleet manager recognises critical points in the process and can train drivers in a more targeted manner. Key data helps control predictive maintenance. Before each start, the system has the capability to check whether the driver is sufficiently trained and capable of operating the truck. All necessary checks are carried out via user-friendly displays, which also provide alerts during operation, for example in the event of excessive speed.

“If there is high downtimes, even the best forklift truck is of no use. That’s why we rely on the solid brand-name trucks from Hyster. They are as robust as a Volkswagen with premium service from a single source.”

The Results

Compared to the past, the Hyster fleet has significantly reduced unplanned downtime. Wear and tear on the vehicles and time-consuming transport damage have also decreased. Efficiency has increased. The warehouse staff are more satisfied. The ergonomically designed vehicles not only help protect operators’ comfort and wellbeing, but also relieve the time pressure caused by unnecessary damage.

“With comfortable hand movements and perfect all-round visibility, I can also store and retrieve goods precisely from above,” says a warehouse worker. “The similar handling of all Hyster trucks also makes the changeover easy in the fast-paced daily business.”

POLI-TAPE has completely digitalised its fleet management via the Hyster Tracker. Transparency in fuel consumption and driving behaviour enables targeted improvement measures. Clear key figures in real-time allow for predictive maintenance. For POLI-TAPE, breakdowns have been reduced to a minimum.

“Hyster is the right choice. We have a modular system that meets every need. The units can be optimally adapted to our requirements and individually configured. Service is available around the clock. Unnecessary downtime and dissatisfied employees due to poor equipment are a thing of the past,” said Peter Wieland, Supply Chain Manager of POLI-TAPE Klebefolien GmbH.

 

 

At a time when companies are focused on keeping business costs to a minimum, a strict materials handling equipment maintenance and servicing regime is more important than ever, says Toyota Material Handling UK Ltd’s Service Sales Manager, Andy Pritchard.

Regardless of whether your business operates a single pallet truck or a large fleet of varied materials handling equipment, when sourcing forklift trucks it is important to deal with an organisation that has the infrastructure in place to guarantee the highest levels of lift truck service and maintenance support.

A regular servicing and maintenance regime is the best way of preventing significant truck downtime – and all the cost and disruption to a business that can entail. And, with repair costs for serious truck damage rising, a commitment to forklift maintenance and servicing is becoming more important than ever.

Toyota offers a range of after-sales care and support packages to suit the business needs of companies of all sizes operating in all industry sectors. For example, the ‘full service’ package involves a comprehensive parts and labour plan that covers preventative maintenance, breakdowns and parts used in service and breakdown repairs.

Most Toyota customers agree a planned service contract at the time that they buy or rent their truck or trucks. With the support of Toyota’s dedicated after-sales development team to guide them through the various options available, Toyota customers can choose their plan with complete confidence, safe in the knowledge that it will keep their trucks safe and in good working order to ensure that they get the most out of their materials handling equipment at all times.

Customer satisfaction is our number-one priority and we do everything we can to meet our customers’ needs and expectations. Since service is a key differentiator, it’s important to us and, of course, our customers, that we carry out preventative maintenance and any repairs that are required quickly and efficiently.

We apply the Toyota Service Concept, a structured approach to optimise our services that is based on 12 key values that include ‘Poka Yoke’ – a Japanese term that means ‘mistake-proofing’ or ‘inadvertent error prevention.’ For example, by constantly upgrading the quality of spare parts and checking them before shipping, we ensure that the right part will be delivered in time.

Across the UK we employ some 600 technicians. We guarantee to respond to a customer’s request for assistance within four working hours and have a 96% first time fix rate. We aim to get things right the first time so we make sure parts are available when they are needed. And, we service any make of truck – not just Toyota models – which is essential for those clients that operate mixed fleets.

95% of spare parts are always available and any Toyota parts that are not held in stock are delivered within 24 hours. The genuine Toyota parts used are designed and tested to be safe and to prevent equipment failure, which means downtime risk and repair costs are lower and a client’s operational efficiency and, therefore, profitability is increased.

 

 

IMHX 2022 will see the launch of Narrow Aisle Ltd’s latest Flexi ACiON (pictured) and Flexi LiTHiON VNA truck ranges.

With all drive, hydraulic and power-steering functions digitally controlled, the trucks in the Flexi ACiON (lead acid battery-powered) and Flexi LiTHiON (lithium-ion battery-powered) collections are described as a ‘tour de force’ in articulated lift truck drivability, reliability and battery energy saving.

The introduction of digitally controlled motors for steering and all other key functions delivers a more integrated truck performance and results in greater reliability, more pallets moved per hour and significantly reduced maintenance costs.

Full digital control means that all models are ultra-energy efficient: regenerative energy produced every time the truck’s mast is raised or lowered, as well as during forward and reverse travel and by movement of the steering wheel, feeds back to the battery to maximise the time that the truck can perform between battery changes or charges.

In addition, noise levels are significantly reduced and steering and mast control operations – whether using the lift/lower or sideshift functions – are carried out with optimum precision at all times.

But it is not just ‘under the bonnet’ where enhancements have been made: when developing the new Flexi ACiON and Flexi LiTHiON range, Narrow Aisle’s design team sought to produce the ultimate driver-friendly articulated forklift trucks on the market.

All aspects of operator visibility have been improved. For example, the trucks’ HiVis overhead guard has been redesigned and reconfigured to ensure perfect upward visibility of the forks and the load when stacking. The guard also features a soft grey finish that is proven by optometrists to be ‘easy on the eye’ to further aid the operator’s through vision.

Clear forward visibility is ensured by the use of three-stage lift masts, which feature four-lift cylinder technology that not only delivers full fork vision to make pallet entry clear and straightforward, but also provides class-leading lateral stability.

The latest Flexis have been developed to make order picking duties easier and safer. For instance, the ‘Halo bar’ feature provides the most comfortable single-handed action to mount or dismount the truck during intensive applications. All models are fitted with a fully weight adjustable premium seat which, combined with the trucks’ adjustable steering column, reduce operator fatigue – even during the longest shifts.

Models in Narrow Aisle’s Flexi ACiON and Flexi LiTHiON Truck ranges can operate safely and efficiently in aisles down to just 1.6m wide and can lift loads weighing up to 2.5 tonnes to heights of 14m. The Flexi’s 220° articulation feature that makes turning easier and faster is incorporated into all models in the range to ensure more pallet movements per hour.

In addition, visitors to the Narrow Aisle stand will be able to see the unique FlexiPick layer order picking system. The FlexiPick allows users to take advantage of the increasingly popular layer quantity FMCG order assembly concept. It allows retail customers to order boxed products on a larger quantity with up to five different products (SKU’s) per pallet, without the need to invest in the kind of high fixed cost automated handling technology that previous layer picking systems have relied upon.

Thanks to its articulated chassis design, the FlexiPiCK system is the perfect platform for layer picking technology. When using the FlexiPick full pallet loads of the most popular layer quantity products in the DC are arranged in an aisle format at ground level and with assembly stations positioned at the end of each aisle. The FlexiPick’s integrated hydraulic arms carefully lift single or multiple layers of product and deliver each individual layer picked to the assembly station where a load is made up of full layers.

The FlexiPiCK system works comfortably in access aisle of less than two metres – which hugely reduces the floor space footprint required. Furthermore, steel guidance rails are not required for the system to function at faster picking rates, which allows a more flexible load assembly aisle layout with more product options included.

Layer picking has become increasingly popular in the USA, where it is seen as a solution to manual handling stress injuries on high volume case picking operations. By picking orders in layers, FMCG companies can reduce case quantity picking costs by a huge amount – which provides opportunities to offer reduced costs to clients that place larger orders in layer quantities.

With its headquarters, design and manufacturing facilities in the UK, Narrow Aisle Ltd has supplied over 10,000 Flexi articulated forklift trucks to users throughout the world and has a global network of over 65 authorised distributors.