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Tag: Materials Handling

Bolzoni opens portal for rental and used attachments

Posted on by David Priestman

As an alternative to the purchase of a new attachment, the Bolzoni rental and remanufactured product range is now available on a new European web portal.

Especially in times of shortages in logistics chains and extended lead times when investing into new equipment, alternative options, such as rental and used products, become more important than ever.

In the case of seasonal peaks, an unexpected breakdown or, simply to cover an additional fleet requirement, to rent an attachment or to buy a reconditioned unit can be a good alternative rather than purchasing a new one, in particular because of its prompt availability.

The Bolzoni Group supports customers with solutions to save money on investments without renouncing Bolzoni’s equipment efficiency and quality. The new portal offers a wide range of Bolzoni Auromo and Meyer original equipment.

Each attachment is carefully checked and refurbished after every hire. Each used or rental product is inspected, reconditioned and tested according to the highest quality standards, becoming a convenient alternative to purchasing a new product.

After the reconditioning process, the attachment will have the appearance and quality as expected from an OEM with a guarantee of a 12-month warranty.

Whether the need is to purchase a reconditioned attachment or, to face a short- or medium-term rental, Bolzoni says it provides the best solution to meet all industries special requirements.

Through the European-wide network of workshops with support and aftersales service, Bolzoni is able to offer a localised 360° support, from commercial consultancy to preventative maintenance, throughout the period of use. Bolzoni is the qualified partner not only to purchase or to rent used and brand-new products, but also to sell and to trade-in no longer used attachments. Instead of being wasted, the used ones will be reconditioned to replenish the Bolzoni Rental & Used fleet.

Choosing the Bolzoni’s Rental & Used service means a fast and efficient way of solving downtime or bridging peak demands within production facilities and logistic chains. A wide range of attachment on stock is available for shipping either the same day or within 24 hours.

The reconditioned attachments follow a strict multiphase process to fit in the quality standards that characterise Bolzoni’s products. Upon return, every used unit undergoes a reconditioning process, which includes cleaning and preliminary inspections. Once the equipment overall conditions are taken into consideration, the appropriate level of maintenance to refurbish and replace all wear parts is defined. Finally, in the painting and assembly phase, each product receives its final touch that makes it almost impossible to be distinguished from a new one.

And only after having successfully passed the stringent tests of the Bolzoni quality process, the attachment is placed back into stock ready for its next assignment.

Randex launches vertical storage-robotics integrator

Posted on by David Priestman

Vertical storage lift company Randex is launching Compact 24/7, a solution that integrates the company’s Compact family of automated vertical storage systems with robotics technology to allow continuous, 24/7 warehouse picking with, it says, up to 50% fewer warehouse workers.

Compact 24/7 allows automated vertical storage to be integrated with a wide range of robotic types including autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), collaborative robots (cobots) and automated guided vehicles (AGVs).

“Automated vertical storage already delivers proven benefits for warehousing and logistics users,” said Randex director James Roberts. “Randex user feedback shows that robotics doubles its impact.”

Compact vertical storage lifts already save up to 90% of floor space compared to standard shelving and pallet racking. They can manage loads of up to 100 tonnes and already enable warehouse operatives to complete up to four times more picks than in a traditional warehouse, with goods automatically presented to the picker. When the same goods are presented to a robot using Compact 24/7, picking performance improves by a further 100% according to Randex users.

Randex Ltd is the sole UK distributor for Compact Vertical Storage Lifts, manufactured in Sweden by Weland Solutions, a member of the privately owned, global group Weland AB. Randex customers include Bombardier, DHL, Fujifilm, Howdens, Hutchison Ports, Jaguar Land Rover, Ministry of Defence, P&G, Pfizer, Rolls Royce and Specsavers.

STILL reveals more iGo neo innovations

Posted on by David Priestman

STILL GmbH, the Hamburg-based provider of intralogistics solutions, was the first manufacturer to launch iGo neo in 2016, a technology that turns series-produced intralogistics trucks into independent assistants for their operators. The technology enables perfect interaction between man and machine. Now STILL is launching a series of further innovations for the OPX iGo neo horizontal order picker that result in even more autonomy and therefore additional safety and cost-effectiveness in the warehouse.

The OPX iGo neo horizontal order picker is a vehicle that autonomously follows the operator at every step during order picking. It reacts to its operator and the environment. It therefore provides ergonomic order picking that is unique in the market. The innovative technology ensures that the order picker is always ideally positioned in relation to the operator and that the operator does not have to walk unnecessarily, which in itself leads to increased efficiency.

Safety is also high on STILL’s agenda, especially for autonomous vehicles. The OPX iGo neo, for instance, has a unique safety concept. The horizontal order picker recognises and reacts situationally not only to people but also to dynamic and static objects. It independently detects and avoids non-critical obstacles and stops gently in front of critical barriers.

Collision avoidance in manual operation

Since November this year, the STILL Easy Protect collision protection system has been providing additional safety, even in manual operation. The assistance system is available for all OPX iGo neo models: “If the operator is on a collision course during manual operation, the truck detects this and brakes automatically depending on the distance of the obstacle,” explained Thede Baumann, Product Manager for the iGo neo.

When developing this assistance system, one of the key objectives was to keep the restrictions on driving as low as possible. “To achieve this,” said Volker Viereck, Head of intelligent autonomous software development at KION mobile automation, “the driving manoeuvre requested by the operator is constantly assessed and intervention only takes place if the operator is explicitly on a collision course”. This means that the closer the vehicle gets to an obstacle, the more the specified speed is reduced to avoid a collision.

“However, if the operator reacts to the obstacle by adjusting the steering angle, thus avoiding it,” continued the robotics development manager, “the vehicle automatically accelerates again to the driving speed desired by the operator.”

In addition, Easy Protect evaluates the distance at which the operator wants to pass an obstacle. This leads to a possible speed reduction of the vehicle depending on this distance.

“Easy Protect is comparable to the lane departure warning system in cars,” said Baumann. The great difference to the automotive industry, however, is that the operator is supported very discreetly by the assistance system. In a nutshell, the corrections made by the vehicle are minimal and very gentle, but nevertheless accurate to the centimetre.

The level of intervention of STILL’s new assistance system, which can also be retrofitted to trucks already on the market, can be selected by the operator and adjusted if necessary. Three modes are available for this: early intervention, standard intervention and late intervention.

“With this assistance system, the iGo neo was especially able to play to its strengths,” Viereck continued, “because the sensor technology for this was already available in the vehicle.” The new feature does not require any hardware upgrades and can be made available to all existing customers via a vehicle software update. This underlines STILL’s strategy of allowing the OPX iGo neo to benefit from new optimisations or even new features even after it has been delivered. If desired, the robotic vehicle can be kept permanently up-to-date.

3D collision protection

The 3D collision protection, which will be added to STILL’s OPX iGo neo from next year, uses a 3D camera to reliably detect obstacles in front of the truck – both in manual and autonomous operation. “The camera is positioned above the pedestrian protection system,” explained Viereck. “This means that its field of vision covers the entire height of the front of the vehicle, which was also an explicit request from our customers.”

In addition to increased safety, the 3D collision protection also leads to higher working efficiency, for example when using several scissor lift trucks. Until now, larger safety distances were necessary in practice because the raised forks of the vehicle in front cannot be detected by sensors.

“Since this restriction is resolved by Easy Protect 3D, vehicles can close in more closely,” said Baumann. This in turn reduces walking distances and increases productivity. This assistance system by STILL, which is unique on the market so far, can also be retrofitted for existing order pickers.

New industrial pallet version

As of now, a new vehicle version of STILL’s OPX iGo neo horizontal order picker is also available. The industrial pallet version enables the transport of load carriers up to a width of 1,000mm in autonomous assistance mode. Previously, this was only possible for a pallet width of 800mm.

This option increases the range of applications for the OPX iGo neo even more. It expands perspectives not only for industrial pallets but also for special load carriers with a width of up to 1,000mm. The integrated pedestrian protection system safeguards the enlarged vehicle and load width accordingly. In addition, the intelligent vehicle knows its own dimensions and operates accordingly. An adaptation of the desired distances is not necessary, this is done by the neo itself. The new industrial pallet version from STILL is available for all models.

“Since each country has different requirements for the use of autonomous vehicles, a number of system enhancements have been made,” explained Viereck. Due to this system expansion to adapt to the legal requirements of the different regions, the OPX iGo neo can now be offered throughout EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) as well as in other regions, such as the USA, Australia or New Zealand. The success of the STILL horizontal order picker is therefore not limited to core Europe – the truck is now in demand worldwide.

SP Digital upgrades to automated mobile robotics

Posted on by David Priestman

Geek+, a global AMR leader, is continuing its expansion in South America with the successful deployment of autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) at SP Digital, a leading e-commerce company for computer hardware and gaming products in Chile. The project will provide SP Digital with the capacity to support its rapid business growth during peak season.

The solution was implemented in collaboration with Boreal, a key provider of mobile solutions in Latin America and a strategic partner of Geek+’s AMR solutions.

“We are excited to see Boreal leverage our picking solution to support a leading e-commerce company like SP Digital with the efficiency and accuracy needed to expand its business,” said Randy Randolph, Senior Director Channel Relationships, of Geek+ America. “By integrating our AI-driven AMRs, SP Digtial can optimise its warehouse operations, respond to rapid changes in order volume, and continue to provide accurate deliveries during peak season.”

In light of a surge in online shopping trigged by the COVID-19 pandemic, SP Digital has faced unprecedented challenges and massive spikes in demand. In order to improve operator picking efficiency and warehouse throughput, the company digitalised its supply chain with Geek+’s picking solutions. By integrating smart AI technologies and advanced picking robotics, SP Digital is now able to optimise warehouse operations, achieve maximum picking efficiency, and meet increased consumer demands.

Diego Santander, CEO of SP Digital, said: “For us, implementing the Geek+ robotics systems in our value chain is an important step on the path towards enriching and strengthening the services we offer our clients. In a crazy, dynamic, and changing world, the only accurate compass is people. Listening to your customers it is always a successful and enriching exercise. We are very satisfied with the work done together with Boreal and Geek+ robotics. We look forward to continuing to collaborate and expand the range of solutions.”

Roberto Fuhr, CEO of Boreal Technologies, commented: “SP Digital is a great example of the successful implementation of autonomous mobile robots by Boreal with remote support from Geek+. We are very happy to have collaborated with our collective teams that provided the comprehensive automation capabilities, and we appreciate the opportunity they gave us to automate current and future operations.”

With pandemic-induced changes in consumer shopping, Geek+ will continue to work closely with SP Digital to enable fast and agile order fulfilment and will collaborate with Boreal to support e-commerce retailers overcome warehouse challenges across South America.

 

 

STILL supports vaccination campaign

Posted on by Keith McKinley

STILL is supporting the City of Hamburg’s vaccination campaign by providing extensive premises and the necessary infrastructure for two open vaccination days organised by the social security authorities at the STILL Arena in Billbrook.

On 10th December, 2021, and 7th January, 2022, anyone over the age of 12 who is willing to be vaccinated can benefit from the offer without pre-registration. Primary, secondary and booster vaccinations will be offered and the vaccines available will be from Biontech, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson.

Taking responsibility is a matter of course for the Hamburg-based intralogistics company. STILL has been actively involved in the fight against the Coronavirus since the beginning of the pandemic, for example with a special vaccination line for the workforce and donations of vehicles for system-relevant supply areas. Now STILL is making its STILL Arena events hall, in Berzeliusstraße in Hamburg Billbrook available to the City of Hamburg’s social security office for two open vaccination days. The infrastructure – from furniture to routing to IT – will be organised by STILL as well.

“We can only overcome this pandemic if we stand together in solidarity,” emphasises Frank Müller, Senior Vice President Brand Management / Sales & Service Steering STILL EMEA. “It is therefore a matter of course for us to support the city’s vaccination campaign. And if we can use our resources to help provide even more Hamburg citizens with low-threshold access to a Corona vaccination, then we are very happy to do so. We hope that many citizens will make use of this offer and roll up their sleeves with us in the STILL Arena.”

Right next to the STILL Arena there is also a Corona test centre run by the German Red Cross (DRK). Here, too, the company has made premises available to support the containment of the pandemic and to offer employees an additional opportunity to protect themselves and implement the 3G regulation in the workplace (which stands for vaccinated, recovered, tested) with as little effort as possible.

Hyster to unveil scalable counterbalance series

Posted on by David Priestman

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.”

PD Ports aims for net zero with Konecranes

Posted on by Keith McKinley

PD Ports, owner and operator of Teesport, the fifth largest port in the UK, has contracted specialist crane manufacturer Konecranes to convert the primary power supply of four diesel-driven Rubber Tyre Gantry Cranes (RTGs) to electric, boosting operational efficiency and reducing carbon emissions.

This is the first phase of a wider electrification process, totalling over £2m of investment by PD Ports, and will mean that 70% of PD Ports’ RTG fleet runs on electric, demonstrating the latest step in an ongoing journey of decarbonisation for the port operator who aims to reach carbon-neutrality across its Tees-based operations by 2027.

The process, which will be carried out by Konecranes, involves the removal of all diesel components. This will completely eliminate the consumption of diesel fuel, instead allowing the equipment to run wholly on electric – significantly reducing carbon emissions and noise pollution as well as lowering maintenance requirements.

Frans Calje, PD Ports CEO, said: “The implementation of alternative, cleaner energy supplies is one of the key components to our long-term vision for Teesport and is another step in achieving our 30-year plan in which we aim to work with customers and stakeholders to elevate the River Tees to the UK’s most successful port region by 2050.

“PD Ports is a key piece of national infrastructure and as the Statutory Harbour Authority for the River Tees, we have a duty to ensure that we continuously work to reduce our impact on the environment throughout our operations.

“As long-standing partners of Konecranes, we are very much looking forward to working with them on this project and delivering on our commitment to developing clean, sustainable port technology.”

Each RTG will take an average of three weeks to covert meaning the project, which will extend the lifespan of the equipment for an additional decade, is due for completion in early 2022.

During the retrofit, Konecranes will also be installing fibre optics which will future-proof the RTGs, enabling continuous upgrades and access to enhanced features, such as remote operations, meaning the equipment will be central to increasing both efficiencies and productivity for PD Ports.

Paolo Dazi, Konecranes Port Services Senior Vice President, said: ‘’We are dedicated to helping ports and terminal operators grow through sustainable, digital and adaptable service solutions. The trust PD Ports has shown in us, as equipment lifecycle experts is really exciting and rewards our ambition to keep increasing customers’ operational efficiency, safety and equipment sustainability.’’

Drinks wholesaler deploys articulated forklift fleet

Posted on by David Priestman

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.

The future of forklifts is electric

Posted on by David Priestman

With more and more forklift truck users opting for electric-power over IC-engine driven machines when the time comes to replace or upgrade their materials handling equipment fleet, the coming years are expected to bring a clear shift away from diesel and LPG towards electric forklifts. Indeed, Toyota Material Handling expect the UK market for electric counterbalanced forklift trucks to grow by as much as 10% in the next five years. In this article, Toyota’s counterbalance specialist, Paul Bowers, considers some of the factors driving the rise of the electric-powered forklift market.

According to the most reliable estimates, the forklift market has historically been split roughly 60/40 between LPG- or diesel-powered internal combustion engine (IC) trucks and battery-driven electric models – with diesel being the most dominant fuel. But the coming years are anticipated to bring a clear shift away from diesel and LPG towards electric forklifts.

At Toyota Material Handling, for example, we expect the UK market for electric counterbalanced forklift trucks to grow by as much as 10% in the next five years as more and more truck users opt for electric-power over IC-engine driven machines when the time comes to replace or upgrade their fleets.

The rise of the electric lift truck can be attributed to a number of different factors – including heightened environmental concerns, rising fuel prices and greater awareness of staff welfare.

Advances in battery technology, such as the further development of lithium-ion and  to a lesser extent (for now) hydrogen fuel cells, are also leading to greater interest in electric power, while the wide-ranging changes to intralogistics processes brought about by the seemingly relentless increase in internet shopping tend to favour electric trucks too.

Of course, environmental issues have been on the corporate agenda for many years but recent talk of the introduction of a ‘carbon emissions tax’ has seen a sharp increase in the truck users that include like-for-like carbon emissions comparisons as part of their forklift fleet purchasing process. IC-engine trucks rarely come top of the class in such tests, which will not be a surprise to many given that electric-powered trucks have always been perceived to have the edge over the IC-engine alternative in all matters ‘green’.

But it would be wrong to conclude that the electric truck market is only growing because diesel sales are in decline: recent developments in technology mean the electric lift truck is now a highly sophisticated product that offers real business benefits to the broadest range of users. And, furthermore, today’s battery-driven forklifts are capable of performing highly effectively within the type of harsh environments that historically only diesel trucks would be considered suitable for.

Perhaps the single biggest technological advance behind the upsurge in electric truck sales is the arrival of the lithium-ion battery. While lead acid remains by far the dominant battery type within the electric-powered forklift market, sales of lithium-ion forklifts have been on a sustained upward curve for some time.

Although it is estimated that in the region of 90% of all electric forklifts in operation throughout the world are still running on lead acid batteries, the lithium-ion solution has now become well established as a viable alternative. Indeed, nearly a quarter of all Toyota electric-powered forklift trucks ordered for delivery in the UK now feature lithium-ion battery (LiB) technology.

Today, lithium-ion is revolutionising the way that some companies operate their intralogistics processes. Lithium-ion batteries have the ability to be recharged in as little as one hour – which increases a truck’s overall availability. One hour’s charging will give in the region of 4 to 5 hours of operating time. Also, as these batteries allow for opportunity charging, trucks can be recharged anywhere by the operator during breaks in a shift or other periods of downtime. As a result, there is no need to swap batteries – so dedicated charging rooms and spare batteries are not necessary.

Hydrogen fuel cells are also emerging as another viable alternative to lead acid batteries. At the present time, Hydrogen only becomes financially realistic where in the region of 90+ trucks are in operation at one location due to the significant investment required in hydrogen generation and storage systems, so the potential user market is currently somewhat limited.

But large fleet operators are keen to embrace the technology and Toyota Hydrogen fuel cell-powered forklifts are already operating at sites across the Nordic region and Europe as well as Australia. Meanwhile in the automotive sector Toyota’s hydrogen-powered Mirai is at the forefront of a new age of hydrogen fuel cell cars that deliver long distance zero-emissions driving.

Of course, as with any new development, when the product matures the price will drop and there is every reason to believe hydrogen fuel cell power will be within reach of every business with a forklift fleet in the not-too-distant future.

But, despite the worldwide rush to eliminate – or at least minimise – the use of fossil fuels and the myriad benefits that electric trucks offer users in terms of running costs, productivity, reduced pollution etc, it is unlikely that we are witnessing the last days of the diesel-powered lift truck.

There are currently still numerous applications, particularly where extra-heavy lifting is involved and truck capacities of 8t and over are required, where a diesel forklift remains the best option. This might not be the case in 10 years’ time though.

Companies considering switching from IC- to electric-engine forklift trucks, should always discuss their options with their MHE supplier who will be able to assess the benefits of going electric for every type of operation.

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.

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