One of the UK's Key Sea Ports is now set to handle some of the industry's largest and heaviest containers thanks to a specially designed, multi-purpose forklift truck from Cooper SH.
Dorset-based Poole Harbour Commissioners, which operates a full range of freight and cargo handling services, took delivery of the bespoke 33-1200B forklift machine from Cooper SH to handle containers weighing up to 27 tonnes. With an additional unique fork attachment, the harbour can also handle 40 foot containers, making it the only port on the South West coast able to offer this flexibility.
Paul Gillingham, Engineering Manager at Poole Harbour Commissioners, explained: "We had seen a significant increase in container weight over the past year due to our customers maximising the efficiency of container space. A lot of pressure was being put on our handling fleet and so we needed a new machine to ensure we maintain high levels of productivity."
Cooper SH acted on the port's intrinsic need for flexibility by making the machine multi-functional. The specialist fork carriers increase the truck's strength enabling it to handle a variety of products including imported steel beams.
"Big machines have a huge impact on capital expenditure," says Chris Barnes, Sales Manager for Cooper SH. "We wanted to future-proof Poole Harbour's operations by giving them an all-round machine to handle the largest and heaviest materials. We have eliminated the need for the port to outsource additional equipment if its operations should change."
In addition, Cooper SH has supplied Poole Harbour with Eco Drive, a driver behaviour management tool, to help lower fuel and life cycle costs. The machine also comes with a turbo joystick that enables the operator to multi-task between the hydraulics.
Added Paul Gillingham: "We are delighted with the new forklift and the long-term approach that Cooper SH has taken to accommodate our needs. We work a very tough operation and the all-round forklift will help us manage the increased container weights safely and efficiently."