Latest materials handling technology and Michelin tyres add safety, productivity and performance gains to environmental considerations
Pall-Ex has replaced and upgraded its entire fork lift truck fleet in an investment project worth over £2.5 million. A total of 36 trucks have been delivered to the Leicestershire hub over the last three weeks which are gradually replacing the existing three year old trucks. The new fork lift trucks combine the very latest safety, performance and technological features with enhanced fuel efficiencies and further reduced emission levels.
Supplied, managed and maintained by Barloworld, the new trucks, the Hyster H1.8FT Advance Fortens represent the very latest in FLT technology and are amongst the most environmentally friendly on the market. Pall-Ex chose to continue its commitment to providing an emission-free environment inside the non-drive-through hub by ordering the CNG-powered version of the fork lift trucks. CNG (compressed natural gas) is the cleanest fuel available today for materials handling equipment.
The new Fortens design will give Pall-Ex increased handling performance capability, reduced operating costs, enhanced controllability, improved driver comfort and easier servicing.
Pall-Ex managing director, Hilary Devey, said: "Our fork lift trucks represent an intrinsic part of the Pall-Ex operation which functions 24 hours a day and is arguably one of the most demanding distribution environments in the sector. By investing in the very latest fork lift truck technology available, Pall-Ex is furthering our commitment to maintaining the leading palletised freight distribution hub in the sector.
"The FLT fleet is crucial to our ability to perform to the highest standards at all times. It represents our continued investment in ensuring we have the best fork lift truck technology on the market but worth the cost in terms of the improvements these newer fork lift trucks will give in productivity, ease of use and driver comfort."
The new fork lift trucks are also fitted with the latest in tyre technology from Michelin – the Stabil'X XZM industrial radial tubeless tyres. These tubeless tyres provide added stability and resistance to sidewall damage. The improved tread design and greater tread depth have resulted in an increase in tyre life, together with increased contact area, more "rubber on the road" improved traction and better braking. These are all important considerations for Pall-Ex in such a high performance environment.