Innovative solutions for forklift trucks

15th August 2014

  

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Platform trucks and tractors supplier Still Germany aims to launch many new products and innovative ideas, including semi- and fully-automated solutions for forklift trucks, this year, as well as introduce lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries on power forklifts, says logistics company Value Materials Handling, sole distributor for the Still brand in South Africa and other African countries.

Divisional director Kathy Hendricks notes that Still’s focus is on collectively improv- ing the six factors – namely power, precision, ergonomics, compactness, safety and environment – that determine the future effi-ciencies of every company’s intralogistics.

Meanwhile, she notes that the logistics indus-try will see a significant change in warehousing equipment, with the introduction of the Li-ion batteries.

These batteries enable companies to break even on return-of-investment in 1.4 years; whereas lead acid batteries only star showing a return on investment from 2.5 years owing to the superior endurance associated with Li-ion batteries, explains Hendricks.

Further, she notes that the physical size of the battery is half the size of current batteries available on the market, which means that the machine is smaller and easier to manoeuvre, adding that the batteries are completely maintenance free.

“Charging periods of less than 1.5 hours mean a reduction in electricity costs. These batteries will also have double the energy and life cycle, compared with lead acid batteries,” adds Hendricks.

The new Still reach truck, lifting to heights of up to 13 m, will also be launched this year, replacing the current reach truck, which is seen as the benchmark in Europe.

Hendricks explains that the company implemented a new dampening system that will improve the stability of loads at greater heights.

“This dampening system will decrease the oscillations of the mast when lifting heavy loads to high levels,” she adds.

“Normally, when drivers lift loads to 8 m and above, they will notice that the mast still has quite a bit of movement and needs to stabilise before they can place the pallet on the racking. This dampening system ensures that the mast will come to a complete standstill within six seconds,” highlights Hendricks.

“This figure sounds high, but our competitors’ masts can take up to 25 seconds to stop completely,” Hendricks points out.

Edited by Megan van Wyngaardt
Creamer Media Contributing Editor Online

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