 John Lewis uses biodiesel to power its counterbalanced truck. |
Biodiesel powers forklift
Brackmills, United KingdomBritish department store chain John Lewis is turning waste cooking oil from its in-store restaurants into biodiesel to power a Jungheinrich counterbalance forklift.
The retailer has a Jungheinrich forklift with a Volkswagen engine approved for biofuel. The forklift undertakes general yard duties.
"We have been using a biodiesel blend in our transport fleet for some time, so it seemed natural to use the same fuel in our Jungheinrich engine-powered counterbalance truck," says Lawrence Ireson, the site's maintenance manager.
John Lewis has a fleet of over 70 Jungheinrich forklifts at its distribution centre. Most of the fleet is electric-powered.
Toyota equips trucks with sensors
Castleford, United KingdomToyota Material Handling UK has announced that all new BT Reflex reach trucks will have shock sensors as standard.
By equipping trucks with the sensors, impacts on trucks are measured, recorded and linked to specific drivers, and poor driving can be detected and corrective measures taken.
The threshold for impact can be preset and when a shock exceeds the threshold value, the truck's speed is limited to 2.5 km/h (1.6 mph). A signal will also sound every five seconds until a reset of the truck is performed.
"Ready-to-go" trucks on offer
Milton Keynes, United KingdomJungheinrich (UK) Ltd will be offering a range of used equipment at two "Ready-to-go" equipment fairs at UK depots in the northern autumn.
All the displayed forklifts are refurbished models that come with a full service history, LOLER certification and up to six-months' warranty.
Jungheinrich spokesman Craig Johnson says buyers can choose from refurbished trucks at around two-thirds the price of a new truck. Some will cost 40% less. Trucks on offer include engine-powered counterbalance machines, pallet trucks and reach trucks.
The events will be in Birmingham on 2-3 November and in Bristol on 9-10 November.