The multidirectional sideloaders supplied by Hubtex and Rohrer-Marti are used to handle large sheet materials and long profiles at Hans Kohler.

Lean and without compromise - This is how Hans Kohler AG's logistics concept could be summed up in a nutshell. The stainless steel distributor has been optimising its warehouse structure since 2012. However, manual multidirectional sideloaders will continue to be used in future for handling large sheet materials and long profiles. "We have significantly reduced the number of industrial trucks in operation, but now place even greater importance on the quality and precision offered by the remaining vehicles," explains Benno Kündig, head of logistics.


Extensive range of modules
In view of continued growth and a strong expansion of the product range, the company has to make optimal use of the warehouse space at its disposal, Kündig notes. That is why Hans Kohler AG is reliant on forklift trucks that can "seamlessly adapt to existing space requirements and aisle widths," says Kündig, who uses each industrial truck for at least 10 years.

Zurich-based Hans Kohler AG banks on Hubtex multidirectional sideloaders for handling sheet materials and long profiles.

In addition, the company wanted to have just one or two suppliers for its multidirectional sideloaders in order to make it easier for staff to switch between different vehicles quickly. Following intensive market research, the company opted to bank on Hubtex again. The German manufacturer was able to win over the Swiss wholesaler, primarily as a result of the ergonomics and quality it offers, as well as its extensive modular system that enables all special requirements to be met cost-effectively. Each service class offers a range of customisable frame widths and cabin variants to choose from. Application-specific assistance systems round off the portfolio. In combination with different frame lengths and battery dimensions, customers can configure their fully customisable multidirectional sideloaders without incurring the significant costs associated with one-off designs.

Benno Kündig, head of logistics at Hans Kohler, values quality and precision over everything else when it comes to industrial trucks.

Speedy servicing
Hans Kohler AG has been using two MQ40 multidirectional sideloaders since 2015, meaning that the steel wholesaler already has a lot of experience with Hubtex and Swiss importer Rohrer-Marti AG. "The forklift trucks really have proven their worth in day-to-day operations in terms of productivity and reliability," Kündig notes. He is equally impressed by the service provided by Rohrer-Marti AG. "If we encounter a major technical problem, the Rohrer-Marti servicing technicians are on site quickly to ensure that downtimes are kept to a minimum," says the head of logistics and member of the Hans Kohler AG management board.


The younger of the two MQ40 sideloaders is from 2017 and features extensive safety equipment, such as two ultrasound distance sensors that warn the driver of obstacles they can't see. "The sensors have proven to offer effective protection against collisions, especially when the trucks are loaded," says Kündig, who placed an emphasis on useful equipment options when making the investment. The truck is guided to the racks with the help of guidance wheels and ultrasound sensors attached to the side of the vehicle. Thanks to its sensors, the MQ4 "senses" when it's in one of the 2.8-metre-wide aisles and then automatically adjusts its wheels to forward/reverse drive mode.

The truck is guided to the racks with the help of guidance wheels and ultrasound sensors attached to the side of the vehicle.

Sufficient power
Designed to reduce vibrations, the transverse cabin also features an overhead guard made out of safety glass. The interior of the cabin is painted matte black and is therefore less of a distraction to the driver than the standard orange colour. The air suspension seat also features an integrated switch that activates the handbrake as soon as the driver leaves the seat. In addition, the cabin is also home to a document tray with a storage compartment and lid, ensuring a tidy interior.

Mounted in the centre of the cabin, the Hubex information terminal enables the driver to see the sideloader's speed, the direction of the wheels and the steering programme selected at any time. The high-definition colour display also shows the number of hours in service, maintenance intervals, date and time, and how much power is left in the 48 volt battery. Weighing approximately 1,400 kilograms, the battery offers 930 ampere hours of power, which is enough to keep the sideloader going for its nine hours of work each day.

Bending a thing of the past
The driver can activate circular and diagonal driving modes at the touch of a button. The MQ40 is otherwise mainly operated via a multifunctional joystick. Using this joystick, the driver can preselect the directional driving mode, raise and lower the load, control how far forward the mast is extended, and set the hydraulic adjustment of the forks. The fork carriage for lengthy goods features an extra wide base to ensure that steel profiles and pipes measuring up to six metres in length - the loads primarily handled by the forklift truck - do not bend.

As for the tyres, Hans Kohler AG opted for non-marking elastic tyres that are suitable for smooth and less smooth surfaces and do not leave behind any black marks. Available as an optional extra for the MQ40, the HX steering system also makes life a lot easier for drivers. The patented steering system enables drivers to switch between forwards and sideways driving modes without stopping, making the truck easier and quicker to manoeuvre. The HX steering system also minimises wheel wear and tear as the truck changes direction while in motion, meaning that the wheels do not have to turn on the spot.

High level of capacity utilisation
Featuring customised equipment, the second Hubtex MQ40 is also a perfect fit for the Hans Kohler AG's warehouse for lengthy goods. The truck completes around 50 picking jobs a day. Peak operation is achieved after the order deadline between 3 and 5 p.m. Overall, capacity utilisation stands at 80 percent for the two MQ40s, indicating the logistics department's high level of planning quality. The company is also planning to purchase another four-way sideloader in 2018. This time, it is looking for a sideloader to use in the sheet material warehouse, with crate dimensions of up to six by two metres. Enquiries were once again made with Hubtex.

For more information please contact:

HUBTEX Maschinenbau GmbH & Co. KG
Mr. Michael Röbig
P: +49-661-8382-219
W: www.hubtex.com
E: send an email
SF: view the Hubtex ShopFront

Industriepark West
Werner-von-Siemens-Straße 8
36041 Fulda, Germany

About us
HUBTEX has taken a leading position in the materials handling equipment and logistics market for many years. HUBTEX take over where the manufacturers of standard products finish. Core business of our company is the manufacture of customized industrial trucks, side loaders and special equipment for handling difficult and bulky goods. In manufacturing and distribution the world over our machines are designed to facilitate the efficient material flow and turnover of goods, even in very narrow aisles. Our trucks are tailor-made to exactly match the end users specific needs and characterized by their longevity and funcionality. Our concepts are characterized by highest flexibility and functionality, as the case may be.