Briggs says its new tool has improved the safety and accuracy of speed-measuring tests.

Briggs Equipment has developed a speed-measuring tool as its customers demand "accurate proof" that their power pallet trucks are set at maximum site speed limits.

Technical manager Trevor Clifton explains that the need for the tool is new. "Before, people would use plug-in handheld devices or stop watches to measure truck speeds over 30 m (98 ft.) distances, which would also require a corresponding run-up and slow-down area, and not all customers have the space or are willing to accommodate these tests."

Previous speed tests presented health and safety risks, and may have needed a small team to measure the required distances and stop watches to measure speed.

Briggs says its new tool has improved the safety and accuracy of these tests, as well as reduced the time, space and people needed to conduct them.

"The device only needs one person to use it and includes two lasers set three to five meters away from one another, each with an LCD screen, mounted on tripods. Information from the lasers is sent to a computer where the data is stored and later analysed," Clifton explains.

He adds that the laser beams are set 27.8 cm (10.9 in.) apart (side by side), significantly reducing the 30 m (98 ft.) previously needed. "From when the truck touches the first beam to the second beam, the software will accurately record the speed that the truck is moving. Although the run-up and slow-down distances are still needed, the overall space has dramatically reduced."

The tool can measure acceleration, brake performance and deceleration rates, and can be used to test many different kinds of machines in forwards or backwards motion.