Kustom Coats protects pallet trucks

DRH Ventures has created Kustom Coats covers of tough textile for use on industrial pallet trucks including virtually any walkie model.

"The inspiration for this product came out of what I deemed a necessity," says Denis Haddock, founder of the sole proprietorship and director of operations. "As a technician in the field, I see countless unnecessary damages being caused by foreign objects and liquids entering the machine."

His solution protects pallet trucks, their battery connections and other components from exposure to harmful environmental elements.

Haddock began development of the concept in 2005 and commercially launched the functional product line in October 2007 with demonstration units, a video-enhanced Internet site and presentations to players in the materials handling industry.

He observed "companies trying to outfit the equipment with boxes and milk crates taped to the battery and using them to hold working utensils (including scanner and clipboard), shrink wrap and garbage" receptacles. Kustom Coats covers address these issues "with minimal cost and a great return on investment, low cost of operation, safe usage of the machine and a cleaner facility," he says.

Market reaction has been positive. "Those who have seen the line are enthusiastic, (and) the people who have purchased them are satisfied," he says. Some customers have inquired about alternative styles. "This is not a limited product line," Haddock says. "It can be made for any make, model and application and is patented as such."

Production opportunities exist.

"We have manufacturers ready and waiting to develop any future prototypes as the demand arises," he says. "The material we utilise is a textile called "mercury" ― an 18-ounce PVC coated polyester fabric ―as well as a combination of other textiles. Mercury is a very strong, webbed type material that is also used to reinforce Zodiac-type inflatable boats."

Cover prices can vary because each is custom made for a specific model. Using Raymond equipment as examples, a Kustom Coats cover for a model 102XM walkie pallet truck costs approximately CAD140, and a cover for a model 8400 rider pallet truck is about CAD400.

Haddock says the business would consider licensing proposals or other business arrangements.