Forklift fleet shows longevity in cold

News Story
- 26 May 2011 ( #515 ) - Brierley Hill, United Kingdom
2 min read
A Flexi articulated truck working at Norish's Brierley Hill facility.
A Flexi articulated truck working at Norish's Brierley Hill facility.
The typical life expectancy of forklifts working multiple shifts in a -25 degree cold store can be as low as three to four years but a fleet of Flexi forklifts is approaching its seventh year of service at Norish's facility at Brierley Hill.

Flexi Narrow Aisle sales and marketing director John Maguire tells Forkliftaction.com News that the fleet of articulated trucks in the West Midlands site is working three shifts at around 2,500 hours a year.

"The normal life on a two- to three-shift basis (at -25 degree or less) would be three to four years or 10,000 to 15,000 hours worked. The batteries would normally last only three or four years," he explains.

Maguire says interestingly, the fleet's batteries are the original ones, "which is a great testimonial for Hoppecke, the quality German premium manufacturer".

All the trucks in the Norish fleet still feature their original major components. Maguire says the fleet's AC brushless motor technology and integrated truck diagnostics sped up fault finding to flag up possible component failure, helping reduce maintenance costs and annual downtime.

"Because the quality of the components has a major impact on the performance of the forklift, we source drive motors, control systems, hydraulics, etc from top quality European suppliers," he explains.

The electric Flexi Cold Store articulated forklifts were specifically designed and built to suit the cold store environment in which they work. Because they spend a significant proportion of their working day in low temperatures, all the trucks' main components are stainless steel or zinc-coated and all other electrical hydraulic parts are cold store specified.

Norish's Flexis are fitted with Hoppecke's Trak Air batteries and recharged using the Trak Air high-frequency charger system. Maguire says the Trak Air system has enabled Norish to save in truck running costs because it requires less battery cooling time between charges. Therefore, fewer batteries and chargers are needed.
Toyota fits out 3PL warehouse
Toyota fits out 3PL warehouse 20 Jun 2024 - Ipswich, United Kingdom - 2 min read
Travis Perkins dumps diesel
Travis Perkins dumps diesel 23 Feb 2023 - Northampton, United Kingdom - 1 min read
Sany helps Brazilian space launch
Sany helps Brazilian space launch 19 Jan 2023 - Alcântara, Brazil - 1 min read
Previously about:
Forklift training reminder Advertisement - 27 Aug 2015 - 2 min read
Hackling’s narrow option Advertisement - 30 Jul 2015 - 5 min read
Save cost – max out the cube! Advertisement - 16 Jul 2015 - 4 min read
Do you have materials handling news? Submit your news here

PREMIUM business

VETTER Forks, Inc.
The world's most comprehensive product range as well as the most intelligent sensor fork for more safety and efficiency.

Even the heaviest lifts must be easy to handle. That’s why N.C. Nielsen raises the bar in lifting capacity, maneuverability, operator comfort, flexibility and technical capabilities.
Heavy duty reach stackers – lifting capacity from 85 to 180 tons.
VIEW ALL OUR CUSTOM-BUILT HEAVY DUTY REACH STACKERS

Contact us now: +45 99 83 83 83 - www.nc-nielsen.com

Words of support …

The cooperation with Forkliftaction has been exceptional. It's always a pleasure to work with specialists who know the inside out of the industry

Ane Miren Elorza, Communications Specialist

Are you recruiting? Find your ideal candidate among a diverse range of materials handling professionals:

Forkliftaction's JOB MARKET

Even the heaviest lifts must be easy to handle. That’s why N.C. Nielsen raises the bar in lifting capacity, maneuverability, operator comfort, flexibility and technical capabilities.
Heavy duty reach stackers – lifting capacity from 85 to 180 tons.
VIEW ALL OUR CUSTOM-BUILT HEAVY DUTY REACH STACKERS

Contact us now: +45 99 83 83 83 - www.nc-nielsen.com

Inside The News
While innovation and new technology are evolving at what seems to be an ever-increasing pace, the need to capture the data (telemetry) from this tech, and the ability to utilise it (telematics) for efficiency and cost savings, is one area attracting more and more attention ... Continue reading

Are you recruiting? Find your ideal candidate among a diverse range of materials handling professionals:

Forkliftaction's JOB MARKET

Even the heaviest lifts must be easy to handle. That’s why N.C. Nielsen raises the bar in lifting capacity, maneuverability, operator comfort, flexibility and technical capabilities.
Heavy duty reach stackers – lifting capacity from 85 to 180 tons.
VIEW ALL OUR CUSTOM-BUILT HEAVY DUTY REACH STACKERS

Contact us now: +45 99 83 83 83 - www.nc-nielsen.com