 An RM 6000 narrow-aisle reach truck in action |
Peerless Pump Co, an Indianapolis-based manufacturer of centrifugal pumps and systems for liquid applications, found a way to deal with a visibility issue.
Peerless moves large parts and heavy loads in a busy environment with various movements and activities, says George Pickett, manufacturing manager. Diesel engines and large column pipes can weigh as much as 1,500 lb. (675 kg).
Providing optimum visibility is critical for efficient and safe operations, Pickett notes.
Peerless designs, manufactures and services large, built- and engineered-to-order centrifugal pumps generally for municipal, agricultural, industrial or fire protection applications.
Peerless was recognising limitations on operator load-handling visibility, particularly at the second rack level when the reach mechanism was at eye level.
Too often, the mast and reach mechanism obstructed the view to the rack and load, says Scott Patterson, general manager of horizontal pump business.
Recently, Peerless reconfigured its business, resulting in a number of changes in its 300,000 sqft. (27,000 sqm) Indianapolis facility. The company took a close look at its forklift fleet to see about possible improvements.
During the evaluation phase, Peerless managers visited the New Bremen, Ohio headquarters of Crown Equipment Corp in 2010 and became aware of the RM 6000 narrow-aisle reach truck that Crown was preparing for commercial market entry in early 2011. Peerless operates several of the new Crown model.
The unit has a MonoLift-brand mast and can reach 505 in. (12.6 m) in height. A large window at eye level gives an operator an improved view of fork tips and load.
A notch in the upper right-hand corner of the modified load backrest enables an operator to scan at ground level while in position on the forklift. Now, operators who are accustomed to standing have the option to sit down, Pickett says.
Peerless Pump is a business of Grundfos Holding A/S of Bjerringbro, Denmark, a subsidiary of Grundfos Holding AG of Zug, Switzerland.