Northern's Konecranes empty container handler in action

Impact Handling has delivered its first Konecranes empty container handler to Leeds-based freight services specialist Northern Containers, supplying the new truck within 10 days of the specification being confirmed.

The new truck will be used by the company to unload empty containers from delivery vehicles before stacking them up to six containers high. It will also load departing trailers when a shipper requests a container for exporting cargo, as well as to transport containers to and from the workshop when repairs are needed.

The Konecranes unit joins a fleet of four existing container handlers at the site which sees up to 200 gate moves each day.

Patrick Coghlan, managing director at Northern Containers, says: "We needed a new machine on the fleet as soon as possible and, once we'd finalised the specification, Impact Handling expedited our order and was able to deliver it to us in just 10 days.

"We've had previous experience with Konecranes, back in the days when it used to be called SMV, and the quality and reliability of the machines really impressed us. With our fleet in constant use, maximising uptime is a top priority. This new truck sets the benchmark for build quality, and we have full confidence in Impact Handling's team to deliver first class technical support over a long life in service."

Konecranes' empty container handlers are built onto a rigid, box-section chassis, and are optimised to deliver maximum efficiency, with load-sensing hydraulics adapting the lifting power to the weight of the load. This helps to ensure that maximum power is only delivered when really needed, minimising fuel consumption, reducing emissions and limiting external noise.

Nigel Richardson, divisional sales manager, Impact Handling, says: "Having access to a stock of ready-built Konecranes lift trucks means we can cut delivery times for certain key models. We've also got the engineering ability in-house to tailor machines to the customer's precise needs; in the case of Northern Containers, we added an auto lube system and a number of ancillary features to ensure the customer received the perfect machine."

With more than 25 years' experience in the industry, Northern Containers acts as a depot for principal container shipping lines and leasing companies as well as offering a range of shipping and storage containers for hire or sale.

Established in 1985, Impact Handling is wholly owned by Eqstra Holdings and is one of the UK's largest independent materials handling companies. It operates from 11 locations and has more than 250 employees, including in excess of 150 service engineers.