UK premium fruit specialists Mansfields, has just completed a major investment in materials handling equipment with the acquisition of 15 new Hyster forklifts and six power pallet trucks (PPTs).

Mansfields says the investment - the value of which has not been disclosed - has been made as it works to strengthen its operational capabilities and enhance safety, efficiency and storage capacity.

The new forklift fleet has been specified around the requirements of Mansfields’ busy fruit operation. 

Of the 15 trucks, two have a 5.5m mast height and 13 have 4.6m mast heights, allowing the business to maximise vertical storage and make more effective use of its existing warehouse footprint.

Mansfields says the electric forklifts are powered by lithium-ion technology and capable of lifting loads of up to 2,000kg.

They have a tight turning radius which also provides greater manoeuvrability within busy pack-house and warehouse environments.

Mansfields adds safety has been a key consideration in selecting the new fleet, with technology and design features incorporated to provide greater protection for operators, colleagues and pedestrians.

This includes pedestrian awareness technology, capable of detecting pedestrians up to 5m away, across a 110-degree field of view, alerting the operator to their presence. Improved mirrors provide greater visibility and situational awareness when manoeuvring around the site.

The six new A2 ride-on pallet trucks can be converted into A1 multi-functional trucks, enabling teams to adapt the equipment to different tasks and working environments. 

Keypad access replaces conventional keys, improving security and removing the risk of keys being left in the trucks, while power steering makes handling and manoeuvring easier for operators. 

An automatic slow-down function provides additional support for safer operation, while protective arms that can be raised or lowered depending on how the truck is being, used have been incorporated with operator safety and protection in mind.

Geoff Buckenham, MHE officer at Mansfields, says: “We wanted a fleet that would give us the performance and flexibility we need, but safety was equally important”.

“From pedestrian awareness and improved visibility to automatic slow-down technology and greater manoeuvrability, the equipment has been selected with our people and working environment firmly in mind,” Buckenham continues.

“The new fleet also enables us to make better use of the space we already have. The different mast heights give us the ability to maximise our vertical storage capacity, while the flexibility of the power pallet trucks will support our teams across different areas of the operation.”