kalmar.jpgKalmar Industries and STILL Materials Handling have become partners of the Force India Formula One Team. Both Kalmar and STILL have supplied one truck each – a Kalmar DCE120-6 and a STILL RX 70-22 – for use at Force India F1’s head quarters at Silverstone, Northamptonshire. 2008 marks the first full season for Force India F1 as the team only came into existence in October 2007 when Dr Vijay Mallya, together with the Mol family, established joint venture company, Orange India Holdings, to purchase the Spyker Formula One Team. Today, the team employs over 200 people.

“Generally, people don’t tend to appreciate the vast amount of work involved in developing these cars and prepping them for each race,” said Mark Gray, Test Team Chief Mechanic for Force India. “Each individual component is designed and built in-house by our own engineers and technicians, with each part tested rigorously to ensure absolute safety and precision. It’s really only the engine and the tyres, which are supplied by Ferrari and Bridgestone respectively, that we don’t make under this roof.”

The 2008 Formula 1 season will take place in various countries and continents across the world and Force India needed reliable materials handling equipment to ensure that the cars and components are packed up safely and speedily, ready for shipping.

The award winning environmental choice – STILL RX 70
“We use the STILL RX 70 counterbalance to load up the containers, before using the big Kalmar truck to move the containers themselves,” said Iain Marchant, Chief Test Team Truckie for Force India.

The STILL RX 70-22 2.2 tonnes diesel counterbalance forklift is not only one of the fastest, safest and most reliable trucks in its class, but it also uses less fuel and produces fewer emissions than any other diesel or LP gas forklift truck in the world – an accolade which won it the Fork Lift Truck Association’s 2008 Environmental Award!

Amazingly, whilst the STILL RX 70 uses less fuel than any other forklift truck, it is also one of the most powerful! This is thanks to STILL’s unique hybrid drive system which consists of an engine (running on diesel or LP gas) to drive a generator. Via an intelligent control unit, the generator is then used to drive the truck and operate the hydraulics. The advantage is clear: maximum fuel economy without any loss of power.

A total feeling of control – Kalmar DCE120-6
Once the containers are fully loaded and ready for shipping, the Kalmar DCE120-6 takes over. The DCE120-6 12 tonnes industrial lift truck offers unrivalled strength and power, but with a finesse and precision – essential when lifting highly sensitive loads such as Formula One racing car components – rarely seen on trucks in this class.

The DCE120-6 truck is fitted with Kalmar’s optional Optidrive system – a unique computer controlled system that offers extremely high precision driving and handling of the load. Operators can inch along at an even speed whilst lifting at full power. This is achieved by making the drive speed and hoist speeds totally independent of the applied engine revs and each other. The truck also features a step-less automatic gearbox allowing comfortable, efficient and safe driving with extremely gentle up and down gear changes.

The difference is clear to see
When using a truck of this size, clear all round visibility is essential for safe and efficient manoeuvring. The DCE120-6 has been designed with operator visibility in mind and this is clear to see from the moment you first sit in the cab. The cross-head in the mast is shaped to present a narrower profile yet maintain its strength, and the hydraulic cylinders, hoses and chains have all been optimised for the best possible visibility onto the load. To the rear, the bonnet and counterweight gently slope away from the operator’s cab providing class-leading visibility – even the air filter has been placed out of the way under the cab and the exhaust pipe has been positioned for minimum interference.

In essence, the Kalmar DCE120-6 has been built for fast, safe and efficient handling with a total feeling of control in a big lift truck.

“We are very pleased with the commitment from both Kalmar and STILL. Being fast and easy to use, the two trucks do exactly what we require of them. The STILL truck is nimble and easy to use in tight spaces, while the Kalmar truck’s visibility is astonishing on a truck this size. Working together, the two trucks really compliment each other and are helping aid the smooth running of our 2008 Formula One season,” Iain said.

STILL Materials Handling Ltd
Email: sales@still.co.uk
www.still.co.uk

Kalmar Limited
Email: ukinfo@kalmarind.com
www.kalmarind.co.uk

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