Dublin based third party logistics provider PRL Group Ltd has replaced a combination of counterbalance and reach trucks with two electric powered Aisle-Master articulated forklifts and as a result is benefiting from better use of available warehouse space and more versatile handling and storage procedures.
PRL Group operates out of three locations which together have over 28,000 pallet spaces, and the Aisle-Masters are used primarily to handle palletised boxes for one of PRL’s major clients, Jacobs Fruitfield Group, for whom it operates a nationwide storage and distribution service. Operations Director Brian O’Hara was advised to try out the Aisle-Masters by another satisfied customer, Raymond Galligan, Transport Manager at Magners, who operates a fleet of eight trucks. Brian cites the Aisle-Master’s versatility and manoeuvrability as deciding factors for the changeover from the old system: “The fact that they can do pretty much everything around the warehouse, including order picking, is very impressive. Their ability to work in narrow aisles and to get into almost any gap has also enabled us to install an additional row of double racking to create 700 more pallet spaces.”
The manufacturers of the Aisle-Master have recently introduced AC power as standard on all electric models, and PRL has been one of the first customers to benefit from the improvements that this technology offers. Better battery efficiency means that in spite of a double shift operation, one charge delivers more than enough power to cope. Drivers also appreciate the smoother operation due to immediate response to controls, making light work of the 7,500 pallet spaces that the trucks serve. Other advantages of the AC models include fewer wearable parts, low maintenance and improved energy consumption.
As well as better space utilisation in the warehouse, the Aisle-Masters have also contributed to improved health and safety procedures and are a hit with the drivers. “They all acclimatised very quickly to the articulated operation, and the fact that they can now see exactly where the forks are going without having to stretch out of the cab is much safer and more comfortable for them. In all, this system is brilliant and beneficial,” says Brian.
Aisle-Masters can work in aisles of just 1.75m, with capacities of up to 2.5 tonnes and lift heights of up to 12.5 metres, and LPG models are also available. The trucks are all designed and built at the company’s dedicated production facility in Monaghan, Ireland, ensuring a top quality product. Aisle-Master design engineers also offer a site visit and warehouse layout service and supply free layout proposals illustrating how to maximise the use of available storage space.
Aisle-Master Ltd
UK Tel: 07725 642 472
Email:info@aisle-master.com
www.aisle-master.com
Comments are closed.