Handling The Pressure

A number of innovations are sweeping the materials handling industry, with electric forklifts bringing promises of zero emissions, while new technologies could increase safety and productivity.

- Steve Banner

Having a forklift break down when pallets laden with goods urgently need loading or off- loading can cause all sorts of chaos. That is why hauliers who fail to look after their materials handling equipment do so at their peril.

That is certainly the view taken by Impact, the UK’s sole distributor of Cat lift trucks.

Last year it launched a fixed-price service and maintenance package available to all Cat customers who own their machines outright, allowing them to spread the cost by making fixed monthly payments. It includes OEM parts, labour, lubricants and consumables, and the work is carried out by factory-trained field service engineers.

All operations differ in various ways, so before the programme is implemented, Impact surveys the haulage company’s activities to work out what its service and maintenance requirements are likely to be. As a consequence, it can put together a package tailored to meet the firm’s individual needs.

“Regularly-serviced forklifts perform better, last longer and ultimately offer a better return on investment,” points out an Impact executive.

“A positive approach to forklift maintenance helps to spot any potential issues before they result in a breakdown,” he continues. “Furthermore, any work can be scheduled outside peak operating times, minimising disruption to the business.

“Having a service plan in place is also beneficial for financial budgeting,” he adds. “It allows fleet managers to know in advance exactly how much their trucks are going to cost them month-on-month.”

What about machines that are leased? Impact can supply them subject to contract hire packages that include maintenance.