New Products and Services
By Staff -- Logistics Management, 9/1/2000
Schaeff's Echo 3500 Emphasizes Safe Operation
Schaeff Inc. has introduced a new stand-up, counterbalanced forklift truck called the ECHO (Electric, Counterbalance, High-Output) 3500. This vehicle, the newest model in the ECHO series, can lift up to 3,500 pounds and reach up to 205.8 inches, making it suitable for a variety of applications.
The ECHO 3500 features the Brake/Lift & Reverse/Lift Interlock, decreasing the probability of accidents. These programmable settings prevent operation of the lift functions when the brake pedal is released or when the truck is traveling in reverse.
Brake/Lift Interlock reminds the operator to be in the operator compartment with the brake on before lifting can begin. Reverse/Lift Interlock reminds the operator not to lift while moving in reverse. In addition, the "Battery State of Charge Indicator" disables the lift system when the battery energy is low. The feature can be set for 10, 20, or 30 percent.
Maneuverability is enhanced by the unit's independent dual drive and the MOSFET controlled traction system, which enables the forklift to move in and out of tight spaces and through varying floor conditions. Additional features include a high-visibility mast and overhead guard, low step height, and user-friendly controls. The model has a one-year unlimited warranty.
Caterpillar Trucks Designed for Comfort
Caterpillar Lift Trucks introduces a new series of 3,000- to 7,000-pound capacity gas, LP gas, and diesel pneumatic-tire lift trucks, models GP15K-35K (gas/LP gas) and DP20K-35K (diesel).
Designed for comfort, these trucks feature a spacious operator's compartment for increased driver mobility and provide a seat with a specially contoured design for the operator who must shift and reposition the body repeatedly. The back cushion provides support, and the restraint system is flexible for added comfort. A gas-assist steering system provides smooth positioning of the wheel over five inches of movement.
The engines offer quiet performance and low vibration to reduce operator fatigue. All models feature extended engine performance, and the unitized frame and body provide durability. A fold-down seat and latch button ensure easy access to the engine for service.
Crown SC 400 Series Truck Offers Good Visibility
Crown Equipment Corp. introduces the SC 4000 Series forklift, a compact three-wheel lift truck aimed at improving visibility and operator comfort. The increased visibility begins with the "operator-forward" design, positioning the operator close to the mast for a clear view of the forks. It continues with a narrow steering column and low cowl to keep the line of vision clear. The SC 4000 also provides for greater visibility through the carriage and around the rails. When the load is elevated, the operator sees more through the mast area and through Crown's patented overhead guard with its angled, waterfall design.
Design features such as a lower step height and an infinitely adjusting tilt steering wheel enhance maneuverability. The seat deck is contoured and rounded to assist the operator in moving on and off the deck in one fluid motion. The SC 4000 model offers greater clearance for knees, legs, and head than comparable models because the front pillar of the overhead guard has been moved forward.
The company has worked to achieve a smooth and comfortable ride through the use of large cushion rubber tires and advanced steering technology. The truck's rack and pinion steering and fully proportional steering control deliver ease in handling, especially during turns. With faster travel and lift/lower speeds, the SC 4000 is optimal for different environments such as trailers, busy docks, and narrow aisles. It has a lifting height of up to 241 inches and a 4,000-pound capacity.
Toyota Cushion-Tire Truck Designed for Stability
Toyota Industrial Equipment announces the addition of a 3,000- to 4,000-pound cushion-tire forklift to its line of internal-combustion 7-Series units. The vehicle offers recent advancements in safety, performance, and operator comfort.
The newest 7-Series forklift provides operators with an added measure of safety with Toyota's patented System of Active Stability (SAS). SAS actively monitors and controls the movements of a lift truck to help prevent the vehicle from tipping. The built-in system also helps reduce the chance of injury and product damage from loads falling off forks that have been tilted too far forward or backward.
Powered by Toyota's 2.2-liter 4-Y gasoline/LPG engine, the truck provides responsive acceleration and performance. In addition, the automatic power-shift transmission allows for smooth transitions between forward and reverse. To reduce vibration and engine noise, both the engine and transmission are mounted to the chassis using a full floating mount design.
The 7-Series models offer a "wide-view" mast for increased visibility through the mast and around the truck. They also feature a strategically configured console for "eyes-forward" viewing and cowl-mounted controls with SAS automatic fork leveling and a double-action parking brake.
Atlet Four-Way Reach Truck Operates in Narrow Aisles
The Atlet Four-Way Reach Truck is a heavy-duty materials-handling forklift truck that can travel in any direction with absolute precision, according to the manufacturer. The Four-Way was designed to carry all types of pallets and long loads of materials sideways or down narrow aisles. Capacities range from 4,400 to 5,500 pounds.
The truck includes fingertip hydraulic lift controls, giving the operator good load maneuverability. The Four-Way also has an ergonomically designed operator's compartment to accommodate a driver of any size. In the cabin, the truck's computer monitors several electrical and hydraulic functions such as: battery status, lifting and travel time, fault diagnosis, and oil and temperature. The truck has new tilt steering wheel and pedal controls for acceleration and braking. The adjustable side seating and clear view mast ensure safer load positioning.
With the Atlet Four-Way reach truck, aisles can be cut to 8 to 10 feet, whatever the length of the load. For ease of maintenance, the truck features a one-bolt design to eliminate the need for extensive dismantling.
Drexel Lift Truck Can Operate in 54-Inch Aisles
Drexel Industries has released the SwingMast Model SLT-35-HLC, a new 48-volt Very Narrow Aisle (VNA) lift truck with load capacities ranging from 3,500 pounds at 17 feet to 2,500 pounds at 27 feet. This new model comes from the line of SLT trucks, which can operate efficiently in aisles as narrow as 54 inches.
Very-narrow aisle operation is enhanced by a mast that swings 90 degrees to the right with a side-shift capability of 28 inches, allowing for more precise control of load placement.
A 48-volt power system, coupled with the GE SX controls, provides smooth delivery of power to the drive wheel and the fastest transport speeds and lift cycles of any VNA truck in the field, the manufacturer says. The GE SX control unit employs one module for the transport motor and another for the hydraulic pump motor. Each is fully programmable by the dealer to fit customer applications. This "plug'n play" feature permits quicker servicing and cuts downtimes if service is necessary.
Standard features include three-wheel configuration, three-stage mast, and full mast tilt of 3 degrees forward and 4 degrees to the rear. Tilt is also available at all times, allowing the operator to compensate for uneven floors.
Daewoo Trucks Designed for Easy Steering
The Daewoo BC25S Series features 4,000- to 6,000-pound capacity cushion-tire electric lift trucks. Models in the series-Daewoo's BC20S, BC25S, BC25SE, and BC30S vehicles-are designed ergonomically to reduce operator fatigue and improve materials-handling productivity. For example, hydraulic control levers are located at the armrest position to reduce strain, even during extended hours of operation. The high-visibility overhead guard, mast, and carriage provide upward visibility during loading and unloading. A standard, fully adjustable cloth seat and expanded legroom in the operator compartment provide improved comfort. A wide-open footstep makes entry and exit easy.
The BC25S Series trucks feature a fully hydrostatic steering system with a tapered roller-bearing steer axle. This low-effort steering system gives the operator smooth, fast steering response and helps reduce fatigue. A single, variable speed, low-noise hydraulic pump provides power steering and lifting functions. For faster lift speeds, the BC25S Series' hydraulic load-sensing system increases the flow rate to the mast when the steering system is not being operated. The hydraulic system uses O-ring face seal fittings for leak-free operation.
BC25S Series lift trucks are available with Daewoo's exclusive Oil-cooled Disc Brake system (ODB) as an option. The oil-cooled disc brakes, located in the drive axle, are completely sealed to protect the friction material and separator plates from water, abrasives, and corrosives contamination, as well as moisture buildup when freezer trucks enter warmer areas. The multiple friction discs that provide stopping power for the system are continually bathed in oil, minimizing the chance of overheating the brakes.
Loading Dock Emphasizes Safety Features
Blue Giant introduces an economical loading dock with the ML-10 Truck Restraint, which allows the loading dock attendant to control safety and productivity with a single detachable control rod. The unique "gate" swings up, confining the vehicle's ICC bar within the restraining area. Blue Giant's patented design services trucks with ICC bars from 11 to 29 inches above the ground and offers an extremely tight restraining range of 0 to 8 inches beyond the dock bumper.
With a restraining power of up to 32,000 pounds, the system includes corrosion protection with liberal zinc plating and stainless steel pivot point hardware. Additional features include a Communications Control package combining signal lights and controls to advise both the truck driver and dock attendant of safe/unsafe, park/depart conditions. Dual driver warning signs are included.
Lantech Conveyor Systems Keep Items Moving
Lantech's conveyor systems are designed to provide a seamless transition from a variety of materials-handling processes, including palletizing, sorting, packaging, and labeling, through the stretch-wrapping system and on to the next materials-handling stage. Lantech conveyors are available in powered or gravity control, standard or heavy-duty models. All parts and components are backed with the "Built Tough" three-year warranty.
Lantech conveyors are guaranteed to handle whatever amount of weight they are rated for. Large diameter drive sprockets provide greater contact with drive chain for minimal wear and longer life of the chain and sprocket. Lantech conveyor systems can be configured to handle several applications. The conveyor systems are designed for maximum compatibility with all Lantech systems including the Q-Series, Turntable and S-Series, and Straddle Stretch Wrapping Systems.
Videos Address Fine Points of Supply Chain Strategy
Modern Business Solutions has developed a three-part instructional video series, "Profiting From Supply Chain Strategies." These tapes educate manufacturers and distributors about the finer details of demand management. The videotape series covers the principles of forecasting, distribution planning, vendor-managed inventory, and sales and operations planning as well as the theories behind demand management. The educational videos are free upon request.
The video series includes three programs. The first, "Defining Demand to Satisfy Customer Requirements," covers forecasting and sales personnel's role in managing demand. "Getting the Right Products to the Right Place at the Right Time" investigates time-phased planning to balance supply and demand and discusses the advantages of distribution requirements planning and vendor-managed inventory. Finally, "Controlling the Business to Increase Profits" takes the viewer through the executive level sales and operating planning process.
"Shocklog" Monitors Conditions During Shipment
Shockwatch's "Shocklog" is an advanced tool designed to help shippers find out what happened to their valuable shipments between shipping point and destination. The new model can record a 500-day history of damaging shocks and changes in temperature, humidity, and atmospheric pressure.
The instrument is designed for large, delicate/high-value "container class" shipments as well as aerospace and communications equipment, nuclear and fossil fuel industry equipment, and the like. Shocklog is a battery-operated, electric accelerometer with optional sensors. Its features include three built-in accelerometers, a built-in temperature sensor, and date and time stamping capabilities.
The Shocklog includes free software that allows the operator to configure the instrument and extract, examine, and interpret the recorded data.
Flexible Netting Helps Organize Loads
Tipper Tie-Net recently developed a Load Divider netting that can be used for separating loads in a mixed or LTL container with multiple drop-offs. A knitted product, made from high-density polyethylene plastic, the netting measures 10 feet wide and comes in rolls 375 feet long.
The netting, which is available in a variety of vivid colors and can be reused several times, is soft and pliable, allowing it to conform to the shape of the load. It is wider than the width of the trailer and can be cut to whatever length is needed to separate each load. After unloading, the driver can roll up the net to be taken back to the terminal and used again, but the price per piece is such that it can be recycled as well.
Samples for testing are available.
Excalibur IBC Built to Last
Snyder Industries introduces Excalibur, an intermediate bulk container (IBC) featuring high useful life-to-cost ratios. Excalibur is made of 100 percent polyethylene, which eliminates corrosion and associated maintenance costs. Its one-half-inch wall construction provides resistance to impact and environmental stress cracking. Excalibur has passed the United Nations and Department of Transportation test standards, certifying its use for containment and transportation of Group II chemicals.
The lighter-weight design of Excalibur results in reduced tare weight and cuts freight costs. In addition, the unit is stackable two high in a standard trailer, maximizing vehicle utilization.
Cantilever Racks Can Take Long, Heavy Loads
SpaceRak's Cant I Beam line of structural cantilever rack systems is offered in a wide range of sizes and capacities for medium- and heavy-duty service. The racks provide easy access for storing or retrieving heavy, long loads such as pipe, bars, poles, and lumber. They are designed from structural steel components, with I-beam load support arms fastened to the columns by four bolts. Arms can be adjusted vertically on 4-inch centers and are available in various angles of incline for load retention. Base members are also I-beam sections, with one base member required for single-side racks and two base members for double-sided storage. Arm load capacities range up to 14,000 pounds; column load capacities to 109,000 pounds.
Electric Hand Pallet Truck Useful in Confined Spaces
Multiton has introduced the EME 30 hand pallet truck to help workers move heavy loads. This electric hand pallet truck is a product that closes the gap between the manual and the more powerful electric walkie trucks. The dimensions are similar to those of a manual hand pallet truck (head length of 15 inches) and all functions are electrical.
The EME is designed to be maneuvered safely and efficiently in confined spaces with the handle in the upright position. Its lifting height is 3.74 inches with a maximum capacity of 3,000 pounds.
Air-Bag Tilt Tables Let Users Reach Parts Easily
Econo Lift introduces the Air-Bag Tilt Tables, which allow workers who pick parts from containers to position those containers at any angle from 0 to 40 degrees. This means that as the size of the load diminishes, the table can be tilted farther forward to reduce the incidence of strain or back injury that might be caused by reaching into a container standing on the floor. The reverse is true, allowing containers to be positioned at an angle as parts are placed in them, gradually tilting backward.
The Tilt Tables come in standard capacities of 1,000 to 6,000 pounds, which means they can handle almost all container-loads of parts.
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