Plant Equipment Feature Library

Operations Engineer's library catalogues editorial features going back five years.

Access to all archive material is free to all, including non-members of IPlantE (the Institution of Operations Engineers) or BES (Bureau of Engineer Surveyors), under the umbrella of SOE (Society of Operations Engineers). However, to discover the many benefits of becoming an SOE member, please click here.

03/06/2025 Innovation in the DNA

Combilift is one of the world’s leading forklift manufacturers. Justin Burns finds out what makes the Ireland-based company so successful and hears more about its latest technology » Read More

09/12/2024 Lifting standards and reducing costs

Improved forklift safety, lower running costs and reduced downtime are among the many benefits that lift truck operator training will bring to a business, explains Nick Faulkner, training manager of Toyota Material Handling UK » Read More

10/06/2024 Let automation bear the load

Autonomous forklifts are gaining interest due to their efficiency and ability to reduce labour costs, operator error and potential accidents » Read More

17/06/2021 Avoid forking out on costly repairs

Every forklift requires care from both a safety and operational perspective, but failing to make the right calls can prove expensive » Read More

12/12/2019 A lift for standards

With no legal standard in force to ensure forklift truck technicians have the essential skills, knowledge and competence to carry out their roles, to whom should employers turn? Enter F-TEC » Read More

03/06/2019 Heart of the workhorse

Forklift trucks that run on electricity are common throughout industry. So, what operational and maintenance-related advice and products are out there for users looking to get the most out of their batteries? » Read More

17/10/2018 Let’s talk tyres

Tyres on all modes of transport can become subject to wear and tear – even rider-operated forklift trucks. Adam Offord discovers what issues poor tyres can create and what operators and engineers need to be looking out for » Read More

28/10/2017 Creating a safe warehouse

Manufacturers are being hit with large fines and suffering reputational damage following entirely preventable forklift truck accidents. Training operators in the safe use of these ‘warehouse workhorses’ is paramount, as James Clark, ... » Read More

14/12/2013 Future fuels?

Materials handling is a sweet spot for hydrogen fuel cells, according to one expert. They've been introduced in the US, with proven benefits, so why haven't they taken off in the UK? Laura Cork reports » Read More

02/04/2013 Safe in their hands

Forklift truck safety technology continues to evolve and improve with every new model launch. Laura Cork asks the truck manufacturers, and others, to pick their stand-out safety development » Read More

01/08/2012 Fuels for thought

For years, there have been announcements about trials of forklift trucks powered by hydrogen fuel cells. Cleaner and greener, yes – but will they be seen in UK plants any time soon? Laura Cork finds out » Read More