Forktrucks mark 38,000 hours challenging service 14 October 2011

Two Konecranes forklifts are still going strong after clocking up 38,000 operating hours with PD Logistics in one of the most demanding environments in the UK.

Where most frontline machines make 15—20,000 hours, these two 32-tonne forklifts, supplied by Cooper SH, have been handling heavy, long lengths of steel section in all weathers at Tata Steels Lackenby works on Teesside for twice that time.

"Strength and reliability were key for this operation," confirms Arthur Haigh, contract manager at PD Logistics. "We work 24 hours a day, seven days a week and need to meet tight deadlines."

"The rigorous conditions that the forktrucks work in meant we needed trucks that could adapt to these conditions and still remain operational throughout,"

Hence these Konecrane forklifts, which were tailored to meet PD Logistics requirements, and achieved their longevity, he says, due to their design specification and build strength.

"There remains no sign of the machines slowing up," comments Peter Astley, sales manager at Cooper SH. "They are still working as hard today, at well over 4,000 hours per year, as they were when they first arrived. This would be impressive anywhere, but especially here with the load lengths and the most severe conditions."

The trucks were built with load sensing hydraulics and a full box section chassis. PD Logistics' fleet of SMVs includes four 16-tonne and two 32-tonne machines.

Brian Tinham

Related Companies
Konecranes Machine Tool Services Ltd

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