Aisle-Master launches AC Truck
May 1st 2008

The Aisle-Master articulated forklift is one of the most versatile and cost effective pieces of equipment introduced in the materials handling, logistics and warehousing sectors for many years

The range is designed and fully manufactured in Co. Monaghan, Ireland, with customers around the world in locations as diverse as Alaska and Australia. The 3PL, food, pharmaceutical, beverage, DIY and manufacturing industries are just some of the sectors which have adopted the time- and space saving Aisle- Master system.

The company used this year's CeMat exhibition in Hannover to launch its new AC powered truck onto the international market. Aisle-Master pioneered the use of LPG in articulated forklifts, and this latest development puts the company firmly at the forefront of battery powered technology in the articulated sector. "This technology has been trialed on a number of models over the last couple of years," says company MD Gerry McHugh; "and trucks have also undergone rigorous testing at customers' premises, with very positive feedback. We are way past the prototype stage and are now fitting AC as standard on all our electric models." The AC truck naturally shares all the versatile qualities of its predecessor and the company's LPG model, with some of the main benefits of AC summed up as follows: Enhanced performance levels Increased pallet movements for greater productivity Improved acceleration and gradability Fewer wearable parts resulting in low maintenance and reduced downtime Reduced energy consumption

Replaces reach and counterbalance trucks

The space-saving capabilities of the Aisle- Masters can be of particular benefit in financially leaner times, as by replacing reach and counterbalance forklifts with the articulated Aisle-Master, working aisle-widths can be reduced and storage capacity can be vastly increased – in fact up to 50% extra pallet density can be achieved. This eliminates the need for relocation or renting extra storage space. The range is specifically designed to work both inside and out, and incorporates features such as cushioned tyres for operation on unpaved yards. This cuts out double handling and speeds up "truck to rack" transportation. This versatility also cuts down on fleet numbers, reducing maintenance and associated costs."

Safety, comfort, reliability All the fundamental aspects of the truck's design guarantee the highest level of operator safety and comfort, from the 4- post overhead guard for maximum driver protection, the ergonomics of the controls, down to the high quality seating. Reliability and ease of maintenance were high on the list when the trucks were designed, and their excellent track record of reliable operation is testimony to the quality engineering that goes into each Aisle- Master.

Benefiting from Aisle-Master fleets Tetrosyl, the leading supplier of car care brands such as CarPlan, T-Cut, and Triplewax is reaping the benefits of operating a fleet of Aisle-Masters. When planning a move to a new warehouse, the management wanted to start afresh with a new, efficient and space saving system that would provide excellent storage density for 18,000 pallets. A further requirement was versatile around the clock, indoor and outdoor operation. Tetrosyl has 8 electric Aisle-Masters working an intensive 24/7 operation, handling over 7000 pallets a week to process over 1700 deliveries. The racking in the new warehouse has been configured around the capabilities of the trucks, and a good 30% extra storage space has been achieved.

Free Warehouse Design Service Aisle-Master's Monaghan facility also offers a complete warehouse planning service, free of charge.

Customers can either supply a layout of their premises, or Aisle- Master personnel will visit to undertake a site survey. On the basis of this they will supply layout diagrams and storage density calculations. Stephen Gamble, MD of Antrim based Steve's Cakes took advantage of this service for his 20,000ft2 manufacturing and distribution facility. "This free service was an eye opener," he says.

"By taking advice from Aisle-Master and racking out the warehouse according to the truck's capabilities, we have 40% more storage space in the same area. This will allow us to increase production without having to worry about buying extra space or relocating. The extra pallet positions have also allowed us to do away with external storage and keep everything undercover." Steve's Cakes' electric Aisle-Master is fitted with non-marking tyres to ensure a clean operation in the warehouse.

New website The Aisle-Master website has recently been redesigned, and gets straight to the point, as Gerry explains: "Within a few seconds of visiting our website, viewers can be watching the company video, without any time consuming form filling or provision of personal details. We wanted to make it as straightforward as possible for potential customers to see the advantages of our range."

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