Pall-Ex

Continuing a partnership that has stretched back over 10years, Pall-Ex has taken delivery of a new fleet of 40 CNG powered forklifts from Barloworld at its state of the art Leicestershire hub. The leading pallet distribution network is now operating its 3rd generation of Hyster fork trucks which work intensely day and night.

Barloworld's approach

Pall-ex operates a 48 bay facility close to the M1, near Leicester, where members of its pallet network deliver and collect full and part pallet loads for UK and international destinations. "Night-time is when most of the activity takes place to receive and re-distribute the 8,000 pallets processed daily at the 200,000sq ft hub. The new 40 strong fleet of Hyster H2.0FT Fortens Advance 2,000kg capacity trucks is powered using CNG in support of Pall-ex's environmental commitments. This has distinct advantages including reduced emissions, reduced running costs and unlike LPG, the CNG tanks remain on the truck and can be filled in less than 2 minutes minimising health and safety risks. In addition, there is no particulate residue left on customer pallets.

The continued stop, start operation places tremendous pressure on the trucks which would normally lead to excessive wear and tear costs. However, the Hyster Fortens' adjustable Auto-Deceleration System (ADS) slows the truck when the accelerator pedal is released which results in less brake pedal usage and the power reversal feature of the DuraMatch transmission allows even the most aggressive direction changes to be smooth, helping to increase tyre life by up to 50%. In addition, Barloworld has fitted Continental's CSEasy tyres which are proven to last 3 times longer than standard tyres with lower rolling resistance, giving greater fuel efficiency. To help support the management of the fleet, Barloworld has installed its new Fleet Management system. This has simplified the process of data capture and improved the accuracy of fleet management reports by accessing live data directly from the trucks.

Results

• CNG provides clean environment, low Co2 emissions and cost efficient operation
• Hyster ADS system reduces fatigue for drivers and reduces brake and tyre wear
• Continental CEEasy tyres have dramatically reduced cost of replacement tyres
• Barloworld fleet management system has improved decision making

• Resident engineer and service support keep the trucks running 24/7

"Barloworld continues to provide Pall-Ex with an exceptional service helping us to flex at peak times and maintain a 99.8% efficiency rate for our customers" Pall-Ex