WhoshouldIsee Tracks

Kalmar Big Trucks Boost Bilbao

Kalmar has agreed a deal to supply a leading cargo-handling operator at the Port of Bilbao, Spain with five heavy-duty forklift trucks.

The customer already operates a number of older Kalmar forklifts at Bilbao and appreciates their reliable performance. The five new units will primarily be used to handle steel mill products such as plates and coils.


Ignacio De Sebastian, Solution Sales Manager, Kalmar: “Steel handling is a particularly demanding application where safety and operational efficiency are paramount. It is in these areas where our heavy-duty solutions excel and will deliver exactly what the customer needs.”

Kalmar’s heavy-duty forklifts are trusted by customers around the world for their reliability, flexibility and precision in a wide variety of demanding terminal and heavy-industry applications.

They feature the EGO cabin for excellent visibility in all directions, easily accessible service points to make maintenance faster and easier, and a stable, versatile control system that offers a wide range of possibilities for customising the truck’s functions. The trucks supplied to the customer will have a lifting capacity of 33 tons.

For more information about Kalmar forklifts, please contact your local Windsor branch.

Doosan launches new electric B45X-7 Series

Doosan has launched a powerful new range of four-wheel electric counterbalance forklift trucks, the B45X-7 Series, offering greater durability, enhanced productivity, increased visibility and an extensive range of safety features as standard.

With four new models covering a capacity range from 4.0 – 5.0 tonne, businesses across a broad spectrum of industry – from manufacturing, wholesale distribution and food & drink to engineering, building supplies and transport & warehousing – will benefit from the improved capability, power and performance of Doosan’s latest mid-range electric trucks.

The versatility of electric power is now available in a durable and reliable vehicle, built for working long-shifts outdoors in wet or dusty conditions – making it a viable alternative to increasingly regulated IC Engine equivalents.

Contact your local Windsor branch for more details.

Windsor acquires Geolift Ltd

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Windsor acquires Geolift Ltd

Windsor Materials Handling is pleased to announce the business is expanding into the South coast area of the UK following the acquisition of Southampton-based material handling equipment supplier, Geolift. The move marks the opening of Windsor’s 13th branch across the UK.

The entire workforce at Geolift will be incorporated into Windsor, their knowledge and expertise will be utilised to grow the new Southampton branch of the business.

Aiming to be the leading supplier of handling equipment on England’s south coast, Geolift specialised in the hire and sale of new and reconditioned forklift trucks and sideloaders from popular brands Doosan, Boss, Combilift, Terex and Fantuzzi.

Managing director at Windsor Materials Handling, Stephen Burton, said: “In addition to the local presence we will gain from the Geolift team, we are confident of building up our existing customer-base across the South of England, as well as investing in the business in terms of both additional personnel and infrastructure.”

Beginning in Hull over 40 years ago, the Windsor network currently includes branches in Birmingham, Chelmsford, East Kilbride, Hull, Immingham, Nottingham, Peterborough, Sleaford, Slough, St Helens, Wakefield and Washington.

The business remains in the same family ownership today, with authorised dealerships for Doosan, Komatsu, Still, Unicarriers, Baumann and JLG. A safecontractor approved independent with significant business in access and operator training, Windsor is also the main sponsor of this year’s FLTA Safetember campaign.

Geolift MD, Craig George has over 37 years’ experience in the industry, founding Geolift in 2004. The business built up a strong local presence and an expertise in port applications and long load handling machines.

Stephen Burton continued: “As we looked at ways to support substantial new business we have gained in the South, we became aware of Geolift due to the experience it has gained in dealing with major customers; a crossover with suppliers and a strong reputation ‘on the ground’. We now look forward to continuing to provide high levels of customer service, a common trait between Windsor and Geolift that we hope will help us to prosper and grow as we move forward.”

Thanks to a local one-stop approach for finance, hire, sales, maintenance and scares, Windsor has proved able to provide a quick, reliable and personal service, and remains firmly committed to its family-run, local service ethos.

“Although we count major national fleet users amongst our customers,” adds Stephen, who says finding like-minded companies like Geolift has always been a focus of future growth.

“We are not a large corporate company, nor a small trader. We offer the professionalism, security and high standards of a large corporate but not the constraints or rigid structures that hamper the decision making process.”

“Our fleet management capabilities are enhanced by superb account management and the capability for customers to access fleet details remotely through a web-browser. We are also able to offer flexibility where other companies cannot and we hold dearly the ability to listen to our customers – that’s why we don’t operate 0800 numbers or from call centres.”

One of the leading independent materials handling suppliers in the UK, Windsor was founded on service in 1977. Since then the Windsor name has been synonymous with materials handling and access systems, providing a first-class range of forklift truck and access platform hire, sales and maintenance services.

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When Things Go Wrong

From Imran Khan to £700,000 fines – how the law has transformed the way we work at height & why cutting corners makes injuries inevitable.

Cages, or to give them their official name, non-integrated platforms, were often used with forklifts to allow workers to stand on the forklift and perform simple tasks. But after a spate of accidents and injury compensation claims, it was clear that they posed a considerable safety hazard, and the HSE released guidance prohibiting the use of forklift cages where more suitable equipment is available.

Now, purpose-built Mobile Elevating Working Platforms (MEWPs) make the cage a relic of the past. Businesses have warmed to the idea that forklift trucks are intended for lifting materials, not people, whilst MEWPs are obviously designed specifically for aerial access.

MEWP Safety

Access equipment, while considered far safer than cages due to their fully integrated controls, can still be dangerous. That became clear to a crowd in 2013, when Imran Khan, the former cricketer and one of Pakistan’s most popular politicians, was taken to hospital after falling around 15ft from a platform lift as it carried him on to a stage for an election rally.

Khan had to have stitches but escaped serious injury. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case in these types of accidents. In March 2017, a home appliance manufacturer was fined £700,000 after a self-employed contractor fell from a MEWP and later died from his injuries.

Two years prior, the contractor had been working at a height of nearly five metres installing fire detection equipment. At the same time, maintenance workers started an overhead conveyor unaware that the contractor was working nearby. The movement caused the MEWP to tip over and the 66-year-old man fell to the factory floor. He later died from his injuries.

A HSE investigation found there was no effective control or supervision in place to prevent the conflicting work tasks from being undertaken at the same time. It is simple miscommunication like this that can result in the tragic incident of a worker’s death, along with a crippling fine.

But you don’t need to have an accident to be fined. The HSE can investigate a business where it suspects workers are at risk of harm, without there having already been such an incident.

Prevention is Primary

An Essex construction company found this out to their cost, being fined for putting workers at risk after neglecting to check and maintain a potentially dangerous piece of lifting equipment. Basildon Magistrates’ Court heard that a forklift truck in heavy use went more than 12 months without any kind of thorough examination, despite it being a legal requirement to do so at least once a year.

The truck, used to move heavy steel fabrications, was kept in continuous use and showing obvious signs of disrepair. An investigation by the HSE found that when the truck was eventually examined, only six items out of 24 that formed the basis of the report were marked “satisfactory”. The remaining 18 items were classed as “repair needed”. Amazingly, defects included worn out tyres, flashing beacons and lamps not working and a loose counter-weight. Charges were made of breaches of the Lifting Operations & Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 and Provision & Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998. The result was a fine of £3,000 plus £3,238 in costs.

HSE inspector, Keith Waller, explained: “All machinery must be maintained regularly to ensure it is safe to work with and be near. It is not enough to rely on reactive maintenance and only fix things when they go wrong; companies should be looking for signs of wear and tear before any deterioration leads to an incident. HSE will not hesitate to prosecute when companies neglect their equipment and put workers and others at risk.”

Even without an accident then, forklift users should ensure their equipment is well maintained. That’s even more important for access platforms, where inspections should be carried out at least twice a year.

If you’re unsure about the safety of your forklift of aerial access equipment, please get in touch. We offer free no-obligation advice regarding LOLER and PUWER safety regulations to any business operating lifting or access equipment.

Damage Control

Some businesses believe their products are destined to be damaged during the materials handling process. Whether its paper, cardboard or even flat-pack furniture – delivering goods in anything less than pristine condition can increase the risk of disappointed customers.

“When we buy anything, we are much less likely to choose to buy a product in a box that appears damaged,” says Windsor Branch Manager, David Fletcher. “People associate a damaged box with a something that hasn’t been handled appropriately, and come to the conclusion that the product is more likely to be damaged too.”

The truth of the matter is, boxes can be very easily damaged by all sorts of factors in a warehouse environment, and it doesn’t mean the product is any less usable. “Overhanging loads inevitably come into contact with the forklift’s load guard, and as a result the cardboard box is damaged,” adds David. “In an ideal word, products should leave the distribution centre with no evidence of being handled by a forklift truck.”

That’s why many businesses have load protection installed on their materials handling equipment. Not only does it prevent the load from getting damaged, but machinery, operators and infrastructure are protected too.

Companies like IKEA and corrugated cardboard manufacturers use these shock absorbers to ensure their products come away from the warehouse unscathed. Ultimately, this reduces the amount of product that is wasted due to damage.

Load protectors come in many forms – foam or flexible fibre bristles protect the load while attached to MHE by magnetism or steel clamps. “There’s a shock absorber to suit ever kind of load protection need,” concludes David Fletcher. “A small investment in load protectors for the forklift trucks on site can yield a big return in reducing wastage due to product damage.”

The Five ‘Rights’ to Cutting MHE Costs

1. The Right Power
If you are currently using a particular fuel type, changing to an alternative could save you more than you think. Electric forklift trucks are much more environmentally friendly compared to diesel and LPG. As well as being fume free, they are also known for their quiet and manoeuvrable nature. While they are considerably cheaper to power, the forklift battery and charger can bring the initial cost higher than a diesel or LPG powered truck, but this hasn’t stopped many businesses reaping the benefits of electric trucks. They are best-placed in operations that have the time and space to allow for recharging the forklift batteries.

However, when it comes to which forklift truck is more cost efficient, it seems there are pros and cons to all. Which is best suited for your operation ultimately depends on the environment, the usage and any special requirements – contact your local branch for help in finding the right fuel for your fleet.

2. The Right Supply
It’s surprising, but true, that some manufacturers provide an ‘approximate’ supply of goods. For example, the brewing industry doesn’t sell its beer in pints, it sells them in barrels, which could contain more, or less, than the 22 gallons the landlord expects. Matches too come in boxes marked ‘contains between 90-100’ and there’s similar approximate measures in many bulk industries. When something says 90-100, you can be sure that it closer to 90 than 100. A set of weighing scales can provide valuable insight on suppliers of items like paper rolls. If they’re consistently light, as has been known to happen, users are able to re-negotiate their supply on the basis that ‘more or less’ usually means less.

3. The Right Size
It’s usually the case that the bigger the fleet, the bigger the potential saving. In our experience fleet utilisation can often be around 20-30%. That means you’re paying 70% too much! Adding fleet utilisation systems to your fleet allows you to put hard facts in the place of guess work and anecdotal evidence. It may seem obvious, but if you’re lifting heavy stuff, you need bigger, larger capacity trucks to do the job. Conversely, you don’t want a truck that’s too big if you’re not lifting very much. Not having to buy a more expensive, larger capacity truck saves money if you’re not lifting large loads. Let your local Windsor branch know if you think you’ve previously over-invested.

4. The Right Staff
Training may substantially lower operating costs. Although it is a legal requirement for operators to be trained on equipment, making sure they are trained to higher standards can also cut costs. Well trained drivers know the ins and outs of their vehicles and are more aware of obstacles around the site. This tends to mean that they cause fewer accidents because they are more aware and more informed with how to use their vehicle. Studies show that this means that they are in less accidents. If they are indeed having fewer, there are lower costs for the repair of equipment and fewer costs relating to damaged building infrastructure and accidental equipment damage. Ask Windsor about their dual-accredited operator training centre.

5. The Right Parts
Save on every part by shopping around. Knowing which suppliers to choose to supply the right parts is vital when cutting your costs. It may be one supplier can get the parts you need for a much cheaper price than your current supplier as they may have more access to the parts at a cheaper agreed price. Windsor can supply parts for almost all makes and models of forklift trucks, access platforms and warehouse equipment carrying over 90% of line items in stock. Their branches have daily replenishments of stock and their parts prices are highly competitive. Furthermore, if Windsor does not have the part in stock, they can obtain them from their established supply agreements, which mean they can be available within 24 hours.

Winter offers

Get ready for the British weather, and pick up a great deal with Windsor

Galvanised Snow Plow

Our fork-mounted snow plough attachments have proved invaluable in recent years. Fully galvanised for increased durability, they are available in three blade widths up to 1800mm.

 

Towable Mini Gritter

To complement our snow plough attachments, our Mini Gritter hooks onto the towing eye of a counterbalance forklift. The majority of parts are rust resistant – either galvanised or stainless steel.

Fork Mounted Hydraulic Gritter

This Hydraulic Gritter has conveniently placed fork pockets which allow the attachment to be raised in a safe and effective manner. Spreading is operated via the third lever or side shift.

For more information on how you can be prepared for adverse weather conditions this winter, contact your nearest Windsor Materials Handling branch.

Keep on trucking

 

Keep on trucking

For service engineer Brian Lockwood at Windsor Wakefield, maintaining working vehicles isn’t just a job – it’s a way of life.

Repairing forklifts by day, you would think that Windsor service engineers would spend their free time with their feet up – but not Brian. As the proud owner of a 1951 Bedford O Type 5 tonne lorry, Brian spends more time repairing than the average vehicle mechanic.

“The truck is 66 years old, so naturally it breaks down a lot and I do all the repairs myself,” said Brian. “I spend more time under the hood than I do driving it!”

Albert Jackson 1951 and Brian Lockwood 2017

Having bought the truck almost two years ago, Brian managed to get in contact with the family that originally owned the truck, who shared with him a photo taken of the truck with its first driver, Albert Jackson.

“For me, it’s not just about driving and maintaining it, it’s about the history behind it,” explains Brian. “Its first owner was a Boston timber supplier called J. S. Towell, who had the truck from 1951 to 1967, when it was sold to Geo Barnstone in Donington, Lincolnshire.”

In 1990, the truck was sold onto Drummond Mill in Bradford where it stayed unused for two years before being sold to Ken Longthorn in North Yorkshire. Longthorn took the vehicle to rallies on the back of a larger truck and was subsequently never driven.

A photo of the range of trucks at J.S Towell

“I got my hands on it in 2016, and got it back up and running,” Brian continued. “In 1951, the maximum speed was 30mph, and today it reaches 40mph. It didn’t have brake lights or indicators when I bought it, so after realising very few people understand hand signals, I fitted them for road safety!”

Taking the truck to most rallies in Yorkshire, Brian owns up to being an occasional cause of traffic delays on the county’s A roads. “The furthest we’ve taken it is Peterborough. We broke down six times and it took five and a half hours, so we stick to Yorkshire mostly. But we are booked in for the Great Dorset Steam Fair next year – so I better roll my sleeves up!”

This year, Brian took the truck on the Trans Pennine Run – the north equivalent of the London to Brighton Commercial Vehicle Run, taking place from Manchester to Harrogate. It went on to win second place in the working vehicle category at Harewood House Steam Rally.

“The last outing for 2017 is Whitwood Truck Stop in Wakefield, then I’m taking it off the road to do restoration on the back axle and inside cab this winter,” Brian said. “The truck tows a caravan to most steam rallies, so it needs to be in the best condition possible before we get it on the road again next year!”

Brian’s dedication to his truck is a great example of why businesses continue to choose Windsor service contracts.

“I’ve been a mechanic all my life, but I still find that my hobby helps me in my job and vice versa,” he says. “It’s about being committed to the job at hand, and seeing it all the way through to the end.”

At Windsor, we pride ourselves on having the most highly skilled and well experienced staff in both technical support and sales. Our engineers are manufacturer trained and have developed a deep understanding of all manner of lifting and materials handling equipment. …and in Brian’s case – historic commercial vehicles too.

 

 

 

 

10th year way up high

Believe it or not, we’ve been delivering materials handling solutions for over 40 years,  and this year we’re also celebrating our tenth year way up high!

 

 

How it all began: The JLG Story

John Landis Grove formed a partnership with two close friends and bought a small metal fabrication business in McConnellsburg, Pennsylvania. With a crew of 20 work-ers, they built and sold the first JLG aerial work platform in 1970. Many of the basic design elements of that orig-inal lift are still being incorporated into products today.

A legal imperative

Grove actually founded JLG Industries after his retirement (from his first business, Grove Industries). In 1979, the company opened a facility to produce and assemble scissor lifts. In less than 3 decades, the equipment went from R&D to a legal necessity, playing a vital part of the Work At Height Act 2005.

 

 

 

 

 

Reaching new heights

JLG became in 2006 part of Oshkosh Corporation. The first scissor lifts had a platform mounted on a scissor-like mechanism and could extend up to 30 feet. By 2016, JLG had launched the 150-ft platform height 1500AJP, its tallest and farthest-reaching articulating boom lift ever.

Access Anniversary

“Like much of our business, it started with customer requirements,” says Windsor MD, Jonathan Burton. Celebrating 10 years of sup-plying access equipment, thoughts have naturally turned to how things have changed, and how quickly the time has gone. “As we looked into it, we saw that we were able offer a great service and add a string to our bow. Now we have customers that know us primarily for access,” adds Jonathan. With the hire fleet also increasing year-on-year, the number of access customers is also at a high. “We’ve had great success. After a decade, we’re still innovating with hire terms, rates and ways of doing business. It’s the Windsor way!”

 

Taking you higher…

Introducing a new pair of high level order pickers from Unicarriers

With the EPM 100 and the EPH 125, UniCarriers is launching two more models from its completely revised picking range into the market.

These new machines complete the order picker family, including a new EPL 100 introduced in January 2016.

With solutions for low, medium and extra high pick heights, productivity in today’s fast order and overnight delivery sectors can remain high.

Thanks also to their ergonomic driver cabs and advanced safety systems, the order pickers present an ideal workstation for efficient picking processes.

Equipped with 48-volt, high-performance motors and pick heights up to 12,100 mm, the EPH is the perfect solution for intensive operations.

 

This truck can operate with loads up to 1,250 kg and achieves a top speed of 12 km/h. Designed for picking heights up to 9,850 mm, the 24V EPM can reach a maximum speed of 11 km/h while carrying a load of 1,000 kg.

These new order pickers feature a stable, completely re-designed chassis. The modern cab design includes controls that can be adjusted to the height and position of each driver’s individual requirements.

The EPM and EPH are optionally available with operating controls on both the mast and fork sides to ensure maximum productivity and ergonomic design.

For safety reasons, the order pickers may only move if there is a driver in the cab – all models are fitted with a full floor covering sensor on the driver’s cab platform. There’s also no need to activate a hand or foot pedal to start the vehicle.

By being free to stand comfortably, operators are not restricted to a position dictated by having to depress a deadman button. At higher stack levels, the user is protected by the side guard gates, which must be closed from a height of 1.2 metres. If not, the machine will not function.

Featured as standard, the built-in on-board computer provides rapid access to all vehicle settings and manages the authorised drivers’ login details and user profiles.

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