Introducing the innovative Konecranes electric tyre handler. This new machine, recently purchased by Fortescue, is Australia’s first electric tyre handler, and potentially a world first.

Designed to meet the demanding needs of the mining industry, this purpose built 17-tonne E-VER electric forklift, featuring a tyre handling attachment with 8.5 tonne lift capacity, ensures the safe, precise, and efficient handling of 8,500kg tyres.

Safety & Innovation

Developed by United through direct collaboration with our mining customers, contractors and suppliers, the tyre handler has continued to evolve. This has led to the integration of many critical safety systems, which have been field tested, making this one of the safest tyre handlers in the industry.

A new wireless clamp pressure monitor displays real-time hydraulic pressure of the clamp to the receiver, which is displayed on a digital pressure gauge in the cabin. This provides the operator with the exact pressure of the clamp that they can reference to the correct pressure required, ensuring precise tyre handling and prevents over or under clamping.

A light sequence safety system provides clear visual signals to ground personnel. Red and green indicators show when it is safe to approach the tyre fitting area, minimising risk.

The Blaxtair pedestrian detection system further enhances safety through cutting-edge 3D stereo cameras that utilise AI to distinguish, in real-time, a person from an obstacle or object in the work environment. It utilises thermal imaging sensors to identify pedestrians in low light conditions, even multiple people simultaneously from surrounding site objects that approach from opposite directions. Once detected, the operator is immediately alerted who has enough time to avoid a potential collision.

Magnetic wireless cameras optimise operator visibility during tyre handling operations. Heavy-duty magnets allow cameras to be attached anywhere on the machine. The feed is then displayed on a cabin screen to give operators adaptable viewing angles for precise control and safer handling.

Sustainable Lifting

Traditionally tyre handlers have always run internal combustion diesel engines. However, as our customer needs change, and the world explores more sustainable and eco-efficient alternatives, United have always been ready to meet these industry demands.

Fortescue’s push toward net zero through a robust decarbonisation plan has led to the progressive replacement of their mining fleet with battery electric machines.

The Company aims for Real Zero, which means no fossil fuels and no offsets.

Their target to achieve Real Zero for Scope 1 and 2 terrestrial emissions has been set across their Australian iron ore operations by 2030. Its decarbonisation plan includes the deployment of an additional 2-3 gigawatts of renewable energy generation and battery storage, in addition to the deployment of a green mining fleet and locomotives.

Key considerations for their pathway to decarbonise include the development of technology, future equipment acquisitions, and potential regulatory changes. Future changes to Fortescue’s decarbonisation strategy may impact key estimates and changes to asset carrying values in the Group’s financial statements.

As tyre handlers play an essential role in Fortescue’s Pilbara mining operations for tyre maintenance, and keeping up with their net zero goals, it was essential for these machines to be phased to electric models.

Through our direct collaboration with Fortescue and manufacturing partner Konecranes, subsequent technology improvements, and the introduction of Konecranes’ new generation E-VER electric forklift, this has allowed us to develop the first full electric tyre handler for Fortescue.

Powered by lithium-ion technology, these electric tyre handlers deliver smooth, clean and quieter operation, with faster acceleration and lift speeds. The fast-charging, zero-emission lithium-Ion battery, also helps to reduce energy consumption by up to 70 percent. Regenerative braking further enhances efficiency by returning energy back into the battery. Operators also experience a truly enjoyable driving experience with one of the industry’s most spacious and comfortable cabins.

The new electric tyre handler delivers eco-efficient heavy-duty performance with a lower carbon footprint, while maintaining an advancing level of safety in a high critical risk work environment.

Watch the New Konecranes Tyre Handler Video

The post Introducing Australia’s First Full Electric Tyre Handler appeared first on United Equipment.

During the continuing construction phase, United access equipment has played a vital role. Workers have used this access equipment to install the PIR (polyisocyanurate) insulated panels along the sides of the building. The access equipment used has included a Haulotte 4 tonne telehandler, telescopic boom lifts and electric scissor lifts. With most of the buildings external panels having already been installed, the project is well on track to be completed by the end of 2017.

Key Customer Initiatives Delivered by United

A productive partnership was forged with the SPB-Retracom Joint Venture through a series of key initiatives. These initiatives were tailored to the specific needs of the customer which was the foundation of this success.

Effective Communication

Tailored lines of communication, by way of a Dedicated Account Manager, to handle all aspects of the account. This helped facilitate the speed and ease of communication as per the client’s request. This asset to communication and management helped develop a project management skillset fundamental to the success of the ongoing project.

Extensive Range of Access Equipment for Hire

The ability to supply a broad range of access equipment for hire to suit the site requirements. This helped demonstrate the strength, depth and versatility in United’s service offering. Other strengths included the quick availability and transport of equipment from interstate.

Responsive Backup & Support

The rapid back-up service and support was made possible by the range of technology available and through United’s understanding of the project. Furthermore, this assisted the partnership in being able to anticipate where and when support was needed.

“United have also been quick to respond to any issues, including service, maintenance and site challenges. This is a challenging project and we’ve had to work together to overcome different issues relating to the machinery, the site and the weather,” said Mr Bill Thompson, Project Manager, SBP-Retracom Joint Venture.

“One issue that arose earlier this year is that a new set of site requirements was introduced. This required a crush bar to be configured onto all booms to protect the operator. United were straight onto it, and promptly replaced all booms that were not fitted with the crush bar with new machines that had one already fitted.”

Flexibility to Meet Customer Needs

Flexibility in tailoring and modifying access equipment to the joint venture’s specific needs was essential in this project. Specifically, being able to schedule equipment for delivery at the correct time, while also dealing with the changing needs as the project progressed.

Bill Thompson said United’s flexibility and partnership extended to tailored financial terms, important to a large project. “For a long-term project like this, United are giving us enhanced flexibility on their rental terms, which is a big help also,” he said.

Access Equipment Used on the Project

• A powerful and robust Haulotte 4t Telehandler, designed for maximum operator comfort with reliable performance. It includes Flow Sharing technology that enables a simultaneous and proportional control of 4 movements.
• A safe and productive Haulotte 23m Telescopic Boom Lift, which comes with an outstanding lifting speed of 56 seconds. This rigid boom offers excellent manoeuvring with full proportional controls and simultaneous movements.
• A Haulotte Compact 8 Electric Scissor Lift, which offers a compact and durable frame design. Its narrow width of 81cm makes it a versatile platform for most indoor applications and some outdoor use, allowing access through standard doorways and tight passages.

SPB-Retracom workers using various United boom lifts to gain access in both the interior and exterior areas of the building.

United telehandlers and forklifts used to move materials around the large work site.

Anti-crush Safety Technology Used on the Boom lifts

ACTIV’Shield^© Entrapment Prevention System is an anti-crush bar designed to protect boom lift operators on site. The safety system is available on all new Haulotte articulating and telescopic boom lifts. The ACTIV’Shield^© system safely warns the operator and stops the boom lift to avoid potential entrapment or crushing situations.

To hire access equipment for next project or to learn more about the latest safety technologies, contact United today.

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United supplied DBC with a CAT 1.8T electric forklift, a CAT 1.8T LPG forklift and a CAT 3.5T LPG forklift on long-term rental agreements, for uses such as in-freezer storage, transporting goods and waste disposal. These forklifts include cool room conditioning and a custom-fabricated waste handling rotator attachment to minimise handling and maximise hygiene, ensuring optimum productivity and reliability even in the toughest cool room and waste disposal applications.

“Working in cold environments means that not every forklift can be used for every application. Only electric forklifts can be used in our cool rooms, and they need to be cool room conditioned,” explains Mr Steve Ogilvie, Maintenance Manager, DBC, which employs over 200 people locally and services Western Australia with high quality meat, as well as their innovative range of ready-made meats. They have a strong focus on customer service and on-time deliveries.

“Cool room conditioning basically involves changing the hydraulic fluid to suit cold conditions, so that the viscosity remains unchanged, regardless of the temperature,” says Mr Ogilvie.

United also supplied a custom-designed rotator attachment with a hold down clamp for the 3.5T LPG forklift, which is used for waste transportation and disposal. It allows the forklift to pick up large bins and automatically pour the waste into a disposal area.

“Previously we had to manually tip the bins to dispose of the waste, which is quite time-consuming when you’re working at height. United’s rotator makes this job much easier and safer too,” said Mr Ogilvie.

The two United CAT LPG forklifts are designed for use in demanding applications and provide the ideal balance of power and performance. They feature a fuel efficient and clean K15 LPG engine, which has lower fuel emissions without compromising on performance.

The United CAT 3-wheel electric forklift is ideally suited for narrow warehousing configurations, where the 3-wheel model has greater manoeuvrability than 4-wheel alternatives. It also features a quiet, clean engine with adjustable power settings for different applications.

“Our forklifts are essential to our business. If we can’t empty out our fridge each day, we can’t re-stock the next day and business grinds to a halt.”

“What we’ve found particularly impressive with United is the service and backup. Their staff are knowledgeable and reliable and if we ever need anything, I have full confidence that they’ll be able to provide us with the support we need.”

In addition to the rental forklifts, United also sold DBC several machines that had undergone a special anti-corrosive treatment for operating in harsh conditions at their skin sheds.

“Sheep skins are treated with salt to preserve them for exporting, so the machines are basically driving around in salt. Keeping them fully operational in such corrosive conditions is a credit to the United technicians,” said Mr Ogilvie.

United and DBC have worked together for over 15 years, with long-term rental options providing DBC with a dynamic forklift fleet that can respond quickly to changing customer needs and business cycles.

The post DBC benefits from cool room conditioned electric forklifts and specialised attachments appeared first on United Equipment.

Leading Victorian roofing contractor, Premier Roofing, is further enhancing its speed and efficiency for customers by introducing the latest access equipment technology backed by the service of United. This advanced technology, including the latest Haulotte Optimum 8 AC electric scissor lift, industry leading boom lifts and telehandlers, is designed to safely and efficiently work in hard-to-reach areas on and around roofs.

Premier Roofing works with big builders to install roofing, primarily in the commercial and industrial sectors. The company prides itself on delivering the highest levels of safety and service, as well as the flexibility to tailor unique solutions to the individual needs of a project.

“United’s access equipment fits in perfectly with our company ethos,” says Mr Ian Burns, Production and OH&S Manager, Premier Roofing. “It’s safe and efficient and just as importantly, their service is second-to-none. If we have a request or need a delivery – United is fast to respond. In our business, that makes all the difference,” said Mr Burns.

Premier Roofing also have their own existing fleet of access equipment, so having similar equipment provided by United under a rental agreement made smooth operations for all the staff.

“Using similar equipment made life really easy for us. It means our staff can switch from one of our permanent fleet, to one of our rental fleet and instantly know how to use the machine,” said Mr Burns.

Extensive Range of Access Equipment to Suit the Job

United supplied Premier Roofing with seven different kinds of access equipment, including boom lifts, scissor lifts and telehandlers, designed to be industry benchmarks of safety and efficiency. The majority of the equipment is under a rental agreement with United, to meet the changing needs of such a fast-moving company.

Premier Roofing’s Account Manager at United, Amanda Moloney explains that having access equipment on a rental agreement means that a company can have the optimum equipment on hand for each job they do, no matter how diverse.

“Premier Roofing are working on huge jobs, often with differing heights, shapes, sizes and access requirements. Through United, they’re able to have a dynamic rental fleet that meets their needs every time,” said Ms Moloney.

“United always backs its equipment in the field. When it comes to service, maintenance or delivery times, we understand that our customers can’t afford downtime, so we go the extra mile to provide a speedy response,” she said.

Access Equipment Utilised

• 86 Foot Telescopic Boom Lift, with a platform height of 26.21m, horizontal outreach of 22.86m and platform capacity of 340kg (restricted) and 230kg (unrestricted). This boom lift can reach full elevation in under 70 seconds.
• 66 Foot Telescopic Boom Lift, with a platform height of 20.31m, horizontal outreach of 17.30m and platform capacity of 230kg (unrestricted). This boom lift features easy-to-use controls and has 4-wheel drive and 4-wheel steer capacity for off-road and tricky ground conditions.
• 46 Foot Telescopic Boom Lift, with a platform height of 14.02m, horizontal outreach of 12.34m and platform capacity of 270kg (unrestricted). This boom lift features best-in-class lift and drive speeds for outstanding productivity.
• Haulotte Optimum 8 AC Electric Scissor Lift, with a working height of 7.77, and capacity of 230kg. This scissor lift feature a compact design and exceptional turning radius to get through even standard doors without having to lose time by needing to use folding guardrails.
• 2.6T Telehandler, with a lift height of 5.8m, forward reach of 3.16m and lifting capacity of 2,600kg. This all-terrain telehandler features easy-to-use controls and has 4-wheel drive and 4-wheel steer capacity for off-road and tricky ground conditions.
• 3.0T Telehandler, with a lift height of 6.9m, forward reach of 3.9m and lifting capacity of 3,000kg. This all-terrain telehandler features easy-to-use controls and has 4-wheel drive and 4-wheel steer capacity for off-road and tricky ground conditions.

“As you can imagine, working on roofing installations involves accessing some tricky areas. United’s access equipment is essential to our everyday work and knowing that we can rely on them for backup and service really puts our minds at ease,” said Mr Burns.

Haulotte Optimum 8 AC Electric Scissor Lift

One of the latest and most advanced pieces of equipment being utilised by Premier Roofing is the Haulotte Optimum 8 AC Electric Scissor Lift, designed with outstanding manoeuvrability and 230kg lift capacity.

The 2016 model Optimum 8s offer a market-leading forward speed of 5km/h, 1.5m turning radius and integrated safety features. Optimum 8’s asynchronous AC motors facilitate smooth precision movements in difficult-to-access places, while ensuring the safety of its operators and clean, green, environmentally harmonious operation.

The post Premier Roofing Utilises World Class Access Equipment appeared first on United Equipment.

Last year United was successful in winning a major contract with nation-wide logistics company Bluestar Global Logistics, thanks to exceptional customer service, safety and problem solving ingenuity. Bluestar Global Logistics is a leader in logistics offering a one-stop shop for logistics services, including national door to door deliveries, international freight forwarding and 3PL warehousing.

The successful contract involved the supply of over 60 units of CAT forklifts and reach trucks to Bluestar’s depot’s nationally, with the last of these units having recently been delivered. The forklift equipment included a combination of heavy duty and high performance CAT 2.5t LPG forklifts and CAT 3.0t LPG forklifts that are equipped with a high powered and electronically controlled K21E LPG engine, which provides greater power and lift speeds than other equivalent models. Other equipment included CAT 1.6t electric reach trucks that combine state-of-the-art engineering, modern style design and an extensive range of innovative features which provide high efficiency, outstanding ergonomics and low maintenance needs in the most demanding warehouse environments.

“In a competitive tender, United were the standout company, because their service truly went above and beyond,” said Mr Peter James, Asset & Compliance Manager, Bluestar Global Logistics.

Before submitting the finalised tender, Mark Pemberton, National Major Accounts Manager, and the team visited each of Bluestar’s national offices in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth to assess areas where United could provide cost-saving solutions that optimised efficiency and productivity. From the site visits the team identified two major problem areas where United could provide innovative solutions.

“We discovered that the hosing and hydraulic cylinders in their old fleet were left too exposed, and they were having to replace them frequently due to damage. Our CAT forklifts have been fitted with a low-profile hose which is positioned further back, along with a custom designed and manufactured cylinder protector. Both features reduce damage to these otherwise vulnerable parts and enhance the overall safety of the machines, ultimately reducing the cost of life to our customer” says Mr Pemberton.

“The other wear issue we identified was that the heel of the forklift tynes was wearing out over time, and once it’s worn past a certain point, the forklift is no longer standards or safety compliant. We added a lift cylinder spacer, which means that when the front of the tynes are touching the floor, the back is still slightly elevated. In addition to stopping wear from hitting the ground, it stops the heel scraping along the ground if the forklift moves with its tynes down,” he said.

Bluestar’s Peter James was particularly impressed that United didn’t just set out to fill the tender requirements, but sought to exceed them with our industry expertise to identify areas where we could bring a genuine benefit to Bluestar’s operations.

“We understand that additional features or services are going to cost us money – as they should. But when you’re paying one or two hundred extra up front for a feature that means you’re not buying a $900 replacement part every few months – the cost savings really add up,” said Mr James.

“Forklifts are the lifeblood of our business,” says Mr James. “Our customers expect quick delivery times, and their customers expect quick delivery times, so there’s a significant flow-on effect if we have any issues with our forklifts.”

The CAT forklifts included features specific to Bluestar’s requirements, which included speed-limiters on all forklifts set to Bluestar’s site requirements, as well as an electric on-board pin-code access system to prevent unauthorised use of the forklifts. Each of the LPG forklifts also included a swing-down LPG bracket for the gas bottle. This ensures that the operators never have to lift the bottle during replacement, which would cause excess operator fatigue.

“The United team are a good cultural fit for us. I pick up the phone and things happen. Over the busy Christmas period one of our off-site warehouses was expecting a higher delivery volume and I needed to transfer a forklift there. I called the local United facility in Altona and the team made arrangements and had one transferred there later that same day. You just can’t beat quality service like that,” said Mr James.

“Another major advantage to us is that United is a national business, but they give us localised reporting, including cost-of-life reporting and KPI monitoring. If a forklift needs repair or a delivery is going to take a week, they give us immediate feedback and help us make other arrangements where necessary,” he said.

The post Bluestar Global Logistics Takes Delivery of Over 60 CAT Forklifts and Reach Trucks appeared first on United Equipment.

CC Containers has once again chosen United to provide them with Konecranes empty container handling lift trucks to expand their container handling fleet with world-class equipment and to optimise efficiency for their customers.

United supplied a total of five Konecranes empty container handlers to suit CC Container’s expanding operational needs. Designed to cope with high demands with both speed and efficiency, the Konecranes empty container handlers in service with CC Containers offer a very fast total operating speed as a function of lifting, lowering and driving speed based on load-sensing hydraulics to cope with extreme demands.

CC Containers’ expanded Konecranes empty container handlers fleet include:

• ECB 80 empty container handler, which can stack 6 containers high up to eight tonnes
• ECB 90 empty container handler, which can stack 7-8 containers high up to 9 tonnes
• ECB 100DS empty container handler which can lift two boxes at the same time, up to 10 tonnes capacity, and stack 6-7 containers high.

“The container handlers are reliable robust pieces of equipment,” said Mr David Muir, Managing Director of CC Containers, whose company places a high emphasis on standards of reliability and safety.

“The other major bonus for us is that the drivers like using them. They have good visibility and comfort and are easy to use, which makes a big difference to staff performance,” says Mr Muir.

In addition to the advanced Konecranes empty container handlers, we also provided CC Containers with an experienced full-time technician, Mr Gene Roberts, who is on-site and can respond to any maintenance or repair issues quickly and effectively. This ensures United can provide CC Containers with optimal levels of efficiency and reliability to minimise any disruption to their business.

“Mr Roberts has been a great help to us at CC Containers. He has helped with servicing, monitoring and OH&S requirements, which means we are always meeting or exceeding compliance and standards objectives,” said Mr Muir.

The post CC Containers Selects United to Help Boost Technology, Safety and Efficiency appeared first on United Equipment.

Cat GP25N 2.5T LPG forklifts operating at COPE’s Brisbane facility

Four CAT LPG GP25N forklifts are used by COPE for optimum environmental performance in the new 10,800 sq. metre facility, each equipped with carton clamp gentle materials handling capability and container specification features to operate safely and efficiently in standard shipping containers.

Complementing these recent deliveries to COPE is one of CAT’s innovative NRF14CA sit-on electric reach trucks available in capacities from 1.4-2 tons featuring a new type of AC controller that integrates travel, hydraulic and electrical power steering functions into one functional system designed to empower operators to work more efficiently, comfortably and safely.

Cat NRF14CA reach truck operating at COPE’s Brisbane facility

Cope Sensitive Freight needed efficient, reliable and highly manoeuvrable lift truck technology to maintain its reputation for safe, damage-free handling of freight ranging from fragile and expensive medical and computer technology through to whitegoods and brown goods as it expanded its Queensland operation by consolidating two smaller facilities into the new purpose-built facility.

The company drew on its previous experience of CAT equipment helping to deliver fast, reliable and expert service, qualities which are also paramount in this latest phase of COPE’S national expansion of a network that includes depots in all capital cities and major centres including Canberra, Launceston, Port Macquarie, Cairns, Townsville, Albury and Newcastle.

“The relationship between COPE and United Forklifts began in Perth with our depot there purchasing Caterpillar forklifts,” said Cope Queensland Assistant Operations Manager Brook Searancke.

We were able to offer COPE a truly Statewide and national solution that remains responsive to local conditions, drawing on our resources as Australia’s largest privately owned forklift and access equipment company, with a service and supply footprint extending across Australian markets.

“After what we were told by our Perth depot about United’s ability to provide for our equipment and service requirements, we got in contact with them when looking to purchase the best new forklift types to replace our current ones,” said Mr Searanke.

The technology package offered to COPE is backed by 24-hour service to ensure reliability and versatility in responding to COPE’s diverse materials handling requirements from start to finish, including ensuring sensitive consignments travel with compatible freight.

Our Brisbane office – one of the newest in our national network – supports CAT forklifts throughout Queensland, with national operation further supporting the world-class service, quality and reliability standards of the global CAT brand.

Our CAT forklift range – which can be engineered to the individual needs of customers such as COPE – includes a comprehensive range of rugged, durable and powerful forklift trucks with capacities that range from 1.3 to 16.0 tonnes to provide solutions for a wide range of materials handling tasks both internal and external.

Lift trucks such as the 2500kg-capacity forklift are available with diesel power – DP25N, or low-emission LP Gas – GP25N or GPE25N, with advanced engine technology in each instance providing controllable, programmable power and fuel efficiency.

The LPG technology selected by COPE meets or exceeds stringent US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards for reducing carbon monoxide hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxide emissions while delivering the power needed for heavy duty performance, says United’s Queensland Manager Garth Grams.

“Their clean-running performance is an asset both in terms of OH&S and in providing the optimum environment for the type of delicate and sensitive technology handled by COPE,” says Mr Grams.

“In addition to the service support offered by United, The CAT GP25Ns dependable and easy-to-service engines offer an excellent blend of power and performance with the advantage of low fuel consumption and emissions, making them easy and economical to use. Ideal for industrial applications, the trucks achieve outstanding traction on sloping or slippery surfaces with solid pneumatic tyres providing excellent operator comfort.”

The GP25N forklifts selected by COPE includes a number of safety features, including a Presence Detection System (PDS+) that prevents accidental truck operation if the driver is not seated. Familiar compartment layouts, steering, levers and pedals make it easy for operators to switch between trucks when necessary.

GP25Ns features include:

• LED lights on the front work lights, with front/rear combination lights that enhance visibility while reducing energy consumption and maintenance costs.
•  LCD display provides extensive information on truck operation and maintenance state. It also indicates service requirements to prevent unexpected down time and cost due to unscheduled maintenance and service.
• Modern design techniques in combination with long life of components result in a long service interval reducing the total cost of ownership.
• Vehicle Control Module manages various truck and operator functions allowing easy trouble shooting and pin pointing of problems.

Mr Searancke says the product and service package offered by United was a winner – “We had no problem choosing United’s Caterpillar forklifts. We pride ourselves in our ‘be fussy’ attitude, sharing a ‘small enough to care, big enough to deliver’ approach.”

The post Sensitive freight leader COPE Equips New QLD HQ With United’s Clean, Green CAT Lift Technology appeared first on United Equipment.

The fifth generation family business, established in 1891, sells its light, tough and supple product to manufacturers of global brands of premium products including football boots, MotoGP suits, firefighter gloves, cycling gloves, saddlery and hiking shoes, delivering a product that has many times the tensile strength of cowhide and is considerably stronger than goatskin.

Safety, reliability and delivery performance are vital to Packer Leather, which operates on a national and world stage where these factors have a strong impact on competitiveness.

“As well as handling raw material and supplies, the forklifts are a key part of our production process,” said Mark Hourigan, Packer Leather’s International Marketing and Sales Manager. “During production, the leather can be moved between four sheds, five separate work areas and three storage locations. Depending on the product this can mean as many as nine separate pallet movements via a forklift, with each pallet of leather weighing between 500kg and 1500kg. The caterpillar forklifts handle this workload with ease.”

Our excellent relationship with Packer Leather extends over 20 years through our Queensland Manager Garth Grams and Packer Leather’s Principal, Lindsay Packer. The expanded fleet of four DP25Ns further cements this valued ongoing relationship.

In addition to the service support we offer on all equipment, the CAT DP25N’s dependable and easy-to-service engines offer an excellent blend of power and performance with the advantage of low fuel consumption and emissions, making them easy and economical to use. Ideal for industrial applications, the trucks achieve outstanding traction on sloping or slippery surfaces with solid pneumatic tyres providing excellent operator comfort.

“Key standout advantages for us are the built-in safety features and the high-visibility paintwork,” says Mr Hourigan. “With so many varied forklift movements taking place in a factory with 120 staff, safety qualities and strong visibility are highly valued. These are features that are most appreciated by staff.”

DP25N features include:

• LED lights on the front work lights, with front/rear combination lights that enhance visibility while reducing energy consumption and maintenance costs.
•  LCD display provides extensive information on truck operation and maintenance state. It also indicates service requirements to prevent unexpected down time and cost due to unscheduled maintenance and service.
• Modern design techniques in combination with long life of components result in a long service interval reducing the total cost of ownership.
• Vehicle Control Module manages various truck and operator functions allowing easy trouble shooting and pin pointing of problems.

Mr Grams believes our customer-focused service ethos is a good fit with that of Packer Leather, which is an international leader in high performance leather with a reputation for quality and innovation.

“Packer Leather have a variety of specialised production processes to serve their diverse retail and export markets, in which our technology is extensively involved.

“Through the company’s R and D capability, their leather can be customised with a variety of colours, finishes and technical attributes to suit specialised applications. Packer leather is one of a handful of tanneries worldwide who can provide this service as a part of a supply chain extending from the factory floor to the customer’s door.

“Service is important throughout their finely tuned supply chain, including our service backing for first-rate dependable product such as the DP25Ns.”

The post Iconic Australian Manufacturer and Exporter calls on United’s CAT DP25N forklifts appeared first on United Equipment.

SCT this year entered a long-term contract with United, extending over five years, that standardises its fleet of more than 130 CAT forklifts in a comprehensive package tailored to customer service, advanced reliability and elimination of downtime. The new agreement is customised particularly to the needs of SCT as an industry leader with extensive refrigerated transport, warehouse and distribution facilities, operating its own rail fleet with national rail and road transport networks extending from facilities in Brisbane, Sydney, Parkes, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth.

United Victorian State Manager, Brett Whelan, handing over the new Cat forklifts to SCT National Fleet Manager, Michael Sommers.

SCT says its expanded partnership with United Forklift and Access Solutions is based on an enduring relationship extending over nearly 20 years. The alliance is built on shared values and focus, encompassing particularly safety, service and advanced high efficiency technology engineered to advance reliability and cost-efficiency while curtailing downtime.

“SCT selected United to provide the agreed package after a tight and demanding tender process, which reflected the fact that our core business is very unique with special requirements,” says SCT National Fleet Manager Mr Michael Sommers.

Because we are not just a road and warehouse company, but also a strongly rail-focussed organisation, we needed a company that could provide versatile and suitable specialised equipment when and where we need it to keep operations flowing smoothly throughout our extensive operations.

We were looking only for companies that could provide the standards of maintenance, service and product we needed, who were prepared and equipped to make the investment of time in us to ensure the relationship worked harmoniously and efficiently on an ongoing basis.

That’s what we found with United. When we were working with them, we were so well integrated as a partnership that I could go down the road and knock on the door and they responded immediately – they knew what we needed and they would go above and beyond to provide it.”

Cat forklifts ready to be delivered to SCT Logistics

The technology offering from United was also important, including the latest CAT gas powered forklifts and specialised electric forklifts.

“Good equipment and backup is 100 per cent crucial to us – our operation is going 24/7, running rail services to Perth, rail services to Brisbane, Adelaide, Parkes, Sydney; it never stops and our equipment can’t stop either.

“Equipment also needs to be tailored to our specialised needs – forklifts, for example, need to meet the spec for weight distribution in rail. Forklift problems can bring things completely to a stop in an operation such as ours.

“We also wanted to minimise costs in our new partnership, particularly reducing maintenance and damage bills that occur when equipment is working in demanding environments. Our equipment is continually going in and out of containers, and operating in demanding warehouse and transport environments where avoidance of downtime and damage is crucial. If a machine is down, we need to get it up and serviceable right away.

“We had confidence in United because we have dealt with them for over 19 years in Perth and it has been a good experience.

“With the added bonus now of only having to deal with one supplier, SCT can enjoy the benefit of not having to deal with numerous different people in the supply of forklifts and MHE.”

United appointed a specialist person to deal with SCT’s needs on a day-to-day basis, whose job it was to keep the relationship close and responsive.

United backs up its service with comprehensive reporting that not only offers SCT a clear broad perspective of optimum maintenance and efficient use requirements, but which also help locate and solve issues at a local level.

“For example, we may find that a machine in a particular locality is suffering excessive tyre wear, or another one is leaving black marking all over concrete surfaces. With good reporting, we can correct those faults before they become a maintenance issue or an expense.

“United provided the package we needed, including service, backup, extra equipment if and when it is needed, as well as forklifts set up to our own specifications with high emphasis on safety, reliability, cost-efficiency”

The CAT forklift equipment provided to SCT has the world class safety and efficiency features SCT needs, including lower fuel consumption and higher staff safety and protection features.

The post United’s Continues it’s Powerful Partnership with SCT Logistics appeared first on United Equipment.