Australian freight specialist COPE has chosen United’s clean green CAT LPG forklift and electric reach truck technology to handle the expanding range of delicate merchandise flowing through its new headquarters at Yalata, Brisbane.
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.”