New reach trucks make UAE debut
Two new RD5200 series double deep reach trucks, among other Crown lift trucks, are to be delivered to a UAE-based logistics company to ensure a fast turnaround of products. Genavco, the UAE-based agent for Crown, elaborates on the outstanding features of these trucks.
01 June 2003
Genavco, the UAE agent for Crown equipment, has signed an agreement to supply two new Crown RD5200 series double deep reach trucks to CWT-SML Logistics-Jebel Ali.
The order also includes the supply of two Crown SC3016 counterbalance lift trucks, says Genavco spokesman Asif S Khan.
The Crown RD5200 series is operated by a heavy-duty double Pantograph reach mechanism, believed to be the only purpose-built double deep reach truck of its sort in the world, he points out.
The operator has a stand and lean position supported by a special ergonomically-designed backrest, considered to be most efficient for operators. The truck's fully adjustable steering column and suspended floor offer enhanced comfort for the operator.
There is a single 'multi-task controller' that enables the operator to activate all movement controls from one handle.
Crown's newly-developed Access 1-2-3 onboard computer control system allows operational characteristics to be fine-tuned to suit the task, and to be matched to individual operator ability.
In addition, the system safeguards against unauthorised operation using a PIN code operator access system. The control system - comprising just three electronic modules to monitor and control every truck function - also greatly simplifies maintenance routines and fault-finding procedures, thereby keeping downtime to a minimum, according to Khan.
The Crown RD5200 series, fitted with an extending double Pantograph, forks and clear view masts, is purpose-built for double deep operations.
Ken Lua, general manager of CWT-SML Logistics, affirms that the clincher in favour of Crown is the fact that most manufacturers use an attachment of hydraulic sliding forks, which increase the fork thickness - between the beam and pallet - allowing very little margin for error when storing/retrieving pallets at high levels, and they also flex under load.
"The most important factor, from our point of view, was to find a truck that had a robust lift mast and standard fork thickness with very minimal mast flex at high level," he points out.
CWT-SML Logistics, a third-party logistics services company, is a joint venture between CWT Distribution (Singapore), Sembcorp Logistics Limited (Singapore) and the UAE's Albawardy Group.
Its modern logistics centre is situated in Jebel Ali Free Zone, the logistics hub of the UAE. The firm has been operating a full third-party logistics service since August 1999.
Khan says: "The CWT Logistics centre is designed to meet the challenges of a modern customer-oriented business. Around 20 per cent of the covered floor space is allocated for staging, handling and value-added activities.
"The use of wide aisle selective pallet racks and reach truck operation enable 100 per cent selectivity of SKUs (stock keeping units) and fast turn-around of products. This reduces the order fulfilment cycle and enhances the consumer response capability of its clients."
CWT-SML Logistics will be the first company in the UAE to utilise Crown's worldwide experience to manufacture and supply purpose-built double deep reach trucks, Khan says, adding that this will open a new chapter in space saving and management of inventory in the logistics industry.
Since its entry into the material handling industry, Crown Equipment Corporation has earned a reputation for exceptional product design, engineering and manufacturing of its award-winning line of electric lift trucks.
