Transporting, storing, lifting

Storing, retrieving, and transferring goods, managing inventory, and order picking – an organised warehouse structure is crucial for the smooth operation of production and storage facilities and essential for a company's economic success. "The combination of professional staff with an efficient fleet contributes to optimising logistics processes and making them as productive as possible," explains Jürgen Effner, Managing Director of TOPREGAL GmbH. "Switching or upgrading the fleet with modern electric pallet trucks and industrial trucks can not only relieve employees of everyday challenges, but also ensure a pleasant and healthy working environment."

Fast and safe handling

Processes such as loading and unloading lorries, order picking activities, and goods management require an organised and adaptable warehouse system. It is essential to meet processing times without endangering personnel or causing damage to goods. However, even trained staff can reach their limits when manoeuvring in narrow warehouse areas, busy aisles, and ramp zones. "Industrial trucks with a small turning radius, such as the GSE15/5 electric forklift truck from SolidHub, ensure fast handling of goods even in confined areas," explains Effner. "Thanks to the comprehensive view provided by the curved rear-view mirror, the acoustic reverse warning signal, and the horn, the safety of warehouse staff is increased amidst the hectic activity. Additionally, adequate marking of traffic routes in ramp, warehouse, and operational areas is required to avoid collisions." With the powerful Li-ion battery, the forklift truck is fully operational again after a charging time of 1.3 hours, either via the integrated charger at any standard 230V socket or using a high-voltage fast charger. Operating the electric forklift requires a forklift licence and annual training according to § 4 DGUV V1.

Moving goods gently

Moving pallets or goods of all kinds in the warehouse and on the sales floor or transporting them to customers by lorry - the tasks of employees are varied, and the distances covered and the weight of the loads are considerable. A common tool is the pallet truck, which should be a staple in every efficient warehouse, production site, workshop, or operational facility. "With manual pallet trucks, pumping up goods and transporting high and heavy loads in particular is very strenuous and demanding for employees," reports Effner. "All-electric pallet trucks, such as the HWE1500-2 from SolidHub, offer a gentler and faster transport alternative." With the push of a button on the tiller, Euro pallets, lattice boxes, and goods of all types are gently lifted and moved smoothly both forwards and backwards. Its small turning radius makes it easy to manoeuvre in tight spaces, between narrow warehouse racks, when loading lorries, or in freight lifts. With a lifting capacity of up to 1,500 kilograms, the electric pallet truck is also practical for transport in lorries or vans, facilitating the delivery of goods to customers. Warehouse staff only need comprehensive training and must be of legal age to operate it.

Space and cost-saving alternative for many possibilities

To handle various warehouse tasks and cater to different storage systems tailored to specific goods, such as high-bay warehouses or floor storage, the use of multiple material handling vehicles is typically required. For small businesses, this can become a significant cost and space factor. "The HE1200/3 electric forklift from SolidHub is a cost-effective and space-saving solution, as it combines the features of a forklift with those of a pallet truck. It can also be charged at any standard 230 V socket without needing a high-voltage connection," says Effner. "Not only does it facilitate common transport and stacking tasks with a maximum load of 1,200 kilograms and a lift height of 86 to 3,000 millimetres, but its small turning radius also makes it particularly flexible for use in small warehouses and production facilities." As a true all-rounder, the high-lift pallet truck's waterproof control unit is suitable for harsher working conditions such as cold, humidity, and dust, making it temporarily usable in cold storage. Employees must receive training before use, but no forklift licence is required. "Switching the fleet to electric-powered material handling vehicles not only leads to a long-term reduction in the company's CO₂ emissions but also offers a range of other benefits: the vehicles are quiet, energy-efficient, and emission-free, thus preserving the health and well-being of employees in the long term," concludes Effner.

Industrial trucks SolidHub