Thorworld Truckloda brings big efficiencies for Brother

When it came to putting in an extra loading dock at its distribution complex in Audenshaw, Manchester, Brother (UK) Ltd had to consider the costs of buying an additional fork lift truck as well as the associated civil engineering work.

The safety, flexibility and cost-effectiveness of a Truckloada mobile yardlift from Thorworld Industries Ltd won hands down in maximising the facilities.
Brother, manufacturers of products as diverse as laser printers and sewing machines, needed a new, dedicated loading dock for use by TNT, the carrier who collects and delivers its small packages for next day delivery.

With the existing fork lifts in the distribution centre already working flat
out, not only has the Truckloada removed the need to buy or lease an additional machine, there were no on-costs such as operator training.
Also, as the outside area in front of the new loading bay's roller shutter
doors was on an incline, installing the Truckloada meant there was no need to level the ground.

The model they chose has a 3,000Kg capacity. Holding up to four pallets, one man can load a 45ft long container using a hand or pedestrian truck.
It was supplied with an 820mm long exit lip which reaches right inside the floor of the container for added convenience and safety. It has a useable length of 2,550mm with a width of 2,450mm. Push button controls operate the hydraulic lifting and lowering mechanism.

The platform has a minimum height of 46-56mm when lowered. This makes it safe and easy for the pallets to be loaded or unloaded.
It is mounted on four heavy duty bearing castors which when locked keep the platform firmly in place during use. When the locks are freed it can be quickly and easily be pushed away. This has allowed Brother to use the new bay to bring in large items of plant needed in the continued refurbishment of the 19th Century former factory complex.

The Truckloada mobile loading platform is available in three sizes, depending on the size and number of cages or pallets to be handled, to suit various applications. No pit is required as the lifting gear is mounted on the platform. Special fixed or drive-through versions are also available.
According to Brother (UK) Ltd's Head of Logistics, Keith Howe, the Truckloada is a sturdy and versatile tool that has enabled them to save on costs as well as deliver considerable health and safety benefits, providing a simple and economic solution to their problem.

The 170,000 sq ft distribution centre stocks Brother products made in the UK and overseas, with the high racking providing space for 4,500 pallets.
Thorworld is firmly established as a market-leading manufacturer and
single-source supplier of a wide range of high quality loading and unloading equipment and loading bay accessories, such as: mobile yardramps, dock shelters & seals, dock levellers, modular loading docks, dock plates & boards, dock & vehicle bumpers, Truckloada mobile yardlifts, Dockloada scissor lifts, hand & powered pallet trucks, counterbalanced container lift trucks, a pedestrian operated trailer moving system, and a choice of walk, fixed and wheelchair access ramps, together with a comprehensive selection of safety and protection accessories, to help ensure safe, efficient, profitable working and
the protection of vehicles, plant and personnel.

To find out more about the Truckloada, and to obtain more information about Thorworld's market-leading loading bay equipment & accessories, together with a copy of their new product range catalogue, contact: Thorworld Industries Ltd, Station Lane Industrial Estate, Old Whittington, Chesterfield, Derbyshire, S41 9QX. Tel: 01246 260981. Fax: 01246 260493. Email: info@thorworld.co.uk
Web: www.thorworld.co.uk