Truck and tech mix maximises productivity safety and engagement

These include adopting a strategic approach toward connectivity. The advances delivered to the material handling sector by Industry 4.0 means more customers are taking a strategic approach to their operations, based on clear business objectives that enable them to work toward measurable goals.

Customers are also identifying and prioritising the type of data they want to collect. To help them achieve this, they are establishing plans and processes to share relevant, real-time information with the appropriate departments and individuals at the right time. Data is presented in a manner that makes it actionable to create meaningful operational and behavioural changes. 

Greater connectivity is also enabling fleet managers to create a more informative and personalised experience for truck operators by simplifying onboarding, maximising productivity, reinforcing safety and emphasising engagement to improve workforce retention. 

Integrated technologies
Embodying this new approach is the ESR 1000 Series reach truck. The truck is helping to set new standards within the materials handling sector and sets the benchmark for the next generation of warehouse trucks based on full Wi-Fi and GSM connectivity. What makes the ESR 1000 Series stand out from the competition is the seamless integration of the newly developed Gena operating system with Crown’s proven InfoLink fleet management system. The joint power of these two technologies offers a bunch of new opportunities to increase productivity, efficiency and operator safety. 

Crown’s new Gena operating system is intuitive, customisable and interactive, offering a new and engaging operator experience. It delivers vital data and information clearly and concisely via a 7-inch colour touchscreen in one of 25 selectable languages. Within their preferred language, operators can choose from a growing selection of widgets displaying key forklift functions such as operating time, steering angle, speed and battery charge.

To cycle through them, or to set favourites, all the operator has to do is swipe a finger across the display – exactly like a smartphone. The Gena system optimises the forklift’s performance and makes crucial data easy to see, understand and utilise, helping operators to boost their throughput.

In conjunction with the optional, seamlessly integrated InfoLink fleet management system, the new operating system provides reliable management data and a broad range of interactive graphical checklists, together with safety instructions. It also makes the lives of service technicians easier by providing advanced diagnostics, including step-by-step troubleshooting, set-up and calibration. ESR 1000 Series reach trucks offer full Wi-Fi and GSM connectivity, making it easier for warehouse, service and safety managers to monitor as well as manage their forklift fleet’s productivity and collisions.

Productivity-boosting truck
Furthermore, the ESR 1000 Series offers new, optional intelligently-connected features that enable operators to work with skill and precision at any height without compromising productivity. 

These features include the new optional Xpress Lower function, which allows faster working at height. This exclusive technology doubles the mast lowering speed up to 1.1 m/s, improving overall productivity by up to 21 percent, thus helping save both time and money. In addition, the lowering function is regenerative, which means energy is fed back to the battery when the mast is lowered, increasing the reach truck's operating time. In conjunction with the e-GEN regenerative braking system, this can lead to energy savings of up to 11 percent.

The optional Auto Height Select feature enhances precision. Operators can use this automatic, predefined height selector to stop the forks at programmed rack heights. Precise, automated positioning helps to avoid product, rack and truck damage while simultaneously improving throughput. Programming different rack heights for multiple warehouse zones is straightforward. And as the forks rise, the large colour display shows their actual height, alerting the operator once the forks reach the target height.

The Capacity Data Monitor is an equally useful option, giving operators an at-a-glance view of load weight, lift height and capacity limits to ensure that load handling stays within safe limits.

Another option, the Tilt Position Assist feature, compensates for mast and fork carriage deflection, automatically levelling the forks relative to the ground for more precise load positioning. And to give operators an up-close view of rack and pallet, optional cameras can be installed on forks and mast to further optimise load handling and positioning. Furthermore, Crown’s tried and trusted Optimised Cornering Speed system is fitted as standard on all models, as is the patented OnTrac anti-slip traction control that prevents truck wheels from spinning or slipping during acceleration, plugging and braking – ideal for applications involving wet, dusty or frozen floors.

Ergonomics
To optimise settings for operation, visibility and workflow, operators can adjust the truck’s ergonomic seat, controls, armrest and display to suit their individual needs. Crown’s offset clear-view mast helps provide a better view of the load wheels, forks and pallets. The optional overhead guard with panoramic glass further improves upward visibility while reliably protecting operators from falling objects and dirt. 

The ESR 1000 Series is available with lift heights of up to 13560 millimetres, load capacities of up to two tonnes and can optionally be configured to use lithium-ion batteries. It embodies Crown’s strong commitment to customer service by optimising real productivity and performance to ensure material handling operations are easier, safer and more cost-effective.

The trucks are already proving their worth in warehouses across the UK and Europe, as Jan-Peter Wingert, Site Manager at Voigt Logistik, in Germany explained.

“Crown’s ESR 1000 Series is a reach truck that our operators have come to appreciate for its many innovative features such as Auto Height Select, Capacity Data Monitor and the brand new, intuitive Gena operator experience. This new generation of forklift truck has clearly shown what it can do,” he said.

The harmonisation of innovative forklift technology with the many advantages offered by full truck connectivity make the Crown ESR 1000 Series a true partner for its operator as well as for the management.

Crown is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year.