45 tonne truck selected

The new fleet for Teesport was developed in conjunction with a number of suppliers as part of Rushlift’s ‘applications engineering’ approach to problem solving which ensures customers receive not only the right equipment, but original solutions to their materials handling needs.

Being mounted on the side of the truck, within the existing footprint, the generators for PD Ports improve dramatically on manoeuvrability, visibility and safety, according to Rushlift’s corporate accounts manager, Ian Hunter.

"We offer a wide range of heavy forklifts suitable for port and terminals, as well as heavy industries and steelworks,” says Ian. "Often these require powered magnetic plate attachments with their own power source. The latest developments in AC generator technology have enabled us to work with our suppliers to provide a fantastic integrated solution.” The generator powers the attachment and runs directly through the main truck controls, offering a host of additional power management and control benefits.

The new fleet is also being supplemented with additional generators for the retro-fitting of the existing equipment, as previous models relied on generators large enough to cover the entire counterweight, severely limiting rear visibility. The new smaller generators slot neatly into the side stairwell.

Rushlift has extensive experience with the heavy truck user market, having acquired Newport-based, Sleabond in 2007. The business, together with the national importership for the heavy counterbalance range of Svetrucks, was integrated into the main Rushlift operation earlier this year. PD Ports has one of the UK’s largest fleets of Svetrucks. Rushlift managing director, Graham Farquhar, pointed to the widespread recognition of Svetruck quality and durability as key factors in the brand’s growth in the UK. 

Said Graham: "The Svetruck is the premium machine in terms of quality, which together with our service coverage and fleet management expertise, offers a superb solution for heavy end users. The last 12 to 18 months has seen considerable development in this part of the market. Order values above £1m are now increasingly common and this is a great new option that will be favourably received.”