<img height="1" width="1" style="display:none" src="https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=844110755685071&amp;ev=PageView&amp;noscript=1">

TCM's Latest Sit-On Stacker Truck: Features and Benefits of the SSO

Unique to TCM, the SSO sit-on stacker truck is designed and optimised for very narrow aisle stacking.

Top story // //9 min read

TCM's Latest Sit-On Stacker Truck: Features and Benefits of the SSO

Unique to TCM, the SSO sit-on stacker truck is designed and optimised for very narrow aisle stacking.

stacker trucks // 9 min read

Optimise Your Warehouse Operations with the SRS Ride-On Stacker Truck

 

stacker trucks // 10 min read

The Next Generation is Here: The New SRO Stand-in Stacker


Engine Trucks // 7 min read

Lift More with the TCM New Heavy-Duty FHB 60-120 Electric Forklift Truck

Counterbalance // 12 min read

Get Great ROI and Cut Material Handling Costs with TCM Order Pickers

Investing in electric forklift trucks makes great environmental sense, but what are the costs involved? An electric fleet could actually help you cut your material handling expenses, yet there are still some misconceptions about what electric trucks can offer.

Material Handling // 10 min read

Grow Efficiency By Creating Comfortable Work Environment: Pallet Truck

 

Operator safety is one of the most important considerations when it comes to investing in a new forklift for your business. However, businesses often become preoccupied with preventing major injuries to pedestrians and operators in the workplace, but overlook day-to-day injuries to operators that can have a long-lasting impact on their workforce.

Health & Safety // 9 min read

What Reach Truck Capacity Should I Be Using? Example: TCM Reach Trucks

 

Health & Safety // 7 min read

How a TCM Dealer Helped Algeco on its Journey to Carbon Neutrality

Case Studies // 8 min read

Warehouse Motivation: 5 Reasons to Invest in Electric Order Pickers

Order pickers // 9 min read

Forklift Battery Types: Which Is the Most Economical?

Most warehousing operations will use one of two main forklift battery types: lithium-ion batteries (Li-Ion) and lead-acid batteries. Of these two options, which is the most affordable forklift battery?

Material Handling // 8 min read

3 Reasons Why Electric Reach Trucks are the Ultimate Warehouse Companion

Reach Trucks // 10 min read

5 Reasons To Switch From ICE To Electric Forklift Trucks

Batteries // 6 min read

How Our Electric Counterbalance Forklift Range Ensures Operator Safety

Our Electric Counterbalance range has been designed to balance operator safety,  comfort, and efficiency for optimum warehouse performance. Read on to discover the latest safety features we’ve added and how they keep operators up and running.


Health & Safety // 6 min read

What Is An Order Picker Forklift?

Material Handling // 6 min read

The New Electric-Powered LLR Stand-in Pallet Truck

Designed for internal transport, and with a capacity of 2,000-3,000KG (or 2-3 tonnes) the new TCM LLR is a low-lifter electric-powered pallet truck and is the tool you need for heavy-duty industrial operations. This stand-in pallet truck has a wide variety of ergonomic features and customisable options that allow you to handle loads in different size configurations with ease. The LLR gives excellent all-round visibility, is easy to operate and is designed with safety, efficiency and comfort in mind – the perfect partner for intensive warehouse operations.

Material Handling // 7 min read

How to Future-Proof Your Material Handling Operations

The world around us is constantly changing. With fuel prices rising, the effects of the global pandemic, and the ever-present concern of climate change, being adaptable, ensuring you’re up to date with significant changes, and future-proofing your operations is essential. 

Material Handling // 7 min read

Key Features and Benefits of Lithium-Ion Battery Technology

Material Handling // 7 min read

6 Key Advantages of Electric-Powered Forklift Trucks

Material Handling // 7 min read

What Are You Doing to Reduce Your Warehouse’s Environmental Impact: Sustainable Material Handling

Electric forklift truck // 6 min read

10 Tips To Become a Better Forklift Operator

Engine Trucks // 6 min read

5 Recommended Safety Features to Reduce Forklift Truck Accidents

 

Health & Safety // 4 min read

TCM FB/FTB14-20(L)-E3: 48V Electric Counterbalance Forklift Truck

Don’t they say all good things come in small packages? Our new three and four-wheel 48V electric counterbalance forklift, the FB/FTB14-20(L)-E3, is small but mighty. 

Material Handling // 9 min read

The TCM FHB25-35(L)-F2: 4-Wheel 80V Electric Counterbalance Forklift

 

The latest addition to our range of electric counterbalance forklifts is here. Our TCM FHB25-35(L)-F2 is a 4-wheel 80V lift truck that has been specifically designed to deliver driving pleasure and increase productivity. Efficiency, comfort and safety are the key elements of this forklift, to ensure your drivers have the best possible vehicle at their fingertips.

With multiple applications, a range of additional options, and a low total cost of ownership (TCO), our newest truck is incredibly versatile and cost-effective.

Keep reading to find out more about the specific features and how your operations can benefit from adding an FHB25-35(L)-F2 to your fleet.

Agile, Intelligent and Automatically Aided

The FHB25-35(L)-F2 is our most agile and intelligent counterbalance truck yet. Built-in systems will automatically match the truck’s high-powered driving and load-handling performance to its changing needs – maintaining fast, but smooth and safe, motion.

As the speed is optimised for each situation, the travel, lifting and lowering actions are neither dangerously fast nor unnecessarily slow, and can even provide an extra burst of torque to avoid loss of speed – which comes in particularly useful when going up ramps and inclines.

Related read: TCM FB/FTB14-20(L)-E3: 48V Electric Counterbalance Forklift Truck 

A stability support system is built directly into the FHB25-35(L)-F2, with a simulated differential lock maximising the truck’s grip on slippery surfaces by locking the front wheels to increase traction. This keeps the mast, fork and travel movements smooth – minimising any delays or instability due to swaying. This can be activated automatically at small steering angles or manually via an optional pedal function.

These features can make life far easier for your drivers, raising their productivity and maximising the rate at which operations can be safely carried out.

Totally Under Control

As the FHB25-35(L)-F2 was built with the operator in mind, the controls were designed to be as responsive and ergonomic as possible.

Having full control of the vehicle is vital for operators, as it saves time, reduces fatigue and improves their performance and productivity. The FHB25-35(L)-F2 does this by enabling precise, quick and confident operation for its drivers, even in tight spaces.

The truck is fitted with an ergonomic steering wheel that has a tilt-adjustable column for a comfortable driving position with no need to lean forward, and spring-force-optimised fingertip hydraulic controls on an adjustable, comfortable armrest. This ensures ergonomically perfect hand positioning, anatomical support and free movement.

There is also a dual joystick option, which separates functions, such as clamp opening, to avoid accidental moves. This is especially useful if fingertip levers are too small for operation with gloves. Similarly, the position and angles of the pedals are designed to reduce fatigue for drivers of any height or foot size.

Operator visibility is incredibly important, which is why the truck provides clear all-round vision and an advanced all-wheel steering system for agile manoeuvring, of both the truck and its loads, with minimal effort or strain.

An easy-to-read colour display keeps drivers fully informed, and visibility is further optimised so that drivers can easily see their loads, as well as any racking or obstacles in the area, allowing for accurate positioning of the forks and the truck itself.

Comfortable and Safe

Drivers need to be able to maintain high levels of job satisfaction and performance, so the FHB25-35(L)-F2 includes state-of-the-art comfort and safety features for them to feel secure in their role.

A comfortable, quiet and conveniently equipped operator compartment, combined with the truck’s high safety specifications, provides a confident, stress-free and enjoyable operation for whoever is behind the wheel.

The spacious operator compartment features a comfortable and adjustable seat, a large, flat, uncluttered floor, and plenty of foot and headroom.

The cabin itself can be weatherproofed, with a transparent roof, steel or PVC doors, windscreen, two sliding windows on each side, a rear window, front/rear wipers/washers, a heater, and a deluxe cabin.

Additional safety features include a long grab handle and non-slip step for easy, smooth entry and exit, and standard working lights, such as front and rear LEDs and an automatic reversing light, all of which are protected within the overhead guard structure.

Optional safety lights can also be added to the truck, including red lines, highlighting exclusion boundaries around the truck, blue or red points (front and rear) warning pedestrians of the truck's approach, and amber strobes.

Related read: How Our Electric Counterbalance Range Ensures Operator Safety

Cost-Saving, Efficient and Productive

The highly efficient and durable build quality of the FHB25-35(L)-F2, along with its simple servicing requirements will minimise downtime, maintain productivity and lower the overall total cost of operation – even when undertaking intensive duties in tough conditions.

Despite the truck’s robust construction, maintenance is very simple and it is incredibly energy efficient, reducing the cost of repairs and worn part replacements. A sideways exchange option also speeds up the battery changes.

The use of the truck’s ECO mode can extend the runtime per battery charge, and a Li-ion (Lithium-ion) option with a quick-connect access point increases this even further.

There are many further benefits to powering a truck with Li-ion batteries, particularly for high-energy applications and in round-the-clock or multi-shift working environments. They have a longer lifespan and longer runtime, as well as faster charging capabilities than other battery types.

The low maintenance requirements and the highly efficient and consistent performance of Li-ion batteries will minimise interruptions to productivity and preserve the truck’s residual value – bringing down the FHB25-35(L)-F2’s TCO and making this a very cost-effective solution.

Related read: Forklift Battery Types: Which Is the Most Economical

Choosing the Right Model For Your Operations

The FHB25-35(L)-F2 is available in several different models, with lifting capacities between 2500kg and 3500kg. So whether you are looking for your first electric forklift, you want to add to your current fleet, or you want to upgrade from an existing truck, we have options that can suit your needs.

Our 2.5-tonne versions are available with either a standard or long wheelbase chassis, as are our 3.0-tonne trucks. Finally, our 3.5-tonne option is available in long-wheelbase chassis form, making it ideal for even the most demanding work environments.

To find out more about how the TCM FHB25-35(L)-F2 can benefit your operations, just click here to contact a member of our team. Get in touch with your local TCM dealer today to add our TCM FHB25-35(L)-F2 electric counterbalance truck to your fleet.

Material Handling // 6 min read

6 Material Handling Trends for the Future You Need To Be Aware Of

Thanks to advances in technology and information, the world is changing faster than ever. The material handling industry is no different, with new processes and developments altering the way we work on a regular basis.

Staying on top of these changes is crucial. Companies that refuse to acknowledge them, or are late to implement the vital next steps, will be swiftly left behind.

Material Handling // 5 min read

What You Need To Know About Forklift Servicing and Maintenance

Are you keeping the forklifts in your fleet well-maintained and fully serviced? It’s definitely easier said than done – your operators are using the trucks all day long, from the start of shift to the end of shift – but ensuring your vehicles are in tip-top shape should be written into your company’s daily routine.

Material Handling // 5 min read

5 Reasons Why You Should Choose An Engine Forklift Truck

When it comes to choosing counterbalance forklifts you have two main options: powered by electricity or by an engine.

Some great things are being done with electrification and there are certainly places in your fleet for electric trucks, but there is still a lot to be said for internal combustion (IC) engines.

Whilst we certainly recommend embracing the future by going electric, we also strongly believe that every fleet can profit from a truck or two powered by an engine.

Here are five benefits of engine forklifts and why they can still be a useful addition to your operations.

Counterbalance // 4 min read

5 Ways Investing in Staff Could Save Your Forklift Fleet Money

There’s a tricky balancing act to operating as efficiently as possible while not breaking the bank. Fortunately, there are ways to do this – and it all starts with your staff.

If you want to get the absolute best out of your employees, then you should be prepared to give your best to them first. Remember: you’re a team, and if a team member is feeling left behind or is not up to the task (particularly when it comes to material handling), it can affect everybody around them – even the business itself.

Having the best people on board can help you to generate more revenue and is key to growing your operations. Here are five reasons why investing in your staff will save your forklift fleet money in the long run.

Business Development // 4 min read

The TCM FHB40-55 Newest Electric Truck

We are excited to announce the development of its newest electric forklift truck, the FHB40-55. Designed to provide material handling operations with the highest standards in comfort, efficiency and safety, this electric 4-wheel counterbalance truck offers all the power and handling of a traditional engine truck but with zero emissions and a low total cost of ownership (TCO).

Read on to discover all about its key design features and how your operations could benefit.

Batteries // 5 min read

Warehouse Management - How Fleet Managers Adapted To Global Change

"The times, they are a-changing" in the warehousing and supply chain industries. If you have been feeling the pressure of the rise of eCommerce, along with the radical changes to working practices brought about by Covid-19, you're not alone. The question is, how have other warehouse and forklift fleet managers handled the situation? Is there advice that would benefit the industry as a whole – and how can you adapt in ways that will future-proof your operations?

Material Handling // 6 min read

Embracing 2030: Why It's Not Too Early To Prepare Material Handling



In this article, we reveal why it’s never too early to start your electrification journey, as well as how TCM can help you prepare for 2030 and beyond. Read on to find out more.

Business Development // 4 min read

Overview Of The New TCM Powered Pallet Trucks

Looking to expand your pallet truck fleet as the warehousing industry grows? TCM has just expanded its range in response to customer and market demand. 

Material Handling // 5 min read

5 Common Forklift Driving Mistakes You Shouldn't Ignore

There's no getting around it: unsafe forklift driving can result in serious accidents. The British Safety Council says that 25% of workplace transport injuries result directly from forklift truck accidents, and these injuries can be life-changing. 

As an employer, you would be liable for employee medical costs in the event of an accident. These can run from £40,000-£200,000, but legal and other costs can also escalate. That's why it's in everyone's interest to ensure forklift driving safety – to protect your workers, drivers, fleet and your business too.

With that in mind, read on for 5 forklift driving mistakes you shouldn't ignore.

Related Read: The True Cost of Forklift Accidents Revealed

Material Handling // 5 min read

5 Electric Forklift Maintenance Tips to Protect Your Equipment

Maintaining your electric forklift fleet is essential to ensure the longevity of your equipment, maximise uptime and keep costs down. Read on to discover the top five electric forklift maintenance tips you need to know.

Electrification // 5 min read

Manufacturing 101: Essential Equipment and Considerations You Need to Know

If you’re running a manufacturing operation, there are a number of different types of material handling equipment you need to know. Discover how the correct equipment can optimise daily activities, enhance operator productivity, reduce costs and more.

Material Handling // 4 min read

Free Electrification Roadmap Checklist

Electrification // 5 min read

Amvar x Lift West Join Forces to Become Altegra Integrated Solutions

On 2nd September 2020, Amvar and Lift West officially joined forces to become Altegra Integrated Solutions Limited, a national provider of material handling and integrated solutions. We caught up with Malcolm Mitchell, Managing Director and Chris Exley, Sales Director at Altegra to find out more.

Insider // 4 min read

The Future of Material Handling in the Age of Electrification

Today’s world is constantly evolving, as new technologies emerge and businesses find new ways to innovate and change. In the material handling industry, electric fleets are set to transform business practices and encourage new ways of working.

Electrification // 5 min read

5 Ways to Optimise Your Operation and Plan Your Future Forklift Fleet

Planning for the future can feel overwhelming at times. But when it comes to your forklift fleet and material handling equipment, making an investment now can pay dividends later on. In this article, we reveal how you can optimise your operation.

Material Handling // 5 min read

How Big Data Can Unlock Your Forklift Fleet Management

At TCM, we know first-hand that the material handling industry is full of surprises. And as new technologies emerge, the possibilities are endless. In this article, we explore the impact of big data on fleet management. Read on to find out more.

Material Handling // 4 min read

2030: What The EU Stage V Emissions Regulations Could Mean for You

2030 marks a significant period of change in the material handling industry and beyond. But what will the EU Stage V emissions regulations look like in practice, and how can your business prepare? Read on to find out more.

Business Development // 6 min read

Emerging Material Handling Industry Trends You Need to Know

During the next decade and beyond, material handling businesses can expect to see a significant shift in how their operations are run and how they do business with partners and suppliers. Read on to discover the material handling industry trends that are transforming business practices.

Business Development // 5 min read

V-Compliant FD 20-35 and FD/FGE 40-55 Engine Counterbalance Forklifts

At TCM, we’re delighted to announce the launch of our new FD 20-35 and FD/FGE 40-55 Engine Counterbalance Forklifts. Both truck models are compliant with EU Stage V emissions regulations, without compromising on performance. Learn more.

Insider // 5 min read

Dealer Spotlight: How Altegra Is Helping Its Customers Adapt

Our dealer network is dedicated to helping TCM customers adapt as their business needs evolve and their circumstances change. In recent months, this has become even more crucial. Read on to discover how Altegra is helping customers adapt.

Business Development // 4 min read

Checklist Download: 4 Ways to Extend Your Forklift Battery Life

If your business is operating an electric forklift fleet, maintaining your forklift batteries and factoring sufficient charging time into your shift patterns should be a key priority. Read on to discover how to help protect your material handling investments.

Batteries // 4 min read

How To Adapt Your Operation for Downtime: COVID-19 & Your Business

Have you reduced or paused your operation as a result of COVID-19? Though your operation may be experiencing greater periods of downtime than usual, safeguarding your essential workers and maintaining your forklift investments should still be a priority. Read on to learn more and discover how we can support you.

Business Development // 5 min read

4 Warehouse Sustainability Ideas for Every Industry

With the 2030 ban on petrol and diesel engines looming, and electrification in full swing, a drive towards more sustainable business practices is gaining momentum. Here are four warehouse sustainability ideas to implement in your own operation.

Business Development // 4 min read

TCM Finalist In The FLTA Awards 2020 For Innovation And Ergonomics

TCM is proud to have been nominated as a finalist in the FLTA Awards 2020 for Innovation and Ergonomics. Read on to find out more about our award-nominated forklifts and discover how they could help transform your operation.

Material Handling // 4 min read

How Amvar Handling Solutions Identifies the Right Solutions

TCM’s dealer network is specially trained to assess your business requirements, help identify your needs, and recommend the ideal solution. We caught up with Malcolm Mitchell, Sales & Commercial Director at Amvar Handling Solutions, to find out how this works in practice.

Material Handling // 5 min read

Mitsubishi Logisnext Europe A Further Integration Of The Group

Mitsubishi Logisnext Europe (MLE), a member of the global Mitsubishi Logisnext Group, accelerates the optimisation of its material handling and logistics solution offers through further group integration in Europe.

Material Handling // 2 min read

Key Questions You Should Consider Before Buying Your Next Forklift

As a warehouse manager, you have a lot of operational decisions to make. You want your business to run as efficiently and safely as possible, but you also want to maximise profits.

To help keep the most vital business operations at the front of your mind, we’ve created this forklift buying guide for you to quickly and easily refer back to whenever it's needed.

Material Handling // 6 min read

Forklift Contract Hire vs. Purchase: How to Make the Right Choice

With the option to choose between contract hire, renting, or purchasing your next forklift truck outright, which approach will best meet your needs?

Material Handling // 4 min read

How to Support Customers Through Changing Times As TCM Dealer

The material handling industry is changing. With 2020 just around the corner, how will you adapt to customers’ changing needs? Read on for our top four tips and advice.

Business Development // 4 min read

Why Wet-Cell Battery Technology Could Surpass Lithium-Ion

With electrification gaining increasing coverage in the run-up to the 2030 ban on petrol and diesel engines, lithium-ion is a hot topic. However, it might not necessarily be the best solution for your business’ unique operation. Read on to find out why.

Material Handling // 6 min read

How TCM Reach Truck Forklifts Enhance Operator Comfort and Safety

At TCM, we know that people-centric technology creates a happier, more productive workforce. That’s why our reach truck forklifts adapt perfectly to the individual operator’s needs. Read on to discover how they could benefit your business.

Material Handling // 4 min read

Why TCM's Dealer Network Is Built On Customer Partnerships

At TCM, building valuable, long-term partnerships with our customers is at the core of what we do. Read on to discover how we help businesses transform their operations, what this looks like in practice, and how we could support your organisation.

Material Handling // 3 min read

How FHB 4-Wheel Electric Counterbalance Truck Can Grow Efficiency

Running a safe and efficient operation is crucial to your business’ success, helping you to maintain consistent output and keep costs low. TCM’s FHB 4-Wheel Electric Counterbalance truck is the ideal energy-efficient solution to help you achieve this.

Material Handling // 4 min read

How to Support a Diverse Range of Customer Needs As A Dealer

As the material handling market is evolving, your customers’ needs are changing with it. Discover how we can help you as a TCM dealer to support a wide range of diverse customer requirements.

Business Development // 3 min read

How OEM Forklift Parts Reduce Downtime

Your choice of forklift parts can have a knock-on effect on downtime, truck availability, and the total cost of ownership. Read on to find out more.

Parts // 4 min read

Improve Your Operators' Efficiency with TCM's Pallet Stacker Trucks

Pallet stackers are incredibly versatile machines, making them ideal for warehouse use. Read on to discover how TCM pallet stackers could transform your operations.

Material Handling // 4 min read

Everything You Need to Know About Electric Pallet Truck Applications

Material Handling // 7 min read

How To Achieve Your Business Objectives As TCM Dealer

At TCM, we work closely with our trusted dealer network to improve material handling operations around the world. Here’s what this looks like in practice so that together, we can ensure a fully unified sales process for every customer, every time.

Material Handling // 3 min read

How to Choose Material Handling Equipment

Determining the right material handling equipment for your business needs will depend heavily on your operations, applications, and industry sector.

Material Handling // 5 min read

How FB Electric 3-4 Wheel Counterbalance Truck Ensures Operator Comfort

Operator safety and comfort have never been more important. Can you confidently say you’re offering your operators the best handling experience? Discover how TCM’s new, improved FB Electric 3-4 Wheel Counterbalance truck could help.

Counterbalance // 3 min read

The Latest Material Handling Industry Trends: TCM Dealer Summit 2019

On 10th April 2019, TCM dealers from across Europe gathered at The Belfry Hotel & Resort near Birmingham to discuss the past, the present, and the future of the material handling industry. TCM also announced some exciting new product launches.

Material Handling // 3 min read

3 Ways To Balance Forklift Operator Comfort in Heavy-Duty Applications

Health and safety remain crucially important, particularly the need to balance your operators’ comfort with their efficiency when using ICE trucks for heavy-duty applications. Discover how to strike the right balance.

Efficiency // 3 min read

Material Handling's Future Is About Holistic Business Models

Technological and regulatory change is happening all around us. Material handling must adapt to reflect this by adopting a holistic approach that utilises the best of what we have today while also planning for the future.

Business Development // 3 min read

Investing In Electric Forklifts: The Ultimate Guide

Are you thinking of investing in an electric forklift truck, but unsure where to start? This guide covers all of the factors you need to consider. Read on to learn more.

Batteries // 6 min read

How Much Will the Electrification of Your Forklift Fleet Cost?

The upfront cost of electric forklifts is typically higher than their ICE counterparts, but have you stopped to consider the long-term ROI of your initial investment?

Batteries // 5 min read

Lead-Acid or Lithium-Ion: What's Powering Your Warehouse?

With a broad range of batteries on the market and conflicting information on each, it can be difficult knowing which battery type is best suited to your business. Is lithium-ion the battery of the future, or are better options available?

Batteries // 4 min read

TCM Leads Material Handling Industry Towards an Electrified Future

TCM is driving the change towards electrification. Discover how our electric forklift and battery alternatives to the ICE trucks currently available can support your business through this transitionary period.

Batteries // 4 min read

Prepare Your Business for the Electrification of Your Forklift Fleet

 

Batteries // 5 min read

How Electric Counterbalance Trucks Are Changing Warehouse Operations

Electrification is at the forefront of everyone’s minds. With our electric counterbalance truck range, it’s never been easier to make the switch.

Efficiency // 3 min read

The Benefits Of Managed Forklift Fleet Services

We frequently discuss fleet management with our customers — but is it worth the extra expense? Read on to discover why managed fleet services are a worthy investment.

Fleet Management // 3 min read

3 Warehouse Optimisation Techniques You Need to Know

When looking to cut costs and improve efficiency, certain warehouse optimisation techniques can help. Here are three practical solutions you can’t afford to miss.

Material Handling // 3 min read

How TCM Forklifts Helped to Transform Heineken's Operation

Case Studies // 3 min read

The True Cost of Forklift Accidents Revealed

In addition to human injury, the true cost of forklift accidents includes downtime, stalled production, damaged stock, and damages to machinery and other equipment — all impacting revenue.

Health & Safety // 4 min read

How Fleet Management Analytics Are Changing The MH Industry

Technology continues to advance at a disruptive rate, and fleet management analytics are no exception. Here’s how it will affect the material handling industry in the future.

Fleet Management // 3 min read

Overview Of The FD 60-100 Diesel Counterbalance Truck Relaunch

This month saw the exciting relaunch of our FD 60-100 diesel counterbalance truck model. Explore its new and improved features and updated look here.

Material Handling // 3 min read

Improve Warehouse Productivity Overnight: For Operations Managers

From injured operators and drained batteries to low data visibility, operational downtime causes a multitude of warehouse inefficiencies. Learn how to improve warehouse productivity today.

Material Handling // 4 min read

Increase Fuel Efficiency by Choosing the Right Forklift Battery

 

Batteries // 5 min read

What Is The True Cost Of Your Forklift Fleet?

The acquisition cost of a forklift is only one factor in the overall cost of ownership. Identifying your forklift TCO is key to reducing total fleet management costs.

Fleet Management // 8 min read

TCM Dealer Conference 2018 Looks to the Future of Material Handling

On May 15th, 46 delegates joined us in Budapest for The TCM Dealer Conference 2018 to discuss the future of the material handling industry and the key trends shaping it.

Material Handling // 3 min read

Key Challenges to Productivity: Material Handling Survey 2017

Material Handling // 4 min read

TCM Awarded 2018 Ergonomics And Safety FLTA

We’re really pleased to announce that TCM were finalists in the 2018 FLTA awards, and our EO and FB series were nominated for the Ergonomics and Safety categories respectively.

Health & Safety // 4 min read

Preventing Common Forklift Accidents in Your Workplace

Forklifts are one of the most useful pieces of equipment in a modern warehouse. With some forklifts able to lift and shift up to 5000kg, they make moving heavy and awkward items that was once a full day’s job—if possible at all—into a straightforward, manageable task.

Health & Safety // 6 min read

How to Create a Culture of Health and Safety in the Workplace

Health and safety is an ever present topic for businesses within the material handling industry, particularly as the equipment required to transport and move goods can pose a significant health risk to your workforce.

Health & Safety // 6 min read

Results From The Material Handling Survey 2017

For the past couple of months, we have been running a survey to inform our upcoming 2017 report on material handling and how the equipment and processes used can impact business productivity.

Whilst we are still collecting responses, a predominant theme so far is a growing awareness to think ‘beyond the truck’ or beyond the legislation when it comes to investing in material handling equipment, and actually consider the business implications that come with a truck purchase.

Costs and productivity are inevitably interlinked. Ongoing requirements like fuel, along with unseen implications on downtime and storage can impact the level of work getting done and the required cost to keep things on track. That can have big implications for businesses.

Let’s take a look at three of the trends from our material handling survey

1. Downtime and non-contract damages are considered the largest hidden costs

When asked what the most prominent hidden costs of a forklift purchase are, the strong majority was with both downtime and non-contract charges or damages. Both feature far higher than the need for extra storage or operators in order to actually run the truck.

It's interesting to note that both of these have significant influence over the levels of productivity in a business, as downtime and damages can severely impact the time a truck can be driving ROI.

2. Lifetime costs are seen as more important than the cost of the truck itself

Lifetime costs of forklifts are seen as more important than simply the cost of the truck itself as 81% of respondents agreed that lifetime costs were very important, compared to only 47% agreeing that the cost of the truck is very important in the buying process. Those that agreed with both could well highlight that this is an emerging trend and shows a move to more educated purchases in the industry.

With these responses in mind, it was telling to see that truck performance and efficiency are the most researched prior to a purchase which links to the total cost of ownership (TCO). Respondents are starting to look to the future when making purchases rather than simply the upfront costs.

Paul Freeman from CAM Forklifts notes that "It is really encouraging to know that end users are recognising that cheaper trucks can be more expensive over the longer term, especially when this can lead to a lack of truck availability and can also create further problems for the clients' operational need, adding to daily running costs.

3. Truck performance, safety, battery and technology are the most popular innovations

We want to make sure that we are writing articles on topics which really matter to the industry and so are asking respondents to tell us which innovations capture their attention the most. Out of the options provided, truck performance, safety and battery technology are currently coming out on top in some way.

Whilst safety is to be expected when there is a whole host of legislation to be compliant with, the presence of battery technology in that list suggests that people are looking towards the future and potentially considering the now-announced 2030 legislation. Our emphasis on the future there is largely down to the indication from the results that of those interested in battery technology, only 60% are actually using electric trucks as part of their material handling equipment at the moment.

Malcolm Mitchell from Amvar agreed that this is something to be paying close attention to, saying that "battery technology is the number one issue right now in my opinion, and finding energy solutions for our customers is a priority".

Ian Coulman from Carrylift Group said that ''innovations in battery technology are increasing the number of low maintenance options available with innovations such as lithium-ion. These innovations will increase the percentage of users of electric trucks, who will be able to adapt their fleets in line with the new 2030 legislation.'' 

So what happens next?

Ultimately, doing the research and considering future costs and impact on the business can really save you money. It's good to see that whilst the cost of the truck is (and no doubt always will be) an important element of the purchase, it's certainly not the be-all and end-all.

All of this said, we are looking forward to hearing more opinions to really gain a broad picture of the current state of material handling. The final report will go into more depth on the findings from the survey, seeking to provide advice on the areas which are most needed and you can influence what that actually looks like.

Download the TCO guide to reduce your operational costs today

Material Handling // 3 min read
convenience: