Empty Container Handler for Clydeport

Sept. 24, 2010 - PRLog -- Clydeport has taken delivery of a new Hyster empty container handler for its Greenock ocean terminal from long term supplier Barloworld Handling, who also supplies forklifts for its forest products operation.

As Scotland’s major west coast port operator, Clydeport’s core business is the management of the River Clyde and the provision of port facilities and services.  Its Greenock Ocean Terminal (GOT) is a sheltered, deep water port with purpose-built container terminal which is the main container port for Glasgow and surrounding areas.  It also handles forest products and services for cruise ships.

The port’s materials handling supplier Barloworld Handling has recently delivered a new Hyster empty container handler H18.00XM-12EC to support its growing import and export operation, which expects an annual container throughput of 80,000TEUs.

Andrew Hemphill, general manager at the Greenock operation explains “The empty container handler is critical to our port operation, so we researched numerous vendors to ensure we selected the best product and service combination”.  Engineers from Clydeport visited Hyster’s factory in the Netherlands to evaluate the product quality and, he adds “We also reviewed the service currently received by Barloworld, which has always been excellent”.

The Hyster H18.00XM-12EC empty container handler is now operating over 70 hours a week in the intense container operation, and is expected to stack typically 5 high, providing the flexibility to go higher if required. The exceptionally strong mast is fitted with a spreader featuring quick release floating twistlocks enabling the port to handle containers of all sizes.

“The stability of the mast is excellent, giving our drivers confidence to stack accurately and quickly” he says.  “It is also fast to lift and travel, so our drivers are definitely able to do more in an hour”.  The truck features high performance hydraulics and a powerful powertrain, helping to deliver the class leading lift speeds required by Clydeport.

The rear-mounted “Vista” cab is a comfortable environment providing excellent container visibility for the driver at all times and the clean running Cummins diesel engine has proven to deliver lower fuel consumption than previous models. The Hyster empty container handler also features engine and transmission protection systems, a robust drive-axle, advanced auto-shift transmission and oil-immersed brakes to ensure maximum reliability and a low cost of operation.  

Barloworld engineers provide local dedicated service support for the empty container handler with full parts support and training.

“We already had a positive experience of smaller Hyster forklift trucks in our warehouse, which have proven to be tough and reliable” he adds.  In addition to the feeder service (that connect with deep-sea services in Southampton, Liverpool, Belfast, Bristol, Dublin, Bilbao, Antwerp and Rotterdam) GOT also handles forest products.

Paper reels arrive almost daily on ships from Scandinavia which are then stored in a warehouse next to the quayside.  A fleet of H5.5FT Fortens Advance forklifts fitted with paper clamps help store, stack and transport the reels which can weigh up to 2,800kg.  The 5,500kg capacity trucks are fitted with single or double reel handlers which help to significantly improve productivity.  Rotating clamps are also used for loading lorries where the reels are laid horizontally.

“The Hyster Fortens trucks are highly reliable in this tough application with few suppliers able to match the high capacity lift on such small chassis” he adds, explaining that the trucks are fitted with scanners and stock damage is minimal thanks to the return to set tilt function for the mast.  The Fortens trucks also feature oil-immersed brakes and the unique ‘Duramatch’ transmission, helping to reduce tyre and brake wear and maintain a low cost of operation.  When handling timber products, the paper handling attachments are easily exchanged to standard forks.  

“Reliable Hyster products combined with exceptional service from Barloworld has proven to be an excellent combination for Clydeport, so that we can concentrate on delivering leading port services in Scotland” Andrew concludes.

To find out more about Barloworld, call 0800 137 449 or visit www.barloworld.co.uk
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NOTES TO EDITORS
Barloworld is the largest independent distributor of lift trucks in the world with operations covering the UK, Holland, Belgium, South Africa and the US (South East).  As the UK’s exclusive distributor of Hyster equipment since 1956, Barloworld maintains nearly 25,000 lift trucks in all types of UK industry.  

Barloworld provides a complete range of counterbalance and warehousing equipment with superior support, advice and value added services through its network of 1,000 support staff including 500 engineers nationwide.
Visit www.barloworld.co.uk


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MOLOKINI MARKETING LTD
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Barloworld is the largest independent distributor of lift trucks in the world with operations covering the UK, Holland, Belgium, South Africa and the US (South East). As the UK’s exclusive distributor of Hyster equipment since 1956, Barloworld maintains nearly 25,000 lift trucks in all types of UK industry.
Barloworld provides a complete range of counterbalance and warehousing equipment with superior support, advice and value added services through its network of 1,000 support staff including 500 engineers nationwide.
Visit www.barloworld.co.uk