One of the UK’s most innovative shoring specialists – National Trench Safety Ltd (UK) – partner with Windsor Materials Handling to upgrade their diesel-powered forklifts as they undertook a strategic transition from diesel to electric-powered forklifts in pursuit of their commitment to moving towards a “net zero” carbon footprint.
This along with the rising costs of diesel, NTS have been considering equipment upgrades that align with improved operational efficiencies, cost savings and reduced environmental impact and as such have been working with Kieran Douglas, sales manager at our Wakefield branch, to achieve their strategic obligations.
“Without question, adaptation made within operations like NTS are based on three core decision making principles that don’t come without their challenges. It was important that the appropriate due diligence was conducted before any change was implemented, and Windsor’s approach wholly supported this”; comments Patrick Flannery.
Technological advancements in both lead acid and lithium powered equipment have led to a significant shift in consumers opting for the electric powered alternative to the historically favoured IC counterpart. To this end, due to demanding site conditions, NTS could not compromise on shift run times, reliability or durability so these were all important considerations when going through the varying options available to them.
Once we have identified that operational efficiencies can be maintained, if not improved, we then look to cost implications to see if running costs and total cost of ownership can be reduced.
Kieran Douglas comments; “Initial conversations took place with Patrick Flannery and Karl Clayton where the introduction of electric was first muted. Working with the team, we collated information regarding the trucks runtime & carried out a site survey, where from here we provided a fuel calculation along with total cost of ownership which showed big cost savings.”
Once this had been identified, the next step was to look at both lead acid and lithium options and given the requirements of this truck, lead acid was the preferred choice; with a lower upfront cost, the ability to withstand their operational requirement along with a well-established recycling infrastructure.
Kieran goes onto say; “At Windsor, we are fortunate enough to have access to demo equipment across our entire core product range which allows customers to see whether or not there will be an operational impact when making the switch. After a successful demo of a STILL RX60-80 paired with a Fronius charger it was found that the truck was more than capable of handling the sites runtime & the truck could withstand the challenging site conditions.”
“The demo was so successful that it was decided that two trucks would be ordered with the second truck being utilised at their new Coventry facility. We provided short-term electric options to operate on site until the new units were delivered.”
The STILL RX60-80 delivers powerful acceleration and lifting capabilities, ensuring optimal efficiency in material handling operations. Constructed with robust materials, the forklift excels in challenging environments, providing a long-lasting and reliable performance.
Advanced safety features, including stability control and ergonomic design, contribute to a secure working environment for operators. The forklift’s versatility makes it suitable for a wide range of applications that are demanded in this fast-paced business.
Complementing the electric forklifts, Windsor Materials Handling recommended the Fronius battery charger for its efficiency, reliability, and advanced charging technology. Fronius chargers are renowned for their robust construction, ensuring durability in demanding industrial environments.
The charger is designed to be energy-efficient, contributing to reduced operational costs over time. They also utilise intelligent charging algorithms, optimising the charging process and extending the overall lifespan of the batteries. With an intuitive interface simplifies operation, enhancing the overall charging experience for NTS operators.
The collaboration between Windsor and NTS resulted in a successful transition from diesel to electric forklifts, achieving substantial fuel savings and cost reductions. The adoption of the STILL RX60-80 and Fronius charger actively supports NTS in their mission to achieve net-zero emissions, showcasing Windsor Materials Handling’s commitment to delivering sustainable and high-performance materials handling solutions.
This case study exemplifies Windsor Materials Handling’s ability to understand and address the unique needs of our clients, providing not only reliable equipment but also contributing to their broader sustainability objectives. We are proud to be part of National Trench Safety’s journey toward a greener and more sustainable future.
