Hybrid forkilfts to reduce carbon footprint at ND 13 March 2013

Norbert Dentressangle is replacing 40 forklift trucks (FLTs) during 2013 with a new hybrid drive model that massively reduces fuel consumption and emissions

Following trials at its Northampton, Rowley Regis and Leigh depots last year, Norbert Dentressangle has now taken delivery of 11 STILL RX70 Hybrid Drive LPG forklifts, supplied on a five-year contract hire option.

Simon Tebbs, procurement business partner at Norbert Dentressangle Transport Services, says: "The initial trials demonstrated that the hybrid drive trucks would deliver a significant business improvement, with an average 35% reduction in fuel consumption and, depending on use, some even saw a drop of almost 50%."

And he adds: "The outgoing trucks use 5.4 litres of fuel per hour, whereas the new model uses 2.4 litres per hour, when measured against industry VDI 2198 Standard."

As part of the replacement process, Norbert Dentressangle reviewed several materials handling equipment manufacturers for whole life cost.

Tebbs says the team looked at on-going maintenance, environmental impact, tyre replacement costs, fuel, general reliability, parts pricing, response times (to ensure minimum downtime), effective fleet utilisation, and continuous improvement opportunities.

Brian Tinham

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Still Materials Handling UK Ltd

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