Fleet Handling Network Spring 2025 by Fleet Transport

The Irish Magazine for the Materials Handling, Warehousing & Logistics Sectors

Moffett Engineering owner Hiab, part of Cargotec, has secured significant orders in the USA for its truck-mounted forklift and HIAB loader crane. Two large home improvement segment customers placed a supply deal for the Dundalk built Moffett “Mountys’ worth a combined value of €19.5 million. In a separate order, a roofing and building material distributor ordered Moffetts and HIABs for a total value of €5.9 million. The orders were booked in Q4, 2024 with deliveries scheduled to commence during this year.

Hiab has maintained long-standing partnerships with all three customers, having been an integral part of their US-wide operations as an equipment and service provider for years.

The truck-mounted forklifts units on order are part of the Moffett M8 NX

Range. With a lifting capacity of up to 3,500 kg, the M8 NX can transfer heavy loads quickly and safely even across challenging terrain, while still being compact enough to be carried on almost any truck or trailer. The M8 NX is available with a wide range of options and attachments, including 4-way steering for negotiating tight access areas with long loads.

“We are happy to once again deliver on the needs of three of our long-standing partners in the home improvement segment in the US. Moffett has been a preferred product for its versatility and applications in all kinds of different scenarios related to home improvement projects, among others. Our technology integrations, enhanced safety features and improved ergonomic design continue to provide best-in-class

options for our customers,” said Bryan Rupert, Business Line Director, Moffett Truck Mounted Forklifts, Hiab USA. The ordered Hiab loader cranes comprise four models from the heavy range portfolio (30–100Tm) with the majority of the units being Hiab K-HiPro 425. The cranes have the HiPro advanced remote controlled system for optimalprecision, performance, safety and full remote control over the toughest jobs in construction and other industries.

“Hiab’s long-standing partnership with all three customers highlights our deep understanding of their needs in the US market. The established relationship provides a strong foundation for future collaboration and growth,” said Pauliina Kunvik, Senior Vice President Sales and Services, North America, Hiab.

Forklift safety is paramount in materials handling. As with other mobile and industrial equipment, lift truck operations may carry an inherent risk of incidents, particularly when proper maintenance and operation are neglected. This can lead to damages and downtime, as well as injuries. Figures show that transport and handling equipment contribute to a considerable proportion of non-fatal and fatal workplace accidents.

Hyster, together with its dealers, is committed to help identify the steps to take to reduce certain risks around forklift incidents in a particular application. That’s why its new freeof-charge forklift incident checklist download covers common forklift incident risks and considerations that may help support company’s safety processes.

To download the Hyster Forklift Risk Checklist, log-on to: https://www.hyster. com/en-gb/emea/support-resources/blog/ forklift-risk-checklist--download-from-hyster-now/

The checklist covers considerations such as:

n Collisions – considerations for your warehouse space and for training

n Fall from a height – ways to help minimise risk

n Forward tilt – avoid risk with correct operation and supervision

n Technical malfunction – service and maintenance may play a part in safety

n Falling loads – accommodating forklift traffic

n Tip over – site layout can affect risk

n Physical injuries – points for operators and pedestrians

By downloading the Hyster Forklift

Safety Checklist, you can take proactive steps to underpin safe forklift operating practices in your tough handling operations. Ideal for managers, supervisors, trainers, and operators alike, the checklist can be a valuable tool as part of your existing protocols for identifying potential hazards and establishing which safety measures and initiatives are put into place.

“Support operational safety, every shift’

In Europe, the largest share of all fatal accidents at work took place while people were driving or on board transport or handling equipment (17.2 %). Losing control of machines, tools, or transport and handling equipment is also the leading cause of both non-fatal and fatal accidents, accounting for 25.7 % of the latter in the EU. This highlights how safety requires constant focus and attention from lift truck operators, pedestrians, supervisors, and managers alike.

To help tough materials handling applications that are focused on forklift safety, Hyster has a range of free-ofcharge posters. Download, print and place them in your office, break room, plant, or industrial warehouse as a handy reminder of best practice for your team.

n Reduce the Risk of 7 Types of Forklift Incidents – Use this poster as a visual reminder of some of the different types of forklift incidents and steps you can take to reduce risk. Relevant for managers as well as operators.

n Forklift safety tips – Tackle complacency and keep safety front of mind for operators. This safety-themed poster has a range of essential forklift operation safety

Safety in focus at Hyster Forklifts

tips. It can be an ideal recap, even for experienced operators.

n Pedestrian safety tips – Safety in forklift operations involves more than just the operator. This poster is an ideal prompt to help your wider team stay focused on safety and understand how operators and pedestrians can work safely together.

Download the poster via: https:// www.hyster.com/en-gb/emea/support-resources/safety-and-training/forklift-safety-tips/

‘Safety when the going gets tough’

When safety is your focus, solutions from Hyster can help, even in the harshest and most demanding industrial operations. Get access to more downloadable resources, advice, and tough Hyster solutions, sspeak to your local Hyster dealer for advice on optimising your lift truck operations to align with your safety objectives and processes.

New Tilt-able Crane Fork from Palfinger

A new innovative tilt-able crane fork from palfinger enables precise materials handling transport to great heights and hard-to-reach areas – ideal for work in tightly built-up areas.

For the first time in the European market, a tilt-able crane fork is available that can be fully integrated into the crane system’s overload function, setting new standards in efficiency and safety. It can be quickly and easily mounted on all Palfinger TEC Loader Cranes. Whether in construction, transport and logistics, or infrastructure projects, many industries face the challenge of making building materials usable at great heights. With its tilt-able crane fork, Palfinger now offers an entirely new, innovative solution for the fast and straightforward transport of both palletised and non-palletised materials directly to their destination, such as upper floors. Thanks to its thoughtful geometry and flexibility, loads can be positioned through almost any opening. Lifting materials through façade openings like doors or windows minimises effort and saves valuable time. It eliminates the need for disassembly work on railings or cladding and renders the risky manual pulling of materials obsolete. This advantage enables precise and efficient work, even through the smallest window openings. Temporary platforms or balconies with questionable

load capacities are no longer required as drop-off points.

F UNCTIONAL AND F LE x I b LE IN U SE

The new tilt-able crane fork stands out with its significantly lower overall height compared to other models available on the market. Additional flexibility and safety are ensured by the highly precise hydraulic control of the tilt angle and the integrated strap that secures loads quickly and easily, regardless of their size. The crane fork is mounted on the respective fly jib of the TEC loader crane using the multifunction adapter (MFA) and connected hydraulically. It is compatible with all currently available TEC loader crane models equipped with the Paltronic 180 control system. The tilt-able crane fork is offered in combination with the proven standard pallet fork upper parts PZP-H and PZP-V, ensuring maximum flexibility and application possibilities.

Fork) software function integrates the crane fork into the overload system of TEC loader cranes. In case of an overload, the remote control provides an active warning and allows only movements that reduce the load moment. These clear warnings simplify operation, prevent accidents, and protect the crane, thus increasing its availability.

S ETTIN g N EW S TANDARDS IN S AFETY

As the first and only solution on the European market, the tilt-able crane fork meets the requirements of EN12999, the standard for loader cranes. The specially developed MTCF (Monitor Tilt-able Crane

Ex PERIENCE IT L I v E

Interested parties can test the new crane fork directly at Palfinger or see it in action at the bauma 2025 event in April in Munich, Germany.

Text: Rob van Dieten – rob@fleet.ie

Diversity of Dennison Trailers Delivered!

naas-headquartered Dennison Trailers, which celebrated 60 years in the trade last year has begun 2025 on a really positive note, with a number of fleet sales that particularly demonstrate the versatility and flexibility of the range of design and specification offerings from the long established family owned company.

PRL group Limited, Rathcoole, County Dublin purchased three 4.65m tall sloped roof double deck curtain sides, with 9.1m fixed second deck with a 2.1m lower and 1.4m upper aperture. They have a 44 standard pallet capacity. Other spec details include: Solid rear bulkhead, ENXL Spec curtains, Inner mesh security curtains in three sections, BPW drum brakes on 17.5” wheels, 28mm Keruing Floor on trailer, Fibre grid floor on deck, Ferry lashing rings, Flashing Side Lights, and TPMS (Tyre pressure monitoring).

Two sliding skeletal trailers were supplied to Edward Lundy Haulage, Ballina, County Mayo. They come with a 14-Lock Twist lock configuration for carrying 20’, 30’, 40’, 45’ and a heavy 20’ containers. Included on the specification sheet were BPW drum brakes, Knorr Bremse EBS, Flashing Side Lights and TPMS, with the trailers tried and tested on the Dennison roller.

Longwood Transport, Enfield, County Meath bought this new 4.25m curtainsider which meets full ENXL specification. It is fitted with BPW drum brakes, 28mm Keruing Floor with omega profile, Side guard infill plates, Flashing Side Lights and TPMS. The new semi-trailer was collected by the firm’s brand new Scania 660 S unit.

Three new 12.2m long Drop Frame Platform trailers have gone into operation at Keegan Quarries, Keegan Quarries, County Meath, fitted with 4 Twist Locks for a 20’ rack to carry concrete, BPW drum brakes and 19.5” wheels, Wabco Brake system with Suspension raise lower valve, Flashing Side Lights, TPMS and Ships Ferry Rings.

“These new trailers have joined the Keegan fleet alongside two similar units, supplied in 2006 which are still going strong,” according to David Dennison, Director, Dennison Trailers.

Finalists announced for IFOY Awards 2025

The International Forklift & Intralogisitics (IFOY) organization has announced the nominations for the IFOY Awards 2025. From a total of 49 products submitted, 21 devices and solutions of 15 intralogistics providers across six countries have made it to the final in Dortmund. The nominated innovations include entries from aluco, EP Equipment Germany, Exotec, Geekplus Europe, HUBTEX, Interroll, Jungheinrich, Logitrans, PLANCISE, STILL and Verity.

In the “IFOY Start-up of the Year” spin-off award, Blickfeld, ecoro, enabl and Filics are in the running for the coveted title.

Six weeks of intensive work by the IFOY organization, test teams and the international jury (with Fleet Transport/Handling Network, representing Ireland) went into selecting the finalists. “Never before have there been so many applications, and the selection process has rarely been so demanding. All 21 nominated products and solutions are among the very best in the world of intralogistics. They impress with pioneering technologies, practical application and outstanding customer benefits. The IFOY audit will show who is ahead,” says Anita Würmser, Chairwoman of the IFOY jury. She expects tough discussions in the jury sessions before the eight winner trophies are awarded on July 3 in Dortmund’s Phoenix des Lumières.

N OMINATIONS FOR IFOY 2025 AWARDS

Categories and Products Shortlisted for the International Forklift & Intralogistics Awards 2025

COUNTER bALANCED T RUCK

EP Equipment: X Mover

Jungheinrich - EFG 425

EP Equipment: EFL 10t High Voltage WAREHOUSE T RUCK

JungheinrichETV 214i

EXP15

STILL - FM-X iGo

Logitrans - LogiRobot

Geekplus Europe - RoboShuttle 11

Geekplus Europe - SkyCube

Geekplus Europe - G-Plan

Jungheinrich & MHP @ Wildeboer

*Full details on each nominee will feature in the next edition.

Text: Jarlath Sweeney - editor@fleet.ie

Verity Inventory Tracking System at Ingka Group

Geekplus Europe - Roboshuttle + P40 Tote-to-Person Solution with Dr. Max Italy

S PECIAL OF THE YEAR

Interroll - MCP PLAY

aluco STRIX

IFOY S TART - UP OF THE YEAR

Filics Unit

enabl Technologies - Forklift Remote Automation

ecoro P2X

Blickfield - QbProtect

Materials Handling industry continues to invest and innovate

While 2024 was challenging for the European materials handling sector in terms of sales growth, it was also a year of significant innovation with a strong focus on digitisation, AI, automation and sustainability. It also saw several major forklift brands add additional electric models to their materials handling ranges to satisfy the demand for eco-friendly equipment. partially due to a slowdown in the Chinese economy, 2024 was also a year when producers from Asia became even more visible on the European market, offering Lithium powered machines at very competitive prices. Distributors for the established brands are introducing additional ‘low cost’ alternatives to their product offering, to ensure they can provide both premium and ‘basic’ machines, depending on the customer’s application and budget. From an Irish perspective the outlook for 2025 is generally positive as the overall economy remains strong, with the construction, manufacturing and IT sectors continuing to drive demand. Industry expert Joe O’Brien takes a look at the continuous evolution of products and services from the main stakeholders.

Since its introduction to the market, BYD has continued to evolve its electric forklift range to meet the demands of its European customers. Ranging in capacity from 1.6-tonnes to 8-tonnes, BYD trucks are all powered by patented Lithium Iron-Phosphate Battery Technology. For customers seeking to transition to electric from traditional gas or diesel-powered internal combustion (IC) forklifts, the competitively priced BYD SEF35 counterbalance forklift truck represents value for money. With a single drive motor delivering torque to the

wheels, it has been configured to feel like an IC forklift truck, while benefiting from being a zero-emission vehicle, which is quieter and more energy-efficient. BYD offers industry-leading battery warranty as the new BYD ECB25i and ECB35i come with an eight-year (or 15,000 hours) warranty.

www.electricforkliftsireland.com

COMBILIFT

Combilift’s status as a leading global manufacturer continues to grow and was recognised by winning multiple awards in 2024, including Irish Exporter of the Year for a third time. New product development remains the driving force and the Combi-CB70E is a further addition to Combilift’s ever growing range of electric models which offer sustainability, powerful performance, extensive battery life and excellent ergonomics. This model, boasts the distinction of being the most compact 7-tonne capacity counterbalance truck on the market whilst also benefiting from multidirectional capability, enabling the versatile space saving handling of both long and bulky loads.

www.combilift.com

Based in Portadown and Dublin, Clearlift offers the EP Equipment EFL Series. With models such as the EFL181, EFL201, and EFL203(P), these lithium-ion

forklifts are designed for a range of operational requirements, from compact warehouse spaces to large-scale industrial applications.

The EFL181 is a compact, four-wheel forklift engineered to meet the demands of businesses transitioning from outdated internal combustion models. The machine is fitted with an integrated on-board charger and can connect to any standard outlet, facilitating seamless charging without additional infrastructure.

The EFL201 can lift up to 2000 kg and is fitted with a fast-charging 80V lithium-ion battery for longer operating hours, reducing the frequency of charge cycles. The EFL203(P) is designed to handle rigorous tasks in industries such as manufacturing or multi-shift logistics.

www.clearlift.ie

HYSTE r

Hyster recently launched a new ‘2-in-1’ truck combining the benefits of both a Low Level Order Picker and a ride on Pallet Truck. The Hyster Order Picker enables manufacturing sites and warehouses to use the same truck for picking up loads and then place them directly into the back of a truck or trailer. Likewise, they can carry out unloading and put loads away, without the need to switch to a different type of forklift. The Hyster LO2.0-3.0P Order Picker Pallet Truck can lift up to 3-tonnes with good ground clearance which enhances use on ramps. Integrated lights, ergonomic handles with lift / lower auxiliary buttons and different drive modes further improve the operator experience.

www.briggsequipment.ie

HYU n DAI MATE r IAL H A n DLI ng

HD Hyundai Xitesolution recently unveiled the new BE-X range of electric forklifts trucks. The compact BE-X trucks

BYD

feature a drive axle with a 12% energy efficiency enhancement, compared to the previous B-9F machine. This single drive system has a low noise output and a single-drive axle with an IP54 rated motor, which allows outdoor use in bad weather. The deep drop frame delivers a low centre of gravity, with batteries positioned between the front and rear wheels. The BE-X range can be supplied with a lead acid battery or LiFePo4 lithium-ion. A 48V 600Ah battery pack powers the 25BE-X, with an 80V, 500Ah battery for the two larger models. The BE-X forklifts have an anti-roll back system to prevent the machine from rolling down an incline when the accelerator or brake pedals are not applied.

www.masterlift.ie

J U ng HEI nr ICH

Jungheinrich’s innovative EJC 112i electric high-lifter was honoured with the prestigious award in the IFOY “Warehouse Truck high-lifter” category in 2024. The German global leader installed lithium-ion battery modules in the truck, which are much smaller than conventional lead-acid batteries. The EJC 112i with a 100 Ah battery has an L2 dimension of just 604 mm, making it 19 mm shorter than the most compact competitor trucks. The result is a turning radius that enables users to manoeuvre the vehicle precisely and safely, in narrow aisles and tight storage areas. By optimising the vehicle’s centre of gravity, the EJC 112i now has a residual load capacity of 650 kg at 4.70 metres.

www.jungheinrich.ie

Linde Material Handling (MH) is replacing its existing range of electric forklifts with a total of 26 new three- and four-wheel truck models with load capacities ranging from 1.0 to 2.0 tonnes. The new range is aimed at the largest market segment of all industrial truck classes, comprised three- and four-wheel electric forklifts with a load range of up to 2- tonnes. The new trucks have been designed to offer significant enhancements in ergonomics and performance including integrated Lithium-ion batteries. The upgraded trucks have also been developed to operate in challenging environmental conditions such as extreme temperatures, dust and dirt.

www.linde-mh.ie

The all-new ESSENTiAL models from Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks is a cost effective entry-level range. Comprising pallet trucks, stackers and mini order pickers, the line-up is described as “straightforward, streamlined, and intuitive for operators.” ESSENTiAL mini order pickers, with their stable mast design and easy-to-use fingertip controls, offer a safe and productive alternative to ladders, with lift height up 5m. The range also includes the ESSENTiAL stacker models for light stacking duties with lift heights up to 3.3m. The compact design is perfect for narrow warehouse aisles and confined spaces such as lifts, mezzanines, and delivery vans.

www.henley.ie

2024 was another milestone year for Dundalk based Moffett Engineering, who produced truck mounted forklift unit number 100,000 in 2024. The entire range is now available in engine powered and fully electric versions including the MOFFETT E8 NX for heavy-duty tasks. Lifting up to 3500 kg, it masters both rough terrain and difficult to reach job sites – transferring loads quickly and safely through busy yards and building sites. Because it’s an all-electric forklift, it’s perfect for use in Low Emission Zones and places where noise is a concern – like residential areas, and night time deliveries.

www.hiab.com/products/truck-mounted-forklifts

The latest Toyota BT Staxio li-ion-powered stand-in stacker SSI200D was a recent winner in the iF Design Awards in 2024. The electro-powered stacker is more compact and manoeuvrable than a conventional forklift. For smooth warehouse operations, camera technologies, cutting edge computing and A.I. make it possible to teach the machine to detect people and objects, make independent decisions and determine action priority, by assessing situations and react accordingly in real time. Drivers of the Staxio benefit from a newly designed operator compartment with improved ergonomics for better comfort and productivity.

www.toyota-forklifts.ie

Text: Joe O’Brien - contributor@fleet.ie

M ITSUBISHI F O rk LIFTS

M OFFETT Eng I n EE r I ng

TOYOTA MATE r IALS H A n DLI ng

2025 will be a tricky year for Irish Supply Chains

Managing Supply Chains has always had its challenges, but there are several issues out there that will make doing so in 2025 particularly difficult.

Following the partial re-opening of Holyhead Port, ferry services on the Irish Sea have returned to normal volumes, if not schedules. Until the second berth at the Welsh Port is repaired there remain considerable risks of delays particularly in times of high winds. A further issue for hauliers is the fact that, with such intensive use of the only operational berth, the time that can be allocated to each vessel is restricted. This has put the operation of unaccompanied trailer services under pressure, with many hauliers having to switch to operating in the more expensive driver-accompanied mode. This will inevitably lead to higher freight costs for cargo owners.

The availability of capacity on Dublin/ Liverpool services is likely to increase during 2025 as will capacity on Stena Line’s Belfast/Heysham service following the introduction of new vessels.

Sticking with ferries, significant events during 2025 will include the introduction of rail services from Cherbourg and Dunkirk which can carry trailers and containers to and from Iberia and Central Europe. The flood of early year announcements included new and improved ferry services from French, Spanish and Italian ports to a range of destinations along the entire North African coast and Turkey. The introduction of these services by the major European Ferry Companies is in response to the growth of “near-shoring” by manufacturing and distribution companies throughout Europe, mainly in response to growing uncertainties about supply chains linking Europe and Asia.

This same move is also being supported by the development of TransMediterranean Lo-Lo container shipping services and of container services linking the region with British and Irish Ports. These are likely to become increasingly important for shipment of cargo in temperature-controlled containers.

For cargo owners exporting or importing goods from further afield, particularly Asia, 2025 remains a challenging year. The same may also be said for traders with the USA. In the Asian case the immediate issue is whether the major container carriers will return to use the Suez Canal rather than using the significantly longer route round the Cape of Good Hope. At the time of writing the signals are good that this will happen within weeks rather than months. For the shipping lines switching services to the more direct route is far from a simple matter. The shorter transit time will lead to significant port congestion both in Asia and at the European hub ports. Already transit via Rotterdam has been subject to congestion and the schedule changes are likely to make this more significant. Some Lines involved in traffic to and from Ireland have already switched to putting the Irish containers on sailings that call at Antwerp and other less congested ports. The switch back to Suez Canal transit should enable the carriers to reduce the ocean freight rates and surcharges to cargo owners in the hope of stimulating traffic growth.

A shorter transit time on a particular route reduces the Line’s requirement for vessels and this will happen just as a significant flood of new, more environmentally friendly, and cheaper to operate vessels come into service.

For cargo owners involved in shipping using transatlantic services the implications of President Trump’s trade philosophy may take longer to show. Matters between the US East Coast Dockworkers and their employers appear to have been resolved, and all ports are operating normally. The new agreement would appear to allow the introduction of more technology in port operations, leading to more efficiency and lower costs.

In February the existing marketing and operational alliances between the major Deep-sea container shipping lines come to an end and are being replaced by new ones. This is likely to mean that, particularly in Asia, there will be much more use made of feeder services operating a “hub-and-spoke” operation through major ports.

2025 will be a year of continuous change in Supply Chain for all cargo owners.

Text: Howard Knott – howard@fleet.ie

Sustainable Fleet Operations

Supporting fuel performance & ESG Reporting

Prepare your fleet for a sustainable future.

Maximise Cost Savings & ESG Compliance with our Training Course. Act for a Greener Fleet Operations Future.

Futureproof your commercial fleet operation, stay ahead of the curve, gain a competitive advantage, minimise exposure to financial and operational risks ensuring sustainability for the future.