Sending wine all over South Africa and to more than 35 countries around the world, Robertson Winery in the Breede River Valley requires round-the-clock reliability in the logistics department. To help meet tough distribution demands, the winery has invested in next-generation Hyster electric forklift technology from Barloworld Handling.
The most recent forklift upgrade at Robertson Winery, one of the largest wine producers in South Africa, involved 13 two-ton Hyster J2.0XN machines acquired on an 84-month full-maintenance rental contract. The winery also uses two previously acquired 2.5 ton Hyster ACX forklifts fitted with push-pull attachments for container loading, and a 1.75 ton Hyster on short-term rental.
Robertson Winery was the first South African company to acquire forklifts from the new Hyster JXN electric range - testament to its experience of Hyster and Barloworld Handling over the past ten years.
The forklifts are delivering the goods in all aspects of operations, from moving dry goods to the storage and dispatch of wine.
Zero turn
The Hyster JXN series incorporates a range of next-generation productivity-enhancing features. These include a zero-turn capability that is an industry first for four-wheel machines at the lighter end of the counterbalanced scale.
The new Zero Turning Radius steer axle means that the rear wheels are able to turn more than 90 degrees. This, in combination with separate drive motors mounted on each of the front wheels, enables the truck to turn within its own circle like a three-wheel machine while delivering greater stability over uneven surfaces.
Together with the compact JXN chassis design, the Zero Turning Radius axle enables fast manoeuvring in tight aisles or congested loading bays to speed up load handling.
Ergonomics
Hyster designed the JXN operating environment to maintain comfort and performance for an entire shift. Features include a full suspension seat to enhance ride comfort and reduce whole-body vibration levels, maximum forward and fork tip visibility, a ‘heads-up' information display, easy on-off access, more than ample foot space and a fully adjustable steering column.
Almost maintenance-free components such as wet disc brakes and brushless AC motors mean that JXN trucks require a full service check only after 1000 hours, while serviceability is excellent.
CANbus electronic management provides for longer shift life and improved efficiencies. Increased driver productivity, a longer battery shift life and low maintenance costs all contribute to a lower cost-of-ownership on these machines.
Barloworld Handling's aim is to provide customers with a total solution to their materials handling needs, and the company seems to have succeeded at Robertson Winery.
