Hans Kohler, a wholesaler specializing in stainless steel, has been optimizing its existing warehouse structure since 2012. However, manual multidirectional forklifts will continue to be used for large sheets and long profiles in the future. "We have greatly reduced the number of forklift trucks we use, but we place even greater value on the quality and accuracy of fit of the remaining trucks," explains Logistics Manager Benno Kündig. Due to the company's continued growth and the rapidly increasing variety of items, the available storage space must be used optimally. This is why Hans Kohler relies on forklifts that "adapt perfectly to the available space and aisle widths", says Kündig.

In addition, the company wanted to concentrate on just one or two suppliers in the area of multidirectional forklifts in order to make it easier for employees to switch quickly between devices. Ultimately, Hubtex was able to convince the Swiss in terms of ergonomics and quality in particular, but also with its extensive modular system, which can also be used to fulfill special requests at an economical cost. Individually adaptable frame widths and different cab variants are available in each performance class. The application-specific assistance systems complete the portfolio. In combination with different frame lengths and battery dimensions, customers can configure their own individual multidirectional forklift truck without it becoming a costly special design.

Hans Kohler has already purchased two MQ40 multidirectional forklifts since 2015, so the steel trader has already been able to gain experience with Hubtex and the Swiss importer Rohrer-Marti. "The forklifts have proven themselves in terms of their productivity and reliability in everyday use," emphasizes Kündig. He is equally impressed with Rohrer-Marti's service: "If an acute technical problem arises, Rohrer-Marti's service technicians are on site at short notice and ensure minimal downtime."

Comprehensive safety equipment

The racking is guided by side-mounted guide rollers and ultrasonic sensors. This enables the vehicles to recognize when they are in the aisle and automatically align the wheels for longitudinal travel. (Image: Hubtex)

The younger of the two MQ40 forklifts dates back to 2017 and has extensive safety features. This includes, for example, two ultrasonic distance sensors that warn the driver of obstacles outside the field of vision. The racking is guided by side-mounted guide rollers and ultrasonic sensors. Thanks to the sensors, the MQ40 "recognizes" as soon as it is in one of the 2.80-metre-wide aisles and then automatically aligns the wheels for longitudinal travel.

The vibration-damped cross-seat cab has an overhead guard made of safety glass. Inside, the cab is painted matt black, which is less distracting for the driver than the standard signal color orange. The air-sprung comfort seat also contributes to the safety of the machine thanks to the integrated seat switch. As soon as you leave the seat, the parking brake is activated. Another very practical feature is the document tray with storage compartment and lid, which keeps the interior of the truck tidy.

The driver can read the current speed and wheel position as well as the selected steering program at any time on the centrally mounted Hubtex information terminal. The high-resolution color graphic display also shows the number of operating hours, maintenance intervals, date and time as well as the remaining capacity of the 48-volt battery. The energy storage unit, which weighs around 1,400 kilograms, has an output of 930 ampere hours and enough power for nine hours of daily use.