With its new NOL10P second-level order picker, Cat® Lift Trucks has expanded the scope for improving their customers’ efficiency and productivity in picking operations. A choice of configurations, including different rising platform heights, also enables them to match the lift truck to meet their specific needs.
The new warehouse equipment is designed to bring a host of benefits to both customers and drivers, including:
Faster picking:
Operators will appreciate quick and easy access to pick at heights of up to 2.8 or 3.4 metres respectively due to the 24V, 1.0 tonne capacity model’s 1.2 or 1.8 metre rising platform, making the order pickers ideal for many warehouse and terminal applications.
LiftComfort, which raises picking containers to a convenient level for rapid transfer of picked items, is standard with the 1.8 metre platform and optional with the other.
Additionally, in order to suit a variety of drivers, jobs and preferences, performance settings can be selected based on four main modes and many of the order picker’s features have been specified to prevent the slowing or interruption of its work. For example, an accurate battery discharge indicator will help in ensuring optimum timing of recharges.
Better control and more comfort:
Drivers will benefit from the advanced, user-friendly interface of the second level order picker which features a two piece control panel. By integrating this into the chassis, our developers have also been able to make the order picker shorter and more compact while optimising the cabin shape and space for driver comfort.
Its right-hand control unit is another feature that advantages the driver as it is ergonomically designed to give excellent anatomical fit, positional adjustment, grip and support for comfortable and precise operation. The driver’s left hand meanwhile rests upon and operates the Midi steering wheel whilst a position- adjustable, sit-on or lean-on cushion is an option on the forklifts with LiftComfort.
Ease of use is also considered by the step height of the order picker - it is the lowest in the market, at 160 mm, (calculations show this saves an average 6,204 m of climbing effort, over a year, compared to competitors.); whilst a whole-floor driver presence sensor, with a cushioned, high-grip mat, adds to the overall comfort as well as permitting safe operation from any standing position. Walk-through access is quick and obstacle-free. In contrast, traditional ‘deadman pedals’ can be tripping hazards and are easy for an order picker’s driver to disable.
Safer driving:
Driver safety is at the centre of our materials handling equipment design and no more so than with these new second level order pickers. Automatic speed reduction is another example of the vehicles’ electronic safeguards. It adjusts travel rate according to the steered wheel angle, to improve stability and safety whilst the driver is carrying out turns and high lifts.
Additionally, a SecurGate side gate system is standard on the 1.8 metre platform and otherwise optional. It reduces fall risk at all heights and prevents the order picker from operating if the gates remain open above 1.2 metres. An option only on the 1.8 metre version is the step-out warning system. This sounds an audible alarm and shows an on-screen message if a gate is open when the platform is above its lowest position.
Primary safety features on the order pickers include the poweRamic mast, which improves the driver’s view for safe, accurate operation. Furthermore, multiple storage compartments have been built into the cabin and as well as keeping the operator’s equipment efficiently close at hand, they prevent clutter which could potentially cause accidents. An optional overhead guard can be added for safety and simple attachment of accessories.
Lower operating costs:
The second level order picker’s drivers and owners benefit from an ATC t4 onboard computer and display. It enables PIN code log-ins, clear status information and fault warnings, quick diagnostics and easy driver settings. Selecting ECO mode slows down operations slightly but typically saves 5 to 6% on energy. There are further enhancements in the lift truck’s AC drive motor technology, which offer greater torque, efficiency and control with minimal maintenance.
Overall with these order pickers, the intention from the developers at Cat Lift Trucks has been to benefit customers by increasing profitability through boosting performance while reducing servicing costs, accidents and energy consumption
