When New World Timber Frame was looking for an upgrade to its forklift fleet, a number of specific environmental criteria had to be considered, balanced by the company’s needs for hi-tech, versatile, reliable and efficient equipment.

Materials handling specialist Loadmac, which manufactures truck-mounted forklifts and multi-directional forklifts, met the challenge and supplied New World Timber Frame with one of its most advanced machines.

New World Timber Frame’s investment in multi-directional forklifts was part of a major programme of investment and growth which involved the company relocating to new modern premises to handle increased demand, and installing hi-tech sawing and cutting equipment. The new facilities mean easier access for deliveries and collection and the Loadmac forklift is further enhancing developments.

Loadmac is a relatively new player in the materials handling business, but is headed and owned by experienced specialists and support team.

Environmental policy

Loadmac’s technical specification team worked closely with New World Timber in designing and developing a machine to provide the precise capabilities required to maximise timber movement around the company’s busy facility in Saffron Walden. The company prides itself on its environmentally-friendly approach to timber frame construction with all its timber sourced from well-managed forests and the utmost care is taken when selecting the products.

This ethos was a driving factor behind ensuring its materials handling package also satisfied sustainability criteria.

Loadmac’s powerful V40 LPG has a lift capacity of 4000kg, making it ideal for moving and manoeuvring large timber frame components around the yard. Gas powered, it is low on emissions so is more environment friendly and means staff aren’t exposed to harmful fumes in the workplace. The LPG engine is also quieter than a diesel version – important for long-term operator use and for those working close to the machine.

Awkward spaces

“Our new V40 formed part of a major investment in our facilities. It was important to get the specification right,” said director Chris Stringer. “It is a powerful workhorse of a machine – easily manoeuvring between narrow aisles in the yard while transporting 15m-long beams with ease. It was vital that we had the capability to effortlessly manoeuvre around awkward spaces – while fully loaded. Often the machines would be expected to carry 15m beams through a 4m gap. Because the wheels can move in all four directions, we can cope easily and safely. Customer service and overall efficiency are extremely important to us. The new Loadmac V40 is helping us to maximise this.”

Loadmac, based in Rugby, manufactures a variety of multi-directional forklifts fo a broad range of sectors, including timber, steel, extrusions, construction and builders merchants.

Its vehicles feature large, comfortable, heated cabin space, suspended seats, and low-profile exhaust and use all-wheel hydrostatic drive for manoeuvrability on sloping ground. Direct-coupled pumps provide performance without, says Loadmac, the risk of failure associated with belt or shaft connection between the hydrostatic pump and the engine. They also use two-speed drive so they can travel fast in open spaces but be manoeuvred accurately for precision lifting.