Aisle-Masters save space for Yearsley Logistics

In order to ensure maximum pallet density in what is a much more cost intensive operation than ambient warehousing, Yearsley Logistics chose two cold store models from articulated forklift manufacturer Aisle-Master to work in the Hams Hall site. They have replaced a mix of counterbalance and reach trucks and their narrow aisle capability has enabled the pallet count to be increased from 3,800 to 4,500.

“The ability of the trucks to work in aisle-widths of just 2000mm and to a top bay height of 6650mm has allowed us to exploit every inch of our cold storage space,” says Nigel Wilson, General Manager at Hams Hall.

The Aisle-Master cold store model, which won the 2013 UK FLTA Award for Innovation, was developed in collaboration with major names in the sector and as such is engineered to cope easily with the exacting demands the cold environment makes on machines and operators alike. Bar code scanners can be used from within the fully enclosed heated cab against a specifically allocated area of the glass screen, enabling operators to carry out all necessary tasks without leaving the comfort of the warm workstation.

Extremely cold environments can affect battery performance, but the powerful 930 amp batteries fitted into the Aisle-Masters are more than up to the job, enabling the trucks to work 24/7 to accord with Yearsley Logistics’ delivery schedules. With two batteries allocated to each truck and quick and easy changeover carried out with a pallet truck, minimal operational interruption is ensured.