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FORKLIFT USER EP BARRUS
Page 50
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Bieester-based EP Barrus is the sole UK importer and distributor of a range of leading brands in the marine, garden machinery, industrial engines, vehicles and motorcycle markets.
Serving its nationwide group of 1,500 specialist dealers is a small fleet of delivery vehicles. Seven are equipped with Moffett truck-mounted forklifts. and these are expensive extras on more expensive vehicles.
With nearly 15 years' experience using them, company transport manager Rob Malone regards them as a fantastic concept (due to reduced driver delivery time and improved customer service) without which he certain many fleets would struggle. However, Malone is convinced that if total vehicle and equipment reliability is to be guaranteed long term and in all weathers, then refurbishing is by far the best option financially and economically. Of his Moffetts, with ages ranging from seven to 15 years old, four of the eldest have been refurbished, and are all performing well. The last one, completed by Loadmac, was the best job to date, with a quick, fourweek turnaround and an excellent paint finish reported.
Now, his TMF repair and maintenance contract and their total refurbishment is handled by Loadmac, which, he says, gives great communication, flexibility, excellent customer service and attention to detail.
Under a 10-year policy, the vehicles are taken off the road, stripped down to the chassis and refurbished with a fresh mast, new lift bearings, bushes, hydraulic hoses and so on.
"When they're returned, they look brand new," he says. "Yes, it costs close to £12,000, but we get a top-quality job and another eight to 10 years out of them."
Having suffered from a parts shortage in the past, his spare Moffett machine now stays at Loadmac, "It's always clean and roadworthy, so when one needs repairing or is due for a service," he says, "we simply change them over."
All his drivers are trained and licensed to National Plant Operators Registration Scheme standards and receive refresher training every two years.
But not everything is all roses being at the rear, the units are exposed to rain, salt, grime and flying debris, which can damage the wiring, switches, lights and inter-connecting sockets, so machines need washing down at every opportunity, and given regular preventative maintenance.
"They're a valuable hard-working asset that if kept clean and well-maintained will serve you well," Malone says, but he warns: "Neglect them at your peril."