The Flexi range of articulated forklift trucks are the most efficient on the market
The Flexi has been developed specifically to improve storage handling as well as aiding customer order assembly efficiency across manufacturing and logistics. The space-saving potential is demonstrated in the specification data is based on ISO/Euro pallets 1.2 metres deep into the racks, pallet to pallet aisle width.
(AST = load to load dimension in aisle)
| Flexi Articulated VNA Truck | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 90 ° Stacking Aisle | 2 metres | 1.8 metres (-10%) | 3.0 metres (+50%) | 3.5 metres (+75%) | 2.7 metres (+35%) |
| Transfer Aisle | 2.5 metres | 5 metres (+100%) | 3.0 metres (+20%) | 3.5 metres (+40%) | 2.7 metres (+5%) |
| Maximum Lift Height | 15 metres | 16 metres | 14 metres | 7 metres | 6 metres |
| Work Cycle Times (FEM) | 30/35 per hour to loading dock | 25/30 per hour to aisle end (-15%) | 25/30 per hour to loading dock (-15%) | 25/30 per hour to loading dock (+15%) | 25/30 per hour to loading dock (-30%) |
Over 30 years the Flexi range has developed with the help of our customers; there are now six digital models covering a wide range of logistics and warehouse operations. The Flexi front-wheel-drive concept pioneered and developed by Narrow Aisle has become the global industry standard. In fact, all-electric forklift trucks on the global market have adopted twin front-wheel-drive due to its efficiency and stability.
- The Flexi Digital range of VNA reach trucks is supplied with the industry-leading Zapi AC controller and motor technology package for ultra-reliability and low maintenance.
- The Flexi Digital has the best operator visibility on the market with its exclusive ‘HiVIS’ twin post overhead safety guard (CE/EU) and unique four-cylinder ‘VISION’ triplex lift mast both of which are registered designs and greatly add to its popularity with operators.
- The unique ‘True™ Radius’ design of the Flexi chassis means there is no outer radius when turning, this eliminates ‘in aisle’ product or pallet rack damage, again a registered design.
- Cast steel side weights and steel plate rear panel protect the Flexi chassis from accidental damage even in tough warehouse applications.
- The Flexi AC ‘Over Rotation’ feature with up to 230 degrees of articulation means the Flexi driver is able to enter the pallet safely and more quickly on the ‘First Turn’ than any competing models.
- Energy-saving independent power steering motor and ‘whisper’ pump on the Flexi range provides safe predictable steering even when using hydraulic functions, competitors run steering off the large hydraulic lift motor to save cost at the expense of battery energy use and steering control not ideal in very narrow aisles and lift height up to 14 metres.
- The Flexi has three independent braking systems, Digital AC regen motor braking for wear-free service braking and flyback current to the battery, foot pedal operated hydraulic drum brakes for emergency braking, handbrake applied drum brakes for safe parking even on inclines.
- The ‘True™ Radius’ and 220º articulation features eliminate product and pallet rack damage associated with other warehouse trucks, and can reduce the minimum stacking aisle down to 1.6m (ISO pallet 1.0m deep)
- One drive motor rather than two for lower maintenance costs, and reduced battery energy consumption
- Rear-axle width can be specified to suit operating aisle width, increased optimum safe travel speed in both forward and reverse directions
- Traction Battery rear-mounted, low centre of gravity, higher lift heights more capacity possible
- Lift out battery cassette with fork pockets for easy changing, fast, safe multi-shift lift operations
- Straight-line dynamic stability when travelling in reverse, eliminates snaking effect of back wheel motors designs
- No electrical components under the battery, additional forklift not required to access drive components when servicing the truck
- Our customers need the Flexi articulated warehouse truck to operate on concrete loading bays in the yard. The Twin Front Wheel Drive axle works exceptionally well in these conditions. Better outdoor working compared with Reach Truck, Flexi has elastic rubber tyres rather than hard polyurethane wheels. Flexi does not require outbound rear stabilisers like many reach trucks, these, of course, make outside yard very difficult.
- The long-term high resale value of the Flexi articulated truck makes it the best investment in the market. It’s proven reliability, low cost of service and low parts prices all contribute to this fact.
- The automotive-style seating position and steering allows the driver to face forwards and drive like an automobile.
- When stacking a load, the mast moves left or right into his line of sight to give unobstructed visibility of the forks and load.
- The Flexi truck design eliminates the need to lift over Reach Truck legs (400mm high) at the ground level, saving more than 500mm of vertical stacking space being wasted.
- The narrower Flexi chassis design allows unguided travel in very narrow aisles (VNA) safely at full travel speed.
- The Flexi AC truck twin front-wheel-drive design with high quality differential drive axle is proven to be robust and reliable long-term.
- The powerful AC motor powers both front wheels smoothly and safely at all times.
- Large diameter, finger treaded MC20 Continental elastic rubber tyres on all four wheels, provide a smooth ride over most yard surfaces.
- Tilting mast with twin low-level hydraulic cylinders, for safe, smooth high-level stacking. Cylinder seals protected from ingress of dust.
- You save wasted aisle space and achieve more storage density compared to a conventional Reach Truck, therefore reducing the cost per pallet stored by more than 25%.
- No ‘reach legs’ eliminates wasted space above the ground floor load and the first rack beam level, this alone improves pallet storage capacity by a minimum of 5% compared to traditional reach trucks.
- VNA operation eliminates the cost of steel guide rails or inductive wire guidance system required with Man Down or Man Up very narrow lateral stacking reach trucks. These guided VNA trucks also require costly 'super-flat' floors to operate safely.