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[April 2003]
Stacker Raises Ergonomic Standards
Atlet Ltd (Thame, Oxon, England) has introduced a new high performance, stand-on stacker truck with what the company says are numerous ergonomic features to enhance driver comfort, safety and productivity.The new Atlet Ergo has compact external dimensions which are said to make it ideal for operating in both wide and narrow (less than two metre) aisles, and other confined spaces, thus giving high utilisation of warehouse space. The truck has a capacity of 1600kg and lifts up to a height of 6.3 metres.
The Ergo is a continuation of 40 years of development of this type of truck. Atlet launched its first stand-on stacker - a ground-breaking concept in internal materials handling at the time - back in 1962.
Performance on the new model has been substantially increased. The energy efficient 24V AC traction motor, with 'regenerative' capability by which energy is returned to the battery when braking or lowering the mast, gives a high travel speed of around 10km/h and a lift speed of 0.3 metres per second.
The most radical developments on the Ergo are in its advanced ergonomics. The whole driving centre has been designed to provide maximum comfort and ease of operation for any driver. A driver who is comfortable and safe, says Atlet, will be significantly more productive throughout long, intensive work cycles.
The armrest and control panel are vertically adjustable, as is the steering wheel, which can also be adjusted laterally. Servo steering is standard, giving easy control and manoeuvrability in tight spaces. The mast lift and lower function is also servo assisted to give fingertip control. The truck's 'floating' floor has resilient rubber suspension and a step height of only 230mm to give easy access. The cab also has a writing surface and storage space.
Atlet adds that the Ergo's leading edge computer control enables its driving characteristics to be programmed to suit the operator's preferred driving style. For enhanced safety, the truck's acceleration can be limited if the steering angle exceeds 45° and the mast speed can be adjusted to accommodate particularly heavy or high lifts.
ENDS