Nissan announces major assault on warehouse market
May 1st 2005

Signalling the beginning of a major assault on the warehouse trucks market is the introduction by Nissan of a new series of pedestrian/stand-on pallet transporters.

Speaking to IP&E, Brendon Sparks, director of Nissan’s industrial machinery division for the UK revealed that over the course of the next 12 months the company is set to aggresively attack the UK market with the launch of 17 new trucks. These will be mostly warehouse trucks but there is also the key launch of a new counterbalance truck range boasting the new ‘ultra-tri-cat’ emissions control system. Nissan is also set to attract attention to its trucks with an all new silver livery and new logo.

Key benefits of the new Nissan PLP are its extreme traction and stability. With lift capacities of 2.0 and 2.5 tonnes, the PLP is for medium to long-distance applications, while a traction system ensures that all wheels are in constant contact with the ground. This system for enhanced stability makes the transporter suited to goods in and out operations, with dock levellers and on slopes and uneven surfaces. A compact double load wheel permits easy access to closed pallets and better positioning between pallet boards.

Performance characteristics of the PLP can be programmed through the tiller to an on-board computer according to operator experience or the load to be transported. Operator access is also PIN controlled for security and accountability.

Power is supplied by an energyefficient 24 volt AC motor, with regenerative braking returning current to the battery for greater uptime. The battery itself is housed on an integral roller bed for faster and easier changing, while forks that rise independently of the battery box extend cycle times even further.

Ergonomics include a spring-loaded flip down driver platform to absorb shocks during long distance travel and folding side protection bars. Power steering is also standard on the 2.5 tonne model and an option on the 2.0 tonne version.

Light, fingertip controls are features of the PLP’s tiller arm, which also has a backlit LCD screen with information about battery status, hours worked and numerous diagnostic alerts.

Another function is remote monitoring through a mobile phone that relays operational data to a control centre. Reprogramming of the truck can then be carried out via the link.

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