Fleet's efficient formula

The Yorkshire-based agrochemical specialist sought out equipment that could handle incoming and outgoing goods, as well as feed its busy production lines. Due to the nature of the work, the trucks needed to be able to operate safely – and reliably – in dusty environments.

Having obtained a reasonable quote from one manufacturer, Grotech’s production manager Mark Shipley, also a forklift instructor, turned to his local Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks dealer, Malcolm West Forklifts, for a comparison.  

The manufacturer’s reputation for reliability and quality, combined with excellent customer support and flexible finance options proved to be too good to turn down: the company recently took delivery of a trio of Mitsubishi GRENDiA forklifts to meet its growing demands. Due to the nature of the work, it also needed to be able to safely operate within dusty environments.

Shipley explains: “We were really impressed with Malcolm West. Emslie, who visited our site, could have simply left a brochure, but she took the time to properly assess the site and our work, before presenting us with an informed, professional recommendation. 

“Although the Mitsubishi quote was more expensive on the face of it, the very high specification including 3 way catalytic converter, belly guard, LED lights and built in speed controller coupled with an attractive range of finance options, was highly compelling. It quickly became clear that Malcolm West would deliver far superior value for money, with a better product, greater efficiency, and greater long-term savings. With its extensive support, and agreed payment plan, the six-year lease purchase agreement – with maintenance plan – was perfect for our budget and requirements.”

After a thorough survey of the site and the application, Malcolm West Forklifts specified three LPG Mitsubishi GRENDiA ES FGC20CNs. A compact chassis LPG counterbalance truck, the FGC20CN is ideally suited to working in the factory’s tighter environments – where racking can limit manoeuvrability. 

Furthermore, its 2t capacity lends itself to the carriage of Grotech’s raw materials and finished products: from small bottles to 1000L bulk containers.

The FGC20CN is an efficient, versatile piece of equipment as standard. However, a wealth of available modifications are available to maximise productivity. To meet Grotech’s needs, one of the new vehicles was fitted with a cabin – allowing for all-weather outdoor operation. 

In addition, each of the trucks was fitted with scales which serve two important purposes. They allow operators to identify potentially dangerous overloads, while ensuring that delivered goods match the weight specified on the delivery note. As a result, Grotech’s forklift operators now work safer, faster and more efficiently. 

The factory’s sometimes dusty work environment was a key consideration when specifying the new trucks. Unchecked, airborne particles present a serious health risk to workers and can cause engine wear (which can result in increased fuel consumption and shorter engine life.)

Mitsubishi GRENDiAs are designed to protect against both. Enclosed wheel arches and a unique belly seal system ensure that the cyclonic action of the engine doesn’t suck dust up from the floor as the truck moves about site. Meanwhile, raised intakes feed air to the engine through durable, uncloggable cyclone filters – specially upgraded for this application, with an additional filter element to improve reliability.

Crucially, a three-way catalytic convertor, present on all LPG GRENDiA models, ensures highly filtered emissions from the sophisticated, clean-burning engine – meaning dramatically reduced NOx emissions, and no dust and dirt being generated.

These clean, efficient workhorses are proving popular on the Grotech site. Driver Adam Corrigan enthuses: “In nearly 40 years of operating fork trucks, these new Mitsubishi compact chassis trucks have to be the best I’ve driven.” 

Mark Shipley said: “These trucks are a vast improvement on our previous fleet and have been very well received by our drivers. They are truly excited to have these sophisticated, comfortable trucks helping them with their work. What’s more, we’re already seeing improved fuel economy and superior reliability."