The first electric-powered JCB Teletruks are getting to work in the UK as Lawsons orders five new machines.
Following successful trials at a number of its sites, Lawsons has ordered five new JCB 30-19E electric-powered Teletruks. The independent merchant is the first UK customer to invest in the JCB 30-19E, which was launched in Spring 2019 and is the first electric-powered model to be added to the Teletruk range.
Paul Murray, JCB’s Teletruk General Manager, said: “The introduction of electric-powered Teletruks has been met with an overwhelmingly positive response from the truck user community. The launch of the 30-19E opens up so many new markets for us and Lawsons’ order is no doubt the first of many for this hugely exciting product.”
The machines acquired by Lawsons will be deployed at the company’s facilities at Bedford and Edgware, and their acquisition is part of a move by the business towards the greater use of electric-power across its materials handling equipment fleet.
Lawsons operates from 17 depots, 11 of which are within the boundary of the M25 motorway. With many of its facilities located in urban environments close to residential communities, it is increasingly conscious of the need to be a ‘good neighbour’ and is doing all that it can to consider any concerns that those who live near to its depots may have about noise and air quality.
David Harvey, Lawsons’ Group Transport Manager, said: “We make every effort to ensure that the materials handling equipment in use at our sites – particularly those located in higher density environments – is as quiet as possible and complies with current emission standard reulations.
“We are constantly assessing ways of making our depots more environmentally responsible and give careful consideration to the mix of materials handling equipment in operation, so as soon as we heard that JCB had developed an electric-powered Teletruk that is quiet in operation and produces no harmful emissions, we knew that it would be perfect for us.”
Lawsons has been using Teletruks since the launch of the original (diesel) model in 1997 and currently operates 55 diesel-powered Teletruks across its network. Because outside space at many of its depots is limited, the Teletruk is described as the ideal forklift truck for the company thanks to the fact that its telescopic forward reach boom allows trailer and vehicle beds to be accessed from only one side. Picking or packing loads from one side only minimizes the space needed to load or unload a vehicle, so they can be parked tight to a wall or racking – leaving valuable space free in the central yard area for additional storage, extra delivery vehicles or for tasks such as cross docking.
The JCB 30-19E features the iconic telescopic forward reach boom that has made the Teletruk such a popular lift truck across diverse industry sectors and power is provided by an 80-volt lead acid battery which can work a full eight hour shift on a single charge. Thanks to its AC electric driveline, the new truck can climb a 21% gradient or ramp with ease and productivity is further enhanced with full free lift of 1575mm as standard and a lift capacity of 1900kg at 2 metres.
Lawsons’ phased introduction of electric-powered handling equipment across its business will also help the company in its aim to achieve Freight Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS) Gold accreditation quality assurance standard.
At the recent IMHX exhibition, JCB announced the launch of a second electric-powered Teletruk – the JCB 35-22E, which has a lift capacity of 3.5 tonnes.
