New gas powered Flexi
October 1st 2004 Companies with multi-shift operations can now take advantage of the Flexi’s space saving benefits thanks to a new LPG version of the articulated truck.
Charlotte Stonestreet went to the launch
With a reputation of being one of the most responsive high quality suppliers of space saving equipment in the UK, it’s no wonder that when Narrow Aisle develops a new product it listens closely to the needs and wants of its customers.
With the best part of 30 years of providing products to improve storage efficiency under its belt, when Narrow Aisle introduced the latest generation of its Flexi articulated truck, the G3, it provided a modular-design range that is capable of operating in aisles as narrow as 1750mm (depending on pallet size).
Available with lead times of 4 to 6 six weeks, the Flexi G3 earned its design team an award at this year’s FLTA Awards for Excellence.
24/7 operation So how to follow this success? Well, the company has been out in the marketplace again, listening to its customers. Despite the simple battery changing system on the G3 trucks, many users felt that for a true 24/7 operation the flexibility of LPG is a must. In response to this, Narrow Aisle has developed the Flexi GAS. The result, says Narrow Aisle, is a truck that delivers all the outdoor performance of a counterbalance truck with all the cost and efficiency savings a Flexi offers over reach trucks.
Like its electric G3 counterpart, the Flexi GAS is built in Narrow Aisle's West Midlands manufacturing facility. In fact, it shares over 50% of its chassis parts and other components with the G3. It features a quiet, reliable General Motors engine with Impro Gas carburation and uses the latest threeway catalytic converter, which is built to automotive quality and standards.
Hydrostatic transmission helps to provide rapid acceleration, smooth operation, swift changes between forward and reverse motion, and a long, reliable service life. Offering the flexibility to work outside in rough yards as well as the warehouse environment, the unit has large diameter cushion rubber tyres with moulded tread to give high levels of traction in all weather conditions.
Developed with valuable input from LPG supplier, Calor Gas, the new unit eliminates the need to charge and change heavy batteries on multi-shift operations. The operator does not have to take responsibility for the periodic watering of battery cells and there is no need for costly battery management systems.
To aid quick and easy changing of the LPG bottle, it is mounted on a specially developed easy-to-load cradle. The design of this is such that a single operator can manually change the bottle without contravening manual handling regulations. Refuelling from a bulk tank is also quick and simple.
Other design features of the Flexi GAS reduce the potential for load and vehicle damage. High levels of forward visibility are enabled by the standard triplex full free lift mast with twin side mounted lift cylinders.
With the operator’s seat located 1200mm above ground, visibility of the forks going into pallets on curtain sided vehicles is also enhanced.
Easy unloading
The integral side shifting fork carriage further facilitates easy vehicle unloading and dramatically cuts the chance of load damage. The full tilting lift mast allows easy pallet entry, even over trailer retaining rails up to 25mm high.
Commenting on the launch of the Flexi GAS, Narrow Aisle’s managing director.
Peter Wooldridge said: ‘The Flexi concept has already enabled many warehouse operators to increase storage density, reduce costs and operate more efficiently.
With the launch of the Flexi GAS, we’ve combined this successful concept with the best LPG truck technology available. The result is the perfect solution for multi-shift and unload operations that also want to improve handling efficiency and maximise storage space.’ More articles from Narrow Aisle Flexi: | 
