Summary of Innovation
The Aisle-Master OP is an articulated forklift that allows narrow aisle operation, delivery from truck to rack, bulk picking and item order picking. The main features are the step through operator compartment which has design copyright protection (US Design Application No. 29/541,841) and patented chain steering system (U.S. Patent No. 9,586,798). The AME-OP truck also includes all the advantages of the conventional forklift truck with its rubber tires for indoor and outdoor operation. The Aisle-Master OP was among the winners of the Industrial Production – Handling award 2021.
The Aisle Master-OP (AME-OP) is a stand-on electric powered model that combines the advantages of a narrow aisle articulated forklift and an order picker for versatile operation in warehousing applications. The Aisle Master-OP is available in a number of variants, with lift capacities from 4,400-5,500lbs, lift heights up to 39ft and can operate in aisles as narrow as 76” with a 48” deep pallet. It features a patented chain steering system (U.S. Patent No. 9,586,798), which allows the truck to articulate more than 205°, with an inline drive motor and front drive axle assembly, all of which enable narrower aisle operation. The multifunctional programmable joy stick control lever in the operator compartment, which includes controls for the hydraulics and traction, is adjustable to enable comfortable and ergonomic working conditions for operators of all sizes. The Operator Presence Detection floor pad engages the parking brake automatically when the operator steps off the truck to carry out Order Picking. The low floor height of just 11” enables convenient, single step access from both sides of the truck which speeds up order picking compared to the operator having to get on and off from a seated position. Its rubber tire design enables loading and offloading of trucks and trailers outdoor.
Innovation Statement
The Aisle-Master OP is the first stand on operated articulated forklift. The truck gives the ability to order pick and also operate as a high lift forklift in narrow aisles. The position of the operator at the center of the truck, alongside the low entry and exit step is designed to facilitate the order picking applications, where the operator must frequently enter and exit the vehicle while carrying out picking tasks. The entry and exit path are designed to allow easy access to the pallet while in a narrow aisle. The OP has design copyright for the step through operator compartment (US Design Application No. 29/541,841). The truck has a joystick control which allows for traction and hydraulic controls in one hand. The truck also incorporates the Aisle-Masters patented chain steer system (U.S. Patent No. 9,586,798), that allows the truck to over articulate the load to gain the minimum aisle width possible and provide a robust and reliable solution.
Applicability
The AME OP is used in high performance environments, where speed and volume of pallet in and package out is key, helping increase warehouse efficiency and increase the storage capacity of a warehouse, and is ideally suited to work in a number of sectors including Ecommerce, Warehousing & Distribution, Packaging, Transport & Logistics, Food & Drink, Automotive, Manufacturing, and Pharmaceutical & Healthcare
| Posted Date | 1/12/23 |
| Contact | Amanda Holmes |
| Contact Email | amanda.holmes[at]combilift.com |
| Category | Best New Innovation |
Submitted by Combilift.
Booth(s): N6936