Modular mindset
December 1st 2004

Adhering to a philosophy of modular design and manufacture, Atlet has completed roll out of its new generation powered pallet transporters, all of which share a common chassis

2004 has been a busy year for Atlet in the way of new products. In common with the rest of its product range, the new models have been designed with quality, flexibility and reliability as major features. OK, the more cynical among you may be asking yourselves, that’s all well and good but what actually sets Atlet equipment apart from the rest of the market? After all, what manufacturer does not try to build these three qualities into their products? The area in which Atlet really differentiates itself is its overall development and production philosophy, which features what the company refers to as ‘a high degree of standardisation and quality assured modularity’. What this means in real terms is that Atlet’s range of hundreds of different trucks is built from just six chassis designs. Where other truck manufacturers can use tens of thousands of different components, Atlet’s entire range is based on less than 3500.

Maintenance benefits

As well as the obvious manufacturing benefits – consistently high quality at a relatively low production cost, early availability of bespoke units, etc. – this also brings advantages in terms of maintenance.

According to Paul Forster, joint managing director of Atlet UK, a typical truck contains around 20,000 components, of which 4000 will be a source of breakdown. With around 3500 components, on an Atlet truck the source of breakdown is likely to be from just 700 components – all of which can be easily carried by a service engineer. In most cases, there is no waiting around for the vital spare part to be delivered. As a result, Atlet can boast a first time fix rate in excess of 95%, keeping expensive downtime to a minimum.

The modular design and manufacture also means that customers can choose from a wide range of options to specify a truck that exactly matches their needs.

Among the latest products to be launched by the company, the Tempo PP range of low level order pickers offers productivity, ergonomics and reduced maintenance costs.

Two base versions are available, with the driver position fixed for picking at first level, or rising for picking at second level. Both can be supplied with low or high lift forks to suit the application. All variants can be supplied with standard tiller arm steering or Atlet’s new Ergo Steering system as an option.

Compact dimensions mean the Tempo PP can work in tight spaces, handing loads up to 2500kg. To provide maximum traction and smooth running, the range features Atlet’s Friction Force suspension system, ensuring the drive wheel maintains constant optimum pressure on the ground.

Built on the same P-Type chassis as the Tempo PP, the Alto PS pedestrian transporter/stacker is designed for extended work cycles in tight spaces. Stacking 1250kg to 3.5m, the truck unit offers high safety levels. Four wheels give enhanced stability, along with the Friction Force system. Fork speed is reduced above 1.5m to give safe, accurate stacking, while the position of the tiller arm enables the truck to operate while walking alongside it with no danger of the operator’s feet being trapped.

Safety & security

Also built on the P-Type chassis, the Piccolo PLL compact powered pedestrian pallet transporter is intended for use in confined areas where short cycles are required. Available in 1450, 1800 and 2000kg capacities, it has a turning circle as small as 1385mm. The offset tiller allows operators to walk alongside or in front of the truck, as they choose. For flexibility where more than one operator has to use each unit, up to four programmable performance settings are available. As with other Atlet trucks, operator access is via a PIN for security and accountability.

The Presto PLP pedestrian/stand-on pallet transporter has capacities of 2000 and 2500kg and travels up to 12km/hr. Designed for the loading/unloading of lorries across dock levellers and for medium to long distance transport in warehouses and factories, it has a compact double load wheel for easy access to closed pallets, with better positioning between pallet boards.

Completing the roll out of Atlet’s new generation of P-Type chassis powered pallet transporters, the high performance Doppio PSD transporter-stacker is capable of stacking up to 2.49m. With its straddle lift and ability to handle two pallets at once, it is suited to rapid two-level loading/unloading in warehouses and freight terminals. The powerful, energy efficient 24V AC motor has regenerative capabilities for longer work cycles between charging. Unlike some other pallet transporters, the Doppio’s forks rise independently of the battery box, giving an energy saving of up to 20% and extending battery cycle times even further.

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