Beyond the Standard Forklift
At CCW Services, our Botley site is a hub of activity, handling a vast array of goods for our clients. While many might picture a single type of forklift zipping around a warehouse, the reality is far more nuanced.
To ensure maximum efficiency, safety, and versatility in handling diverse cargo, we've invested in a specialised fleet of forklifts and material handling equipment, each ideally suited for a particular task.
It's about having the right tool for every job, no matter how big, small, or awkward.
Let's take a tour through some of the key players in our forklift arsenal:
The Heavy Lifter: Our 12-Tonne Counterbalance Forklift
When we talk about serious lifting, our 12-tonne (12t) counterbalance forklift is the undisputed heavyweight champion of the yard. This colossal machine isn't designed for zipping down narrow aisles; it's built for power and stability.
Why we need it:
Heavy Loads: Essential for handling extremely heavy items that arrive on flatbeds or open-top containers, such as large machinery, industrial components, or dense building materials.
Container Lifting (Empty): While not its primary role, in certain scenarios, its immense lifting capacity can be invaluable for moving empty containers around the yard.
Oversized Cargo: Its robust construction and wide stance make it ideal for safely manipulating large, bulky, and often awkward loads that other forklifts simply couldn't handle.
This machine is typically found operating in our outdoor yards, moving cargo to and from specialist vehicles, or positioning items for further processing.
The Workhorse: Our 3-Tonne Counterbalance Forklifts
Our fleet of 3-tonne (3t) counterbalance forklifts forms the backbone of our indoor operations. These are the versatile workhorses you'll most commonly see zipping around our warehouse floors.
Why we need them:
General Pallet Movement: Perfect for loading and unloading standard palletised goods from curtain-sided vehicles, moving stock between racking, and preparing orders for dispatch.
Versatility: With various fork attachments, they can handle a wide range of goods beyond standard pallets, making them incredibly adaptable.
Indoor & Outdoor Capability: Many of our 3t models are robust enough for both indoor warehouse work and lighter outdoor yard duties.
Their combination of lifting capacity, manoeuvrability, and reliability makes them indispensable for the day-to-day flow of goods.
The Aisle Master: Our "Bendy" Forklifts
Space is often at a premium in any busy warehouse, and that's where our "bendy" forklifts (often known as Aisle Masters or Articulated Forklifts) truly shine. Their unique design allows them to operate in aisles that are significantly narrower than those required by traditional counterbalance forklifts.
Why we need them:
Maximising Storage Space: By allowing us to reduce aisle widths, bendy forklifts enable us to install more racking and dramatically increase our storage capacity within the same footprint.
High-Density Storage: Ideal for warehouses utilising very narrow aisle (VNA) racking systems, where every inch counts.
Efficiency: They can pick and place pallets in these tight aisles with remarkable speed and precision, reducing travel time compared to using a counterbalance truck that would have to operate in wider aisles.
These machines are a testament to our commitment to optimising space and operational efficiency.
Specialised Attachments: The Drum Grabber
Sometimes, it's not just about weight, but about the shape of the load. Our drum grabber attachment is a perfect example of how specific tools enhance safety and capability. This attachment fits onto a standard forklift (often our 3t counterbalance models) and is designed to securely grip and lift drums.
Why we need it:
Safe Drum Handling: Manually moving heavy drums can be dangerous. The drum grabber provides a secure, mechanical way to lift, transport, and stack drums without risk of them slipping or rolling.
Damage Prevention: It prevents damage to the drums themselves, which often contain valuable or sensitive liquids.
Efficiency: Significantly speeds up the process of loading, unloading, and organising drums within the warehouse.
The Foundation: Pallet Trucks (Pump Trucks)
Often overlooked but absolutely essential, the humble pallet truck (or "pump truck") is the workhorse for manual short-distance movements. Available in both manual and electric versions, these are crucial for flexibility.
Why we need them:
Container Devanning: In scenarios where forklifts cannot enter a container (due to weight limits, floor condition, or the nature of the cargo), manual or electric pallet trucks are used to bring palletised goods to the container door for forklift collection.
Tight Spaces: Perfect for moving pallets in very confined areas where even a bendy forklift might struggle.
Loading/Unloading Small Vans: Ideal for smaller delivery vehicles where a forklift might be too large or heavy.
Flexibility & Accessibility: They provide a quick and easy way to reposition goods within the warehouse without requiring a full forklift operation.
At CCW Services in Botley, our diverse fleet of forklifts and material handling equipment isn't just about moving things; it's about intelligent logistics. By selecting the right machine for each unique task, we ensure that every piece of cargo, from the heaviest machinery to the most delicate pallet, is handled safely, efficiently, and with the precision our clients expect.
About us
Conveniently located between the busy ports of Southampton and Portsmouth on the UK’s south coast, CCW Services offers comprehensive Third-Party Logistics services including haulage, warehousing, devanning, rework and pallet supply. If your business expects the very best in seamless, tailored logistics solutions, get in touch to find out more about partnering with us.
