Medway Ports Fresh Produce Division, the UK's largest port for break bulk fresh produce has become the first UK user of Crown's newly launched WP 2300 series of powered pallet trucks.

Fresh produce supervisor Pete Smedley said: “The 12-strong fleet of Crown WP machines are the best machines of their type that we've ever used.”

ëCompared with the competitive trucks they replaced the WP's are easy to operate and manoeuvre in confined spaces. They also have a tighter turning circle that helps make for safer operation and prevents damage when used in the back of lorries.

“Another benefit is that because the depth of forks are narrower than competitive trucks, we can handle and transport a whole variety of loads on different sizes of pallets without any major problems ñ something that was not possible using our previous handling equipment.”

Responsible for the loading of between 60 to more than 100 outgoing distribution vehicles every day, the 12-strong fleet of Crown WP machines are fitted with Crown's new x10 control handle. Combining antistatic handgrips together with forward/reverse thumbwheel and raise/lower buttons, this new handle also features integral horn and auto reverse buttons that can be activated in any operating position.

The new control handle also has programmable travel performance selectors to match operator experience and/or the operating environment and specially designed keys to allow for the operation of the raise and lower functions while the handle is in a vertical position.

Safety is another key aspect of the WP 2300, which has a ramp hold feature to prevent the truck from unintentionally reversing on ramps or inclines. It also provides for a consistent speed on ramps, with or without a load.

“Despite their busy workload, we've had no problems with the Crown machines since the first day they arrived on site,” said Smedley. “Our operators also like using them because of their ease of operation.”