Briggs Equipment, the sole distributor of Yale Europe Materials Handling forklift trucks in Great Britain, has provided an innovative materials handling solution for a horticultural nursery in West Sussex supplying garden centres across the UK.

A long-term customer of Briggs, New Place Nurseries recently took delivery of a brand new 2.5 tonne diesel truck that’s been equipped to handle a hydraulic tipping bucket as well as traditional forks.

Clive Richardson, Briggs Sales Executive, explained: “The new truck replaced an older vehicle that had a very labour intensive system for the hydraulic connection, which was being fitted and removed several times a day.

“Previously this involved manually connecting and disconnecting the hydraulic pipes, a process that even with traditional ‘quick disconnect couplings’ was time consuming, difficult and needed to be done two or three times a day.

“Working with the company and Yale, we have developed a new coupling device that is much cleaner, easier and safer to operate, saving the company time and making its on-site operations much more efficient.”

The unique coupling system enables the bucket to be installed with just the pull of a lever, avoiding the need to manually connect hoses that connect it to the truck, and it’s proving a hit with operators.

Graham Banner, Maintenance Manager at New Place Nurseries commented: “We are very pleased with the coupling as it saves the operators a lot of time and effort, allowing them to get on with the job.

“The new truck itself is comfortable for the driver as well as being reliable and efficient.”

Graham added that he has also been impressed with the service that Briggs has provided in recent years; a major consideration in the company’s decision to remain with Briggs when their old truck was due to be replaced.

In addition to supplying the new Yale truck, Briggs will also provide New Place Nurseries with full maintenance and support as part of a five-year agreement.