Description

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 1,500 kg to 2,000 kg, lift heights up to 12.1 m and can operate in aisles as narrow as 1750 mm. It features a patented chain steering system (EU Patent No. 3008008), 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 280mm (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 tyre design enables loading and offloading of trucks and trailers outdoor.

Innovations

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 centre 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 (EU Design Registration No. 002676809-0001). 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 (EU Patent No. 3008008), that allows the truck to over articulate the load to gain the minimum aisle width possible and provide a robust and reliable solution.
There are no other stand on articulated forklift in the market.

Market relevance

The AME OP is used in high performance environments, where speed and volume of pallet in and package out is key. The Aisle-Master product is also key to help increase warehouse efficiency and increase the storage capacity of a warehouse. The Aisle-Master OP product is ideally suited to work in a number of sectors including e-commerce, warehousing and distribution, packaging, transport and logistics, food and drink, automotive, manufacturing, and pharmaceutical & healthcare. The growth in online retail, the increase in home deliveries and an increase in storage and order processing demands in the e-commerce and logistics sectors make the Aisle-Master OP uniquely suited to increase an organisation’s ability to meet these growing demands. The packaging, food and drink sectors are continually driven by e-commerce and typically have non uniform loads. Typically, manufacturing and pharmaceutical sectors need to maximize the storage on site and increase the manufacturing footprint. The AME-OP also allows the organisations to quickly pick components on picklists and quickly deliver to the manufacturing position.

Customer benefits

The Aisle-Master OP model was launched to the market in 2021. Development of the Aisle-Master OP was influenced by customer feedback, as well as the recent growth of e-commerce. Customers already using Aisle-Master products for space saving, storage and efficiency in their warehouses asked if we could develop the Aisle-Master to meet their growing demand for order picking customised orders. The Aisle-Master OP unique front end, with patented steering system allows the truck to work in very narrow aisles which can increase the storage capabilities in customers warehouses. The trucks operator compartment with its low entry point allows for quick entry and exit from the vehicle for order picking purposes. This operator compartment not only improves the efficiency of order picking applications but also improves safety by reducing the step heights and operating position. The position of the operator allows the pallet barcode to be visible and accessible for scanning while in the aisle position. The Aisle Master Order picker features an ergonomic wrap-around “standing rest” position that’s easy to move into and out of frequently without strain. Buyers and operators have given feedback that the step-in feature has reduced fatigue throughout the day. The Aisle-Master OP also allows for quick removal of the truck’s battery, with easy access from the rear of the truck with a forklift or a pallet truck and also incorporates a built-in charging point. The Aisle-Master OP comes with Combilift SHAPE software as standard, this allows the truck to be operated with up to three driver levels based on operator experience and provides superior service management and diagnostics.