Rail Freight Services Take 2 Fuchs Material Handlers

Blue Machinery Fuchs have recently sold two MHL360 F material handlers to Rail Freight Services (RFS) Ltd, with the machines were purchased to load and unload barges of aggregates and soil at a number of locations along the River Thames in London.  These powerhouses, with a reach of up to 18m whilst comfortably handing a 2250 litre clamshell grab, both of these units are currently unloading barges carrying 500 tonnes of soil material which is used to restore a landfill site in Rainham, Essex.

Rail Freight Services (RFS) Ltd are one of the UK’s leading companies for the loading and unloading of bulk rail freight, and water borne vessels, whilst also operating intermodal and aggregate terminals .  The company places huge emphasis on having the right equipment to fulfil their various contracts right across the UK. It was due to this focus that General Manager, Jim Flatman recently decided on these Terex Fuchs machines, which is the latest purchase from Blue Machinery following the acquisition of a number of Terex Fuchs material handlers over recent years.   

The MHL360 F offers speed, fuel efficiency and precision.  The dual circuit hydraulics allow for quick working cycles, even under heavy loads, and movement is perfectly jolt-free with the clever kinematics concept, meaning gentle yet accurate manoeuvres can be performed and executed.

A rear view camera with night vision option and travel alarm come as standard, however RFS have chosen an all round vision option to meet the strict H&S compliance which many of their contracts demand, the operators also enjoy the comfort of the ergonomic operators seat with flexible setting options as well as head and lower lumbar support to provide an extremely comfortable working environment. The 7" graphical touch display also makes life easy for the operator, providing clear illustrations. Simple menu navigation is provided directly through the display which also delivers important operating conditions, such as hydraulic oil temperature and coolant temperature, all provided from the comfort of the driver’s seat.

 The all-important cab is not only height adjustable to 6.1m but can also move forward an impressive 2.2m offering the operator the ultimate view, particularly with the 360’s panoramic windows.  Of course the cab is also air conditioned, but what makes this machine unique is that the climate control condenser is separated from the main cooling system and offers dust protection.  This means the cooling system is independent of engine speed and therefore highly efficient. 

At the heart of this beautifully engineered machine is a highly economical 190 kW diesel engine with reduced exhausted emissions compared with previous models and its competitors.  The MHL360 F also has three new work modes – Eco Plus, Eco and Power.

Commenting on the machines Jim said, “The benefit of these machines is the lift capability even on long reach.  Of course we have the tide to contend with in this particular scenario, and these machines can lift the full clamshell grab weighing almost 6 tonnes from the barges beneath, even when the tide is low and the full 18m reach is required”

At the moment the machines are unloading two 500 tonne barges, but the plan is to increase this to 2,000 tonne barges each day. Clearly however the challenge will be getting enough lorries to take the material away, as the Terex Fuchs machines provide a full load to these trucks in a matter of minutes, before waiting patiently for the next. 

HME Fleet Manager at RFS, Paul Hogan also highlighted the benefits of working with Blue Fuchs, “The team at Blue Fuchs responsible for service and maintenance, Scott and Paul are always there to assist with any service or technical queries, they are always at the other end of the phone, no matter what time of day it is, which is vitally important to our operations, many of which operate 24/7.

For more information contact Daniel Tomlinson at Blue Group Marketing

Email - daniel.tomlinson@bluegroup.co.uk

Telephone - 07768028412

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