Delivering to both the back of the store and the front, the urban double-deckers required a two-stage lifting solution which could handle access to cargo on two levels while being able to stow away at the half-way point and maintain maximum capacity within the trailers’ 4m overall height.
“Our Oxford Street store presented a few delivery issues which are distinct from our usual RDC operation,” observes fleet engineer Dave Wake.
“We were looking for a replacement lift system which could combine loading flexibility with safety and ease of use. In this regard, the 10-tonne capacity XL Multi-Deck features Smart Stow - which, driven by the XL Smart Controller system, ensures precision stowage and closure,” he adds.
Formed from hybrid steel with a lightweight aluminium loading deck, the Multi-Deck hydraulic lift is designed by Access XL for multiple, fixed or moving decks on the same vehicle and comes with bespoke-designed folding safety gates. Furthermore, while providing consistent operation and lift management, the XL Smart Controller acts as a battery guard and facilitates plug and play installation.
For added safety, the external framework safety gate is electromechanical and interlocks with each platform position, while the Smart control system only permits the gate to open when the platform reaches its designated floor level. However, a manual override system is provided for emergency operation.
Access XL, part of the XL Group, produces a range of standard and bespoke tail-lifts from its manufacturing base in Forfar, Scotland.