Johnson Health Tech UK was founded in 1998, with its head office based in Stoke on Trent, Staffordshire. It is the UK subsidiary of Taiwanese company, Johnson Health Tech Co, (JHT), which is the worlds’ third largest, and one of the industry’s fastest-growing, fitness equipment manufacturers.
The company produces a wide assortment of fitness machines for both commercial and retail markets, including treadmills, elliptical trainers, exercise bikes, and strength training equipment. Johnson Health Tech brands include Matrix Fitness – the world’s fastest-growing commercial fitness brand.
Unloading and moving gym equipment is a skilled operation and requires not only a ‘top class’ forklift driver, but high performance forklift trucks to complete the tasks in hand. There’s no room for error when handling valuable electrical equipment – which is why Johnson Health Tech chose Hyundai forklifts, supplied by Hyundai forklift dealers, Hystackers, based in Stoke on Trent.
Commenting on the relationship with Hystackers, Ian Jones, Warehouse and Operations Manager at Johnson Health Tech UK, said:
“We have been working with Hystackers for the last six months, and to date we have purchased four Hyundai forklifts from the company. The machines are used for unloading, loading, and moving our products around site – they operate 12hrs a day so they have to be reliable, safe and cost effective. The Hyundai machines we run are real ‘work horses’ and tick all the boxes.”
The JHT (UK) fleet includes an 18BT-9 3-wheel, 1.8 tonne capacity, electric counterbalance forklift truck, a 25L-7A – 2.5 tonne capacity LPG forklift, and a 22EP9-7N 2200 kg load capacity electric pallet truck.
“We chose Hyundai over competitive brands as the product quality and specifications of the machines are very high for the cost, and there are no compromises on features such as the wet disc brake system, which comes as standard”, Ian continued.
“We have been incredibly impressed with the performance of the products, and the operators have reported that the trucks are some of the best they have ever used.”
The 18BT-9 was launched last year and has proved to be Hyundai’s most successful truck to date in its range. The 18BT-9’s cab is spacious and designed with safety in mind. Fitted with OPSS (Operator Presence Sensing System) if the operator is not in the seat – all mast and drive movements are immobilised. It also benefits from fork safety features where, when the forks are being lowered, a down-control valve maintains the controlled speed. The down safety prevents forks from ‘dropping down’ in case of sudden hydraulic line damage.
The curve control on the machine limits travel speed based on turning radius; reducing speed for a smoother and more precise turning operation for the driver.
“One of the best features on the machine is the ‘stop’ on the rear wheel when turning – this feature reduces the turning circle”, confirmed Ian.
“The 25L-7A forklift is the perfect warehouse machine –it’s smooth-running and efficient. It’s powered by a HMC 44KW L4KB (2.4L) Hyundai engine, and we have found that it provides excellent fuel consumption and torque, in addition to being comfortable, which is of prime importance when you are in a machine all day.”
Other features of the 25L-7A include being able to quickly raise and lower the mast, as well as tilting forward and backward – this results in the truck providing the driver with the best operational conditions during loading/unloading operations. When fully loaded, mast lowering speed is carefully controlled to ensure safety by the down control valve. Its fully hydrostatic power steering system always guarantees smooth and flexible steering, preventing overrun and steering wheel kick-back. Extra safety is provided by the OPSS (Operator Presence Sensing System) which blocks certain functions when the operator is not in the normal position.
As with all warehouse equipment, precision is key, which is why JHT chose the 22EP9-7N electric pallet truck, which has excellent manoeuvrability.
“This machine compliments the other Hyundai machines we have perfectly – it’s efficient and with a load capacity 0f 2200 kg, it’s just right for our needs.”
JHT is planning on continuing its relationship with Hystackers and is in the process of purchasing a new Hyundai ‘sit on’ reach truck for its Marchington depot. Ian concluded:
“In the time I have worked with Hystackers, I have found the company extremely knowledgeable about the Hyundai products, and they understand exactly what our needs are. Carl Holdcroft at Hystackers has been both helpful and professional, and he’s my ‘go to’ for all of JHT’s requirements. The backup service provided by Carl and the team at Hystackers is also of a very high standard.”
