Interfuse Ltd is a family run business, established in 1965 for the manufacture of precast masonry blocks with factories in Syston and Gainsborough.
The company produce dense and lightweight aggregate blocks in a range of sizes for use in all aspects of construction. The blocks are distributed through Builders Merchants to customers throughout the UK.
The company has recently taken delivery of its first Hyundai forklift machine – the 8tonne diesel powered 80D-9, supplied by Rugby based Hyundai dealer, Acclaim Handling.
Hefin Owen has the role of Works Manager at Interfuse and amongst his duties are the management of materials handling equipment for the business, starting with the drawing up of specifications through to overseeing the control and compliance of machinery once delivered and working to ensure optimum utilisation.
Hefin said, “We currently run a fleet of nine forklifts which includes the new 8tonne Hyundai. The other eight forklifts are Hyster machines and we have been using these for years. Simon from Acclaim dropped by the factory one day and it was perfect timing as we were in the market for a new forklift for the Gainsborough site.”
Hefin continued, “We wanted a new machine which was more cost effective but we also wanted the machine to be reliable and tackle the job in hand – our machines work around 10 hours per day so they have to be tough. Responsibilities include unloading blocks from the production line, placing in the yard for storage and loading vehicles. We drew up a list of must haves for the new truck, including good all round vision, full lighting, load weight indicators and importantly the most up-to-date, fuel efficient low emission engines. Simon suggested the 80D-9 which we took on demo and we were impressed by the capabilities of the machine – it was the demo machine we went on to purchase.
Acclaim was able to supply us with the ideal package backed up by their first-class service. We have not had a Hyundai forklift in our fleet before but were very impressed by the specification and the attention to detail and the competitive price compared to other brands.”
Hefin concluded, “Safety on all of Interfuse’s sites is of utmost importance and the new Hyundai is fitted with Hyundai’s Operator Presence Sensing System (OPSS) which isolates all mast movement and drivetrain operation without the operator being seated. This system is fitted as standard on Hyundai’s forklifts making them amongst the safest machines on the market.
A reversing camera is fitted as standard, but we added additional LED lighting for better driver visibility and we have reduced the maximum speed of the truck for the Health & Safety of our employees and site visitors. We also specified additional lighting both front and rear, a higher spec seat for added operator comfort and a belly plate to help prevent the blowing of dust around the yard in dry weather.
Acclaim also fitted the masonry clamp to the machine which was manufactured by Finlay Block Making Equipment, based in Country Tyrone Ireland.”
About the 80D-9
Manufactured in South Korea, the 80D-9 is Powered by a Stage IV Cummins engine QSF3.8 producing 75 kW. This engine results in a reduction of fuel consumption of 3 to 6% depending on the type of application.
Extra driver comfort
A new compact chassis with rounded counterweight, wet-disc brakes and a soundproof cabin with low vibration levels are all features that benefit the forklift driver during a long working day. Lifting capacity of the 80D-9 is 8,000 kg at 600 mm load center – triplex masts extend to reach lifting heights of up to 6,060 mm and now with even better residual lifting capacity. Duplex masts go up to 7,540 mm. All lifting masts feature side shifter, fork positioner and very high residual capacities.
Easy to manoeuvre
Manoeuvrability and speed are the top priorities for operators of this type of material handling machine. Hyundai has designed the drive train for a gradeability of 35% with load – and for a speed of up to 35 kph. Energy efficiency, quiet and low-vibration drivetrain are equally as important to the operator as lifting masts complete with excellent viewing angles.
Advanced hydraulics
Four hydraulic control circuits come as standard on the 80D-9 which are controlled by proportional levers. A hydraulic pilot system with small levers makes this machine easy and precise to handle. All service points are centralized and accessible from ground level. For ease of maintenance, a standard electric system tilts the cabin sideways.
