The latest headlines from Transmon Engineering Ltd. http://www.transmon.com/news.asp?lang=english Sat, 27 Sep 2008 09:00:00 GMT<div>Leicester-based Transmon Engineering Ltd, who manufactures electrical systems for the materials handling industry, has relocated to purpose built premises in Syston, Leicester.

Transmon designs, manufactures and supplies integrated modular systems to help improve the safety or efficiency of forklift trucks.

At the new 7,500 sq ft facility, Transmon’s skilled engineering and production team designs, assembles and tests products, and carries out smaller production runs or customised system builds.

The move comes as part of the company’s long term growth strategy. To maintain its competitive place in the market, since ... 2008, Transmon has outsourced some elements of its component manufacture to streamline the operation and provide cost effective solutions to the materials handling industry.

Details of Transmon’s new address can be found here, or telephone the new number: 0116 260 4200.</div>http://www.transmon.com/article.asp?id=33&lang=englishFri, 26 Sep 2008 09:00:00 GMT<div>According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), forklift trucks are the most common cause of workplace transport-related accidents, with speed being a major contributor. There are many options a company can take to minimise the risk of accidents, including restricting the travel speed of forklift trucks.

To enhance onsite safety levels, Transmon Engineering Ltd has developed a series of speed control systems, which can be fitted to any forklift truck on any site in just a few hours.

Steve Coley, Managing Director of the Leicester based company explains “Limiting or controlling travelling speeds onsite not only heightens safety levels, it also helps to reduce fuel consumption and minimise stock damage, or damage to the machine itself, enhancing cost efficiency”.

Speed restriction
To restrict a lift truck’s speed, Transmon’s Speed Savure, a small electronic device, can be installed to any diesel or LPG lift truck. The forklift truck supervisor sets the desired maximum speed according to the site’s specific regulations, and the system is enabled as soon as it detects the vehicle’s movement. Throttle restriction is applied, which is removed when the truck slows down, to allow full power for the hydraulic operation. This system heightens safety, as secure access allows the supervisor, rather than the operator, to have full control of maximum travel speed, at all times. Speed Savure has been one of Transmon’s best selling systems for the past 11 years.

Over speed alarm
Rather than restricting the speed, a system can be fitted that provides an audible and visual alarm when the truck reaches a preset speed. Transmon’s Over Speed Savure is activated, whether the vehicle is travelling forwards or in reverse, as soon as the maximum limit is exceeded.

Instead of controlling the vehicle, the system’s LED beacon and buzzer act as a warning of the truck’s speed and movement. This system is typically employed in areas which are used by pedestrians and forklifts.

Zoned speed restriction
Operations that have various speed limits across one site can also apply various restrictions that are automatically triggered. Transmon’s Zone Speed Savure uses RFID Active tags to limit speed only when required. A hard wired fixed proximity transmitter is fitted to the gates surrounding a speed restricted zone, which sends signals to a transmitter installed in each forklift truck. On entering a restricted zone the speed limiter is automatically activated and as it leaves the area, the driver has the option of selecting normal speed mode. The Zone Speed Savure can help a site to adhere to safety regulations without compromising productivity levels where a speed limit is not required.

The Manual Speed Savure is a similar product, but it relies on supervision. When a truck enters a restricted zone, its speed is limited using a switch/release button or separate latching key switch by a supervisor.
“Speed control systems bring many benefits to an operation, but particularly heightened safety” Steve Coley continues. “Restricted speed enables a driver to concentrate on the operation and keep better control of the vehicle. It also enhances pedestrians’ safety around forklift trucks by raising awareness and allowing more time and space to avoid accidents”.

In addition, the cost of operation is significantly reduced, as consumable components such as tyres, brakes and engine suffer less wear and therefore require replacement less frequently. The reduction in fuel consumption is cost effective and also helps to reduce a company’s carbon footprint.

The successful Speed Savure range addresses the two chief focuses that Operations Managers must consider; maintaining safety standards onsite and boosting efficiency. Systems are available off the shelf and can be fitted within a day. For more information visit www.transmon.co.uk</div>http://www.transmon.com/article.asp?id=32&lang=englishFri, 26 Sep 2008 09:00:00 GMT<div>How can companies get the most from their forklift fleet? Paul Sercombe, Sales Director of Transmon Engineering Ltd offers 10 tips to help Managers get the most from their fleet management system.

Fleet management systems help Managers to analyse and monitor forklift truck usage and driver activity. Systems are fitted directly to individual forklift trucks to log specific data during each shift, such as the truck’s operational hours and movements or any impact that occurs. The data can then be retrieved for analysis from which informed decisions can be made, but how can a company make the most of it?

1. Set clear objectives
From the outset, it is important to be clear about what data is important to record and how it can add value to the operation. A fleet management system will record the data and provide reports, but how will the management use the reports to improve the operation? Define exactly what the objectives are and who will manage and implement changes, seek assistance if it is not clear.

2. Define what data should be captured now, and in the future Through defining the objectives it should be clear what data needs to be logged but select a system that can grow as the business grows. For example, Transmon’s TDS1 can be configured to log a range of data such as faults, incidents/crashes, driver and truck identity, utilisation/idle time, servicing and availability for a significant quantity of trucks.

3. Chose a suitable data capture method Smaller operations may prefer to manually capture the data from each truck through a Serial/USB device such as Transmon’s ‘Cyber Key’. For larger fleets or time-sensitive operations it can be more beneficial to “go wireless” and automatically capture the data with the TDS1 rather than track down individual trucks around a site.

4. Check the software is easy to use and generates useful reports When the data is downloaded onto a laptop or PC, a variety of reports can be produced from which the Manager can study and analyse. Ensure that the software is easy to use, fully supported throughout the contract life of the truck fleet and generates easy to understand reports. Check that the software is free and unlicenced and works across a network. Most companies prefer systems that work on a web browser.

5. Analyse, then manage Reports will identify trends and KPIs helpful for both internal meetings and discussions with the materials handling equipment provider. The reports will provide crucial information from which informed decisions can be made about the fleet in order to make changes and improvements. This is where effective fleet management will succeed or fail because it relies on pro-active management and planning.

6. Optimise fleet utilisation and minimise expenditure One of the aims of an effective fleet management system is to reduce additional and unnecessary charges. The overall cost of the materials handling operation can be lowered by recording the number of hours a truck is left running and comparing it against the number of hours it is actually used. Through statistical analysis, a company can use Transmon fleet management data to redeploy equipment and plan more effectively. The purpose is to maximise the usage of each truck without exceeding contracted hours.

7. Don’t be Idle Make sure that a truck is not left on when not in use. The TDS1 can be programmed to cut power to the truck after a specified period of idle time or when it has clocked up its contracted number of hours, with the option of allowing a one hour grace period. This could result in a large saving for the company as well as reducing each truck’s carbon footprint.

8. Manage operators as well as equipment Use the fleet management system to help manage the staff. With the TDS1, access to the truck ignition is granted only with a swipe card, key-fob or PIN code, which is individually programmed so each driver can only operate the equipment he/she is currently qualified to operate. The system logs exactly which operator has used which truck for each shift and makes drivers accountable for any damage caused through impact. By managing this effectively, it helps drivers to be more conscientious and careful in their work and reduces damage. Driver re-training dates can also be programmed into the TDS1 denying access unless training records are up to date.

9. Sustain levels of onsite safety throughout the contract life Controlled access is not only about driver accountability, it also plays a role in onsite safety for drivers and other workers. Ensure drivers perform daily safety checks by disabling truck ignition (after an allocated time period) until he/she has indicated that all the checks (oil, brakes etc) have been carried out.

10. Check installation and support details How long does it take to install the system, will it cause disruption and is it fully supported? For example, the TDS1 fleet management system can be fitted to any truck with a basic system taking just 2 hours to install with full onsite software training and support over the contract period. Transmon Engineering Ltd offers customers a total solution to optimise fleets, monitor truck and operator utilisation and minimise costs. Further information available at www.transmon.co.uk</div>http://www.transmon.com/article.asp?id=31&lang=englishMon, 19 May 2008 09:00:00 GMT<div>When JCB had a customer requirement for an engine shutdown system to be fitted to their Teletruk They looked no further than Transmon Engineering Ltd. The customer was the Ghana Ports and Harbour Authority who had ordered 14 JCB Teletruk’s to be supplied in their own livery of Traffic Yellow with twin front wheels and engine shutdown systems. JCB relied on the expertise of Transmon Engineering Ltd to supply and install their Engine Savure Level 1™. Engine Savure Level 1™ • Protects trucks all Gas & Diesel engine powered trucks • System alerts the operator of high coolant temperature and low oil pressure • Shuts engine down after 30 seconds of warning thereby protecting the engine • The system stops the truck thus enforcing a prompt and authorised truck service • Backs up the truck monitoring system using dashboard warning lights which saves engine failure • Ensures that even if the daily check is overlooked possible engine damaged is reduced</div>http://www.transmon.com/article.asp?id=30&lang=englishMon, 19 May 2008 09:00:00 GMT<div>What if companies were given the opportunity to reduce the cost of their forklift trucks and help save the environment without getting rid of their existing fleets or vehicles? Paul Sercombe, Sales Director of Transmon Engineering Ltd explains how it can be done. Forklift truck drivers often leave their vehicle’s engine running when they dismount to carry out quick tasks, talk to a colleague, or are simply left waiting for a period of time. Doesn’t this seem unnecessary? Most lift truck rental contracts are based on operational hours which clock up while the engine is running and therefore, engines left idling add to unnecessary rental costs, fuel costs and subsequent emissions, and increased wear which can result in downtime. Quite simply, by cutting the power to trucks left idling for a given time period, a company can reduce cost and help reduce engine emissions. By fitting a Power Savure™, an engine shutdown system specifically designed for diesel and LPG forklift trucks, the engine will automatically cut out after 1, 2, 4 or 8 minutes after the operator has dismounted, adjustable according to the truck’s application. The Power Savure™ is a small device developed by Leicester (UK) based Transmon Engineering and can be fitted in just a few hours helping to reduce the truck’s recorded hours to when it is actually used in operation. For companies looking to do their bit for the environment, it also helps to eliminate unnecessary emissions from fuel that is increasing in cost by the day. </div>http://www.transmon.com/article.asp?id=29&lang=englishFri, 11 Apr 2008 09:00:00 GMT<div>Any company relying on forklift trucks to move materials will know that if a truck is out of action, it is not only an inconvenience, it can impact on the productivity of the entire operation. Forklift technology company Transmon Engineering has developed a series of simple solutions to help prevent the significant and costly downtime associated with engine and transmission damage, which have the added advantage of helping to reduce overall operating costs and carbon footprint. Most operations using diesel or LPG internal combustion (IC) forklift trucks may have experienced a major engine failure that has put a truck out of action for more than a month, requiring significant investment to bring it back into operation. In many cases, such damage can be prevented before it becomes a problem. Paul Sercombe, Sales Director for Transmon explains “Cracked or warped cylinder heads and a host of other expensive engine problems can be prevented through early detection and rectification. By ensuring that drivers cannot continue operating through the early signs of a problem, such as low oil pressure or high coolant temperatures, engine failure can be reduced.” Leicester based Transmon Engineering developed the Engine Savure™ (Level 1) to continuously monitor a forklift truck engine and completely shut the truck down after a 30 second warning when a problem is detected. The system is favoured by Managers and supervisors responsible for fleets of IC trucks because it prevents drivers from continuing to use equipment when warning lights are present. An additional option for the Engine Savure goes one step further to help minimise the number of hours the truck is used and help reduce overall fuel consumption, promoting a more environmentally responsible site. It is common for drivers to leave a truck running while they step off to quickly perform another task or talk to a colleague. If the truck is left idling, it is putting hours on the clock and increasing wear, adding to unnecessary fuel costs and the overall contract costs, which are usually monitored by the hours used. The Engine Savure (Level 2) will power the truck down after an adjustable idle time period of 1, 2, 4 or 8 minutes and includes the features of Level 1. This power saving option is also available independently known as the Power Savure™. “The reality is that forklift trucks are open to abuse by drivers who may have fallen into bad habits and not understand the true costs associated with the materials handling fleet. The engine use is one issue, however another common problem is transmission wear which can be attributed to bad driving.” Paul Sercombe adds. To combat transmission wear, Transmon developed two systems known as the Tyre Savure suitable for all IC trucks and the Gear Savure which is only suitable for two speed trucks, usually 4 Tonne and above. “Drivers don’t always bring the truck to a controlled stop before selecting the reverse gear which not only causes unnecessary wear on the transmission but also adds to the overall cost of ownership through excessive tyre wear” Transmon’s aptly named Tyre Savure is a system that can be easily fitted in 2 hours to new or existing trucks to prevent forward and reverse selection while the truck is still in motion or at high engine rpm helping to maintain traction. Site operators can adjust the settings to suit the application such as direction change speed and rpm take off level. Not only does this system protect the transmission and reduce tyre wear by up to 400%, it also reduces housekeeping costs such as reduced floor marks and tyre dust on the product or in the atmosphere. The Gear Savure removes the need for manual gear shift selection on 2 speed IC torque flow converter trucks, preventing operators from pulling away in high gear and helps reduce clutch pack failure. Transmon works extensively throughout the forklift truck industry to bring quantifiable advantages and value to sites operating small and large fleets. The company has strong links with all major forklift truck manufactures and local dealers providing solutions to suit specific applications. In addition to protection systems, the company has a portfolio of products which can be selected on a modular basis to suit specific applications such as speed control or access to help maintain a safe and efficient operation. </div>http://www.transmon.com/article.asp?id=28&lang=englishTue, 1 Jan 2008 09:00:00 GMT<div>With a new year comes a new website. Transmon prides itself on appearance and functionality, so the new site was designed with a sleek new carbon-feel environment, to match some of the new technological advances in the automotive industry.</div>http://www.transmon.com/article.asp?id=24&lang=english