Junction 4 Pallets Adds Intelligent Forklifts

Junction 4 Pallets (J4), a UK supplier of new and used pallets, has bought two new Linde Evo H20 forklifts to add to its fleet. These trucks sustainably improve operational efficiency for the Armthorpe, Doncaster-based company’s material handling and loading operations.

The Linde H20 Evo is a 2-ton internal combustion counterbalance forklift. It stands out for its hydrostatic drive system, which eliminates the need for a conventional transmission, clutch, or drum brakes. This design reduces maintenance costs while providing precise, smooth handling. The forklift also features Linde’s dual-pedal control system, a comfortable, vibration-dampened cabin, and an automatic parking brake, all of which enhance operator efficiency and safety.

Compared to traditional IC forklifts, the H20 Evo offers superior fuel efficiency, thanks to its hydrostatic transmission, which optimizes power delivery. It is highly durable, making it well-suited for heavy-duty applications in warehouses and manufacturing environments.

Craig Bushby, J4’s Environmental Guidance and Development Lead, explained that the move to upgrade forklifts was part of J4’s ongoing sustainability drive.

“As part of our initiatives towards improved safety and sustainability, the business has invested heavily, over past years, in environmental development,” he said. “We have fitted solar panels onto our main production facility in Doncaster, generating clean energy to power manufacturing equipment within the production process.”

The latest Linde forklift trucks use hydrostatic drives, which typically generate 40 to 50% more hydraulic fluid power than standard forklift trucks, and that provide superior fuel economy.

“Another significant benefit of switching to Linde trucks is the Linde Connect app,” Bushby explained. “Devices are fitted onto the trucks and the app allows us to track how economically they’re being driven. We can track the number of lifts to complete a job so it becomes a more intelligent model, where you can make decisions based on data, not guesswork. This allows us to deliver to customers efficiently”

Not only are the new Linde Evo H20 forklifts more environmentally friendly. Bushby noted that they are also safer for employees to use. “Their enhanced LED lighting means we can continue to operate safely outside of daylight hours, as we respond to customer requests for evening and nighttime deliveries, reducing daytime congestion in our 24-hour, multi-site operation,” he said.

Linde material handling area account manager for the Doncaster territory, Jay Dixon, added that the lift truck supplier has successfully partnered with Junction 4 Pallets for several years.

“Having spent time with the J4 site team, we gained mass amounts of information which gave us a true understanding of how Junction 4 Pallets work. We offered a bespoke solution, tailored to meet the needs of J4’s current demands and future growth plans, which are well underway!”

Rick LeBlanc

Rick LeBlanc, EMBA, is the founder and editor of Reusable Packaging News (subscribe to the free newsletter) and editor of Western Pallet Magazine. A supply chain journalist with more than 30 years of experience, he specializes in pallets, reusable packaging, material handling and related operations. Rick is co-author of Pallets: A North American Perspective and Pallets & Progress: A Collected History of Pallets and Palletized Handling 1922–1945. He is also an advisory board member of the Virginia Tech Center for Packaging and Unit Load Design. Read Rick’s full bio.