Blue Machinery Fuchs supply two MHL360 F material-handlers to RFS

RAIL Freight Services (RFS) Ltd have invested in two new MHL360 F material-handlers for the loading/unloading of aggregates and soil at a number of locations along the river Thames in London. The machines offer a maximum reach capability of 18m and are equipped with a 2,250-litre clamshell grab.

Both units are currently unloading barges carrying 500 tonnes of soil material which is being used to restore a landfill site in Rainham, Essex. RFS are one of the UK’s leading companies for the loading/unloading of bulk rail freight and water borne vessels, while also operating intermodal and aggregate terminals. The company places huge emphasis on having the right equipment to fulfil their contracts across the UK – and the MHL360 F machine offers speed, fuel efficiency and precision.

The dual circuit hydraulics provide quick working cycles, even under heavy loads, and movement is suitably jolt-free with a sophisticated kinematics concept, meaning gentle yet accurate manoeuvres can be performed and executed.

A rear-view camera (night vision is optional) and travel alarm come as standard, however, RFS have chosen an all-round vision option to meet the strict health and safety compliance, which many of their contracts demand. Operators also benefit from an ergonomic seat with flexible setting options, as well as head and lower lumbar support, to provide an extremely comfortable working environment.

Simple menu navigation is provided directly through a 7in touchscreen display, which indicates important operating conditions (eg hydraulic oil temperature, coolant temperature etc). The cab is not only height adjustable to 6.1m but also moves forward at a maximum 2.2m, giving the operator – aided by the machine’s 360° panoramic windows – clear all-round views of the on-site operation. 

The MHL360 F material-handler is powered by a 190kW diesel engine with reduced emissions and features three working modes – Eco Plus, Eco and Power.

Jim Flatman, managing director for RFS, commented: ‘The benefit of these machines is the lifting capability even on long reach. Of course, sometimes we have a tide to contend with and these machines can lift the full clamshell grab (at 6 tonnes) from the barges beneath and deliver the full 18m reach when required.’

Paul Hogan, HME fleet manager for RFS, highlighted the benefits of working with Blue Fuchs. He said: ‘The team at Blue Fuchs are responsible for servicing and maintenance and they are always there to assist with any service or technical queries, no matter what time of day it is, which is vitally important to our operations, most of which operate 24h a day, seven-days-a-week.’