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For those of us who are unfamiliar
with the Stapler Cup, the competition
gives forklift drivers from all over the
world the opportunity to demonstrate
and master their skills and expertise
whilst on show to the general public.
Since the tournaments inauguration
back in 2005, more than 20,000
men and women have taken part
in the national and international
contests, highlighting the competitions
popularity and importance. The
tournament as an event provides
children and adults alike the
opportunity to embrace and learn
about forklift trucks, giving a glimpse
into the world of material handling,
an industry built upon working in
the background and being one for
secrecy.
An event such as this is not something
we are used to seeing in the UK, but
on first impression, the reception given
by community and the visitors is one
of acceptance. The event provides
entertainment for both children and
adults, part of which involves the
tasks set out for each round, designed
specifically to show off the trucks
versatility and precision. These tasks
certainly put the drivers and teams
through their paces, highlighting the
skill, patience and speed needed by
each driver in order to win task by task,
whilst coping with the added pressure
of competing against the clock, much
to the delight of the spectators.
Having witnessed the trucks being
put through their paces it begs the
question of how these machines
are tested and built. Unsurprisingly,
with the forklift world being well
renowned for its secrecy and
guarded outlook on technology
and specs, gaining access to a
behind the scenes tour is usually
out of the question. However, with
the town of Aschaffenburg seemingly
consumed with forklift fever, the Linde
Material Handling plant doors opened
up for the day, allowing for a look into
functionality of the test centre.
Forklift Fever
September 2015 saw the annual Stapler Cup (Forklift Cup) begin held once again.
This prestigious competition was on show for all to admire, staged in the centre square at
Schlossplatz in Aschaffenburg, Germany.
Alex Cottard
went along to this year’s tournament and
was shown around what normally remains firmly closed - the Linde Material Handling
test centre - for a behind the scenes tour.
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Logistics Business Magazine | November 2015
TESTING FORKLIFTS