A FORD COURIER L1 H1 FOR A UTILITY MAINTENANCE COMPANY

This van needs to be both well-equipped and agile as it has to travel daily on narrow, winding roads in the hilly and sometimes mountainous areas of the Veneto region. Forgotten equipment can cost hours of work wasted in unnecessary travel.

This is the context we need to bear in mind as we delve into the details of the racking system seen here. The van in the photos is operated by a multi-utility service that maintains network infrastructure on behalf of a number of municipal councils. The team are often obliged to work at the roadside, in tight spaces or under emergency conditions.

During discussions with the customer, the following requirements emerged:

• The vehicle had to be compact and manoeuvrable.
• It had to carry everything necessary for the work in hand to eliminate wasted trips back to base.
• There had to be plenty of floor space free for bulky parts and equipment.

The van seen here is a small Ford Courier L1 H1 owned by a Padua-based utility maintenance company.

To meet the demands listed above, Syncro System decided to install an underfloor drawer system. This solution:

• is ideal for small vans
• allows a large quantity of tools, parts and equipment to be carried
• leaves a full-size raised floor that is walkable and supports racking
• provides drawers that open outwards to allow access from the ground
• reduces the need to climb into the van, speeds up work and shortens the time spent in logistically awkward situations

Other racking solutions for the Courier

Other racking solutions for utility maintenance companies

The long drawers installed in this Courier are contained inside a frame made from extra-high-strength steel that supports a raised floor in 9 mm thick, resin-coated marine plywood. This floor is not only strong enough to walk on, but can also support additional racking, with all the associated weight of tools, spares and equipment. This solution makes efficient use of the van’s height without reducing floor space.

This Courier has three underfloor drawers: two side-by-side at the back, and one accessible through the side door.

Each drawer makes full use of the length available to it and can be extended partly or fully to reveal some or all of its contents. All three drawers are equipped with non-slip bottom mats and transverse space dividers to create separate compartments.

As we have already said, the raised floor over the drawer unit is strong enough to support racking and to allow normal access to the van.

Before any racking was installed, the van’s walls were lined with honeycomb polypropylene panels. Only then was the Courier furnished with a column of two configurable shelves. The humble shelf is one of the most versatile elements of racking in the Syncro System catalogue. It can accommodate small parts, tools, electronic devices and any other objects small enough to fit inside the width and height available.

As customers often learn in initial discussions, a racking solution would not be complete without the right selection of accessories, strategically positioned to achieve maximum functionality during work on site. This van is no exception.

On the side of the racking, clearly visible and within easy reach from the ground, are a paper roll holder and a first aid kit.

The van’s bulkhead has been fitted with a Syncroblock bar, a lashing strap and an adjustable buckle to secure tall or bulky loads quickly and safely.

A well-organised racking solution turns a compact van from an operational constraint into an advantage. This can be seen clearly from the solution installed in this Courier. Careful analysis of the user’s needs and of the space available allowed every inch to be utilised to the full, improving the safety of the van’s users and reducing downtime in daily operations. Thanks to 30 years of experience, top-quality materials and personal attention at the consulting phase, Syncro’s tailor-made racking solutions last over time and simplify your daily work.

Syncro offers you:

• full technical assistance, from the initial consulting phase to after-sales service
• a certified satisfaction rate of 99% and above
• modular racking and lightweight, durable materials

Contact us now to get the most out of your van. Book an obligation-free consultation to get a fully customised racking system tailored to your own personal needs!