For Sam Chapman, Site Director at Manby Storage Services in Louth, Lincolnshire, operational efficiency, operator safety, and equipment reliability are critical to maintaining performance across a busy, multi-functional site.

Spread across 32 acres and comprising five large hangars, the business supports a diverse range of activities, including LED lighting, third-party logistics, and ground maintenance services. Managing such a varied operation requires versatile machinery capable of delivering consistent performance across multiple tasks – from heavy material handling to precision work at height.

A Versatile Solution for Complex Tasks

At the heart of Manby Storage Services’ fleet is the SANY telehandler, a machine that has quickly become integral to daily site operations. “We have four or five operators using the machine every day,” Chapman explains. “The feedback has been exceptional – they love the ease of use and, importantly, the comprehensive safety features built into the machine as standard.” The telehandler has proven particularly valuable during recent refurbishment work, including the re-roofing of hangars reaching heights of 15 to 16 metres. The machine’s lifting capability enabled the safe and efficient removal of steel sheeting at height, delivering both cost and time savings compared to more traditional methods. “It’s made the job significantly more cost-effective and given us greater flexibility in how we carry out projects,” Chapman adds.

Productivity Gains Through Smart Design

Beyond structural work, the telehandler plays a crucial role in day-to-day material handling, from moving aggregates to handling palletised goods and incoming steel deliveries. With a lifting capacity of up to four tonnes, the machine is well suited to unloading steel mesh and aluminium deliveries, while features such as adjustable pallet tines allow operators to work more efficiently without the need for manual adjustments. “Previously, operators would need to get in and out of the machine to adjust attachments,” Chapman notes. “Now, those efficiencies really add up over the course of a working day.” Visibility and operator comfort have also been key factors in driving productivity. “The cab is spacious, the driving position is excellent, and you have clear visibility all the way around the machine. That makes a huge difference when you’re working in busy environments.”

Built-In Safety as Standard

One of the standout features for Chapman is SANY’s approach to integrating safety systems as standard, rather than offering them as optional extras. Features such as chassis sway, allowing the machine to level itself on uneven ground, have had a direct impact on both safety and performance. “When you’re working on uneven terrain or loading at height onto scaffolding, the ability to level the machine automatically is a major advantage,” he explains. “It’s improved both efficiency and operator confidence.” This focus on standardisation has also simplified training and machine adoption across the team. “Operators who are trained on telehandlers can get straight into the machine and feel confident, knowing those safety features are already in place.”

Reliability Backed by Experience

Manby Storage Services’ decision to invest in SANY equipment was also influenced by previous experience with the brand. The company had already been operating a SANY SY80U excavator, which has provided reliable performance over several years. “That machine is now around three years old, with close to 700 hours on it, and we’ve had no faults,” Chapman says. “That reliability gave us the confidence to expand our fleet with SANY.” The telehandler has continued that positive experience, supported by a strong warranty offering. “The three-year, 3,000-hour warranty on the telehandler is a major benefit,” Chapman highlights. “It gives us real peace of mind and helps us manage risk as a business.”

Supporting Operational Flexibility

Another key advantage for the business has been the telehandler’s mobility. Powered by an 80 kW engine, the machine is capable of travelling between sites without the need for additional transport equipment. “For us, that’s a big benefit,” Chapman explains. “Instead of relying on low-loaders or lorries, we can move the machine 15 to 20 miles between sites, which adds a lot of flexibility and improves overall efficiency.”

Looking Ahead

With strong performance across multiple use cases, Chapman is already considering expanding the SANY fleet further “We’re looking at potentially adding more equipment, possibly another telehandler,” he says. Based on his experience to date, the recommendation is clear “I would absolutely recommend SANY to other businesses. The combination of value, reliability, and the level of standard features make a real difference in day-to-day operations.”