Materials Handling Equipment (MHE) in the New Zealand Army, 1988

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Materials Handling Equipment (MHE) is often an overlooked yet critical component of military logistics, providing the backbone for efficient movement and management of supplies and equipment across the supply chain. Despite its essential role, MHE frequently suffers from neglect regarding investment, modernisation, and strategic planning.

In 1988, recognising the operational necessity of MHE, the New Zealand Army highlighted its importance in enhancing logistics efficiency and operational adaptability. This recognition was formalised in the Army Equipment Policy Statement (AEPS) No. 63, updated in 1989, which provided a framework for the development and employment of MHE within the Army.

This article examines the New Zealand Army’s approach during this period, exploring the capabilities, policies, and operational roles assigned to MHE. By reflecting on these measures, this article underscores the often-underappreciated significance of MHE and the need for sustained attention to ensure this vital capability continues to meet modern operational demands.

The Scope of AEPS No. 63

AEPS No. 63, updated in September 1989, established clear guidelines for MHE—equipment primarily designed for materials handling. It excluded items with secondary materials-handling roles, such as engineer plant, air delivery, or recovery equipment, while advocating for consideration of these items during acquisition to maximise their utility.[1]

Definitions and Standardisation

AEPS No. 63 introduced precise definitions to guide the Army’s logistical operations:

  • Materials Handling: Movement of materials across warehouses, production processes, and shipping areas.
  • Container Handling: Management of ISO containers, modular shelters, and specialised military modules.
  • Standard Pallet: The NATO pallet had specific dimensions (1000mm x 1200mm x 175mm).
  • Special Purpose Pallets: Customised for specific loads or transport types, such as 436L air transport pallets.
  • Standard Unit Load (SUL): Defined dimensions for palletised, non-palletised, or containerised loads.

The categorisation of MHE into Depot MHE (designed for paved surfaces) and Field MHE (capable of operating on uneven or soft ground) ensured a tailored approach to logistics.

ISO Containers and Modular Shelters

The Army’s MHE policy detailed specific container and shelter requirements:

ISO Containers

  • 20-Foot (6.10m) 1C Cargo Container: Maximum gross weight of 24,000kg; tare weight of 2,230kg.
  • 10-Foot (3.05m) 1D Cargo Container: Maximum gross weight of 10,160kg; tare weight of 1,260kg.

Modular Shelters

  • 20-Foot (6.10m) 1C Shelter: Gross weight of 3,000kg.
  • 13-Foot 2in (4.012m) 1DX Shelter: Specialist shelters with tare weight of 15,800kg and gross weight of 4,000kg. Over 80 in service, across eight varients
    • Quartermaster
    • Machine/Welding
    • General Engineering
    • Automotive Repair
    • Small Army Repair
    • 230VAC Repair
    • Binner Storage
    • Automative Repair
  • 10-Foot (3.05m) 1D Shelter: Prototype variant used for peacetime storage.
  • 1EX Shelters (Steel and Aluminium): Dimensions and weights varied, tailored for roles such as Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) and radio signal units.
New Zealand Army 13′ Shelter Non-Expandable

Operational Necessity of MHE

MHE’s primary role was to handle bulk equipment and supplies efficiently, minimising manual labour and maximising logistical throughput. Key operational requirements included:

  1. Depot and Field MHE to manage the Army’s range of ISO containers and modular shelters.
  2. Compatibility with the logistic supply chain for handling bulk supplies from home bases to forward operational areas.
  3. Use of ISO Containers for bulk movement, primarily within logistics hubs, while palletised loads extended to unit echelons.

MHE usage spanned all points of the supply chain, including:

  • Point of Entry (POE): Comprehensive MHE and container handling equipment (CHE) to manage diverse loads.
  • Forward Maintenance Group (FMG): Similar to POE but with less CHE capabilities and more reliance on modular distribution systems (MDS)
  • Brigade Maintenance Area (BMA): Limited range of MHE and MDS for further bulk-breaking.
  • Unit-Level Support: Field MHE to handle specialised and palletised combat supplies.

Desired Characteristics of MHE

To meet the operational requirements, MHE was expected to possess the following attributes:

  1. Field MHE:
    • Mobility on and off-road.
    • Medium all-wheel drive capability.
    • Operability across a range of climatic conditions.
    • Compatibility with tactical transport systems and NZ Army fuel standards.
  2. Depot MHE:
    • Operability on paved surfaces.
    • Compliance with civil standards.
    • Versatility in aisle widths and container de-stuffing.
    • Use of multiple fuel types, including electricity.

MHE in Service (1988)

The New Zealand Army maintained an extensive inventory of MHE, categorised as Depot MHE, Field MHE, and Modular Distribution Systems (MDS). Key equipment included:

Depot MHE

  • Forklifts from brands like Lansing Bagnall, Toyota, and Komatsu, with capacities ranging from 1000kg to 10,000kg.
  • Electric forklifts for ammunition areas.

Field MHE

  • Rough terrain forklifts, including;
  • 22 x Leesander RT25.
  • 3 x Hough models.
  • 2 x Eager Beavers utilised by 5 Movements Squadron, RNZCT.[2]
Leesander RT25

Modular Distribution Systems

  • MDS ranging from 2-tonne to 10-tonne capacities, complemented by 10-tonne lifting beams.
Modular Distribution Systems (Container Lifting Device) https://mdsc-systems.ee/en/references/lifting-devices/

Strategic Interoperability and International Standards

The Army’s MHE policy emphasised standardisation with equipment used by allies, ensuring seamless interoperability. Key guidelines and standards included:

  • STANAGs: Specifications for field and depot MHE.
  • ISO Standards: Governing modular shelters and containers.
  • Overseas Studies: Leveraging insights from ABCA, Australia, Canada, and the UK.

Distribution Policy

The distribution of MHE was tailored to align with operational requirements, with RNZAOC units holding the majority of the equipment, followed by RNZCT units, and smaller quantities allocated to other Army units. This arrangement prioritised strategic deployment to maximise logistics efficiency and maintain operational readiness.

Conclusion

In 1988, MHE was a vital asset for the New Zealand Army, forming the backbone of efficient logistics operations in both peace and conflict. The AEPS No. 63 established a comprehensive framework for the acquisition, deployment, and standardisation of MHE, paving the way for the phased retirement of RT25s and Eager Beavers in favour of more capable Skytrak 10000NZ RFTL and Matbro RFTL from 1995. By facilitating bulk handling of supplies and equipment, MHE significantly reduced manpower demands while enhancing operational efficiency, underscoring its indispensable role in New Zealand’s military logistics.

Notes

[1] “Equipment and Supplies – Overall Policy – Material Handling Equipment,” Archives New Zealand Item No R7934643  (1988).

[2] “Equipment And Supplies – Overall Policy – Medium Lift Rough Terrain Forklift  (4000- 5000 kg),” Archives New Zealand Item No R6822831  (1983-1995).