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CM's Guide to fork-lift trucks

Brian Chalmers-Hunt has been looking at the wide variety of fork-lifts and attachments

UPING THE PAST few years, ork-lift truck has appeared 1 ever-increasing numbers at forage, handling and distribuon exhibitions.

Some names regularly appar, while others come and go. It ; up to any prospective client to scertain what type of truck he ?al y needs. For instance, hould it be electric, petrol, iesel or lpg-powered, what ttachments are available to andle special loads, what are -le conditions of sale, warranes, spare parts availability, and ; the supplier able to offer a ont-act maintenance scheme? II these are relevant points for a urchase that will last ten years r more.

With the current fuel supply roblems and seemingly daily

rice rises, prospective urchasers must look more )wards electric vehicles. This as -esulted in the majority of ift truck manufacturers ading battery-operated models to .leir ranges.

ost manufacturers offer pti ns on even the most basic f f rk-lift trucks. These may id l de tyre specification, a mg of mast heights and cus)mi ation for operation in conoll d temperatures or explos tmospheres, The prospecve purchaser must ascertain )at the manufacturer will be jp.lyirig what he really needs.

A R Lift Truck Ltd, C almers Way.

N • rth Feltham Trading E tate, Feltham, iddlesex TVV1 4OUJ TI: 01-751 0222 CR offers a wide range of Allis hal ers counterbalance elec • ic nd internal combustionngi ed fork-lift trucks.

T e electric counterbalanced deontrolled trucks are availble in 14 cushion-tyred verion up to the ACE 120 lac ine with a 5500 kg 12, 001b) capacity. These tac ines have a solid-state rive control system which proides full control of power and Dee at all times which gives )e iperator complete driving pntr I.

T ere is a range of low-profile lect ic trucks with capacities 000-2500kg (200000 lbs) and smaller three he ;l machines with 100050 (2000-30001b) capacies.

AIR offers a range of 18 ush n-tyred counter-balanced lter al combustion engined iod Is with 1500-5500 kg 30 -12,0001b) capacities in ddition to 19 versi ns up to 0,0 Okg (22,500lb capacity. His Chalmers internal combustion-engined trucks are available in diesel or lpg versions.

For those who do not need a large fork-lift truck, ACR is able to offer the Wagner range of electric trucks for internal operations. These include pallet trucks, stackers, reach trucks and order pickers. The pallet trucks are available as stand-on, sit-on, or non-rider machines and their capacities are to 3000kg (60001b).

The non-rider stacker range is available in two versions with a top capacity of 1500kg (30001b) and a lift height of 3.45 metres (1 Oft).

The capacity of the stand-on reach truck is 1600kg (30001b) and it can lift to 6.2 metres (1 Oft) lift height with capacities to 2000kg (40001b).

For warehouse use, the order picking truck has turning reach forks and can lift 1000kg (20001b) to 6.45 metres (19ft) and reach to 7.52 metres (15ft).

Finally Wagner has developed three trucks for operation in areas where explosion is possible. These protected machines include a pallet truck and two stackers.

Atlet Ltd, Jefferson Way, Thame Industrial Estate, Theme, Oxfordshire Tel: 084-421 3531 ATLET offers a wide range of order pickers, reach trucks, stackers and powered pallet trucks. .

Its range of high level order pickers have been designed to the latest European safety standards. The APT 1000 model has a capacity of 1000kg (20001b) and can lift to 6 metres (19.7ft). Thyristor drive control gives a smooth infinitely variable speed control and the ability to raise and lower the forks independently enables easy order picking.

The APM 1.5 medium-level order picker lifts to 1.5 metres (4.92ft) and has a 700kg (15431b) capacity. This machine is considered ideal for second-level order picking.

The LPL and NPL low-level order pickers both have a capacity of 1 250kg (27551b) and are ideal for ground-level operations with occasional second-level picking. Both trucks can be modified to handle two 1200mm pallets or two or three roll containers.

The four-way UF Reach Truck has a 2000kg (40001b) capacity and is able to operate as a side-loader for handling long loads or as a normal reach truck for shorter loads. Lift lengths up to 6. 5metres (21.3ft) are available on this model.

Recently reduced is the new light duty 1016kg (one-ton) capacity reach truck which has a lift of 4.2 metres (14ft) and features telescopic forks for reaching into double tiers of racking. It operates in a smaller gangway than conventional reach trucks and is available in stand-on and sit-on versions.

Atlet's range of M3 fork-lift trucks has capacities of 1000, 1250 and 1500kg (2000, 2755 and 30001b) and with its three-wheel configuration provides the smallest possible turning circle.

Completing the Atlet range is the Senior stacker which is available in sit-on and stand-on versions with lift capacities from 1250-2000kg (2755-40001b), and the low-lift powered pallet truck with a 2000kg (40001b) capacity.

Coventry Climax Ltd, Sandy Lane, Coventry CV1 4DX Tel: 0203 555355 COVENTRY CLIMAX has been providing fork-lift trucks for over 30 years and offers a wide range of vehicles including pedestrian-controlled pallet trucks and pallet stackers.

New models recently introduced are three metric fork-lift trucks. Known as the EC 1.5 electric truck, the GC 2.5 en-ned truck and the R 2.0 reach truck, they mark the first stage of rationalisation between Climax and Conveyancer models.

The climax EC 1.5 electric fork-lift truck has a basic lifting capacity of 1 500kg (30001b) at 500mm (24in) load centre. There is a choice of either duplex nominal free lift or duplex and triple full free lift masts. The standard free lift is 305mrn (12in). The GE 2.5 cushiontyred fork-lift truck has high travel and lifting speeds and utilises the Land-Rover 2.25litre engine. The lifting capacity range is 2.5 tonnes (50001b). This new liquid petroleum gas-fuelled truck is available with duplex nominal free lift mast or duplex and triple full free mast.

The R 2.0 has been designed as a replacement for the climax 45-RT electric reach truck and offers a choice of frame widths, high lift capacity, electric control of the hydraluic system and greater degree of driving comfort. It has been developed to meet the narrow-aisle materials handling requirements of the 1980s and has a standard rating of 200kg (40001b) at 600mm (24in) load centre to a lift height of 5m (16.6ft). For heavy-duty low-lift height applications, a 2.5 tonne (5000Ib) and 3.75m (12.3ft) capability can be provided.

Crown Lift Trucks Ltd, Armadale Road, Middlesex, TW14 OLR Tel: 01-980 0191 CROWN offers a range of mechanical handling equipment from hand pallet trucks through to fork-lift trucks.

Pallet trucks include hand pallet trucks, walkies, centrecontrol riders and end-control rider/walkies. The powered models include three-speed operation, 24-Volt power sys

tems and capacities of 3000kg (60001b).

Crown claims that it offers the, complete range of stackers through to power-lift and the largest line of walkie stackers in the world. All feature 24-Volt power systems, sealed gear drive and positive mechanical braking. Capacities are available from 680-2000kg (1 50040001b).

Stock pickers are available in many forms but based on these specific models.

Crown's range of sit-down and stand-up lift trucks offers power-assisted steering, 3 6Volt electrical systems and independent dual front-wheel drive. Maximum lifting capacity is 1 587kg (35001b). Stand-up side models utilise the Crown multi-function control handle provides one-hand operation of speed, direction, raise, lever, tilt, and lower.

Danks of Netherton Ltd, 257 Halesowen Road, Netherton, Dudley, West Midlands DY2 9PG Tel: Cradley Heath 66417 DANKS offers a wide range of industrial trucks embracing both pedestrian-controlled and diesel and electric ride-on trucks. Not only does it produce its own range of lift trucks but it also imports a selection of Desta models from Czechoslovakia and NYJ from Japan.

Included in the Danks range are pallet stackers, straddle stackers, counterbalanced trucks, power-pallet trucks and their new explosion-proof forklift trucks for use in inflammable and explosive atmospheres. These at present come in three forms: pallet or straddle-type stacker with a maximum capacity of 1500kg (30001b) at 610mm (24in) load centres, front loading counterbalance truck with similar capacity to the stacker and the pallet truck which has a maximum capacity of 2000kg (40001b).

Five Desta lift-trucks are available and range from threecylinder 1500kg (30001b) units to the four-cylinder 3181kg (70001b) model.

Lifts range from 3.3 to 4.8m (10.8 to 15.7ft). One model runs on lpg and is ideal for container loading because of its low overall height of 1.82m (6ft). This truck has a lift capacity of 2.5m (8.2ft) for a 1136kg (2499W) load.

Power-assisted steering is fitted as well as two forward and reverse speeds, operated by a single gear lever. Drive is via a hydraulic torque converter, The NYK range comprises front-loading trucks in either pneumatic or cushion tyres, being available from 500 to 3500kg (1102 to 77161b) capacities and two reach trucks with capacities of 1 500 and. 2000kg (3000 and 40001b).

Direct Transport Services (Sweden) Ltd, 7 Market Place, Derby DE1 30A Tel: 0332 371111 DTS represents the Swedish company Kalmar LMV in the United Kingdom and is able to offer a range of lift trucks in the ranges three to seven tonnes, eight to fifteen tonnes, twenty to twenty-two tonnes and twentyeight to forty-two tonnes. In addition ro/ro models are available in the range five to thirtyfive tonnes and side loaders from four to fifteen tonnes.

Eaton Ltd, Materials Handling Division, Waddensbrook Lane, Wednesfield, Wolverhampton, West Midlands WV11 3SW Tel: 0902 66955

EATON LTD recently announced a ""new generationof safer, quieter and faster electric rider lift trucks. Known as the A Series, it supplements their latest range of moving-mast reach trucks, electric rider and pedestrian-operated pallet and platform trucks. These are available in capacities from 1500 to 3000kg (300 to 60001b) and diesel and lpg trucks from 907 to 6350k9 (2000 to 1 4,0001b).

Of particular interest is the GP, GLP and GDP model range with capacities of 2000 to 4000kg (4000 to 80001b). It has a low overall height of 2080mm (82in) so suitable for operating inside containers and van. The new Eaton automatic powershift transmission is fitted as standard on this range of trucks. Although fitted with an ic engine, the manufacturer claims that they are as easy to drive as a modern electric truck, with pulse control and motor braking.

Mast operation is via a lowpressure hydraulic system which is claimed to reduce wear and avoid leaks. A special relief valve protects the hydraulic system against excessive pressure due to overloading and a lowering valve ensures safe lowering of the load in the event of hydraulic pressure failure. Wear from off-centre loading is absorbed by adjustable thrust plugs between the fork carriage and mast channels. Fiat Fork-lift Trucks, 35 Berkeley Square, London W1X 6EE Tel: 01493 5033

THE UK ORGANISATION comprises a central head office in London and a dealer network headed by L. Lang Ltd of Weybridge, for the South and Central England, and Isis Fork-lifts of Manchester for the NorthWest of England.

It offers a wide range of sideloaders, counterbalance and reach trucks with a choice of either diesel, gas or electric power units. Vehicles are available in a capacity range from 0.6 to 50 tonnes.

Forager Fork Trucks Ltd, Meadow Lane, Dewsbury, West Yorkshire WF13 2DW.

Tel: 0924 464331 THE FORAGER range of battery electric fork-lift trucks and industrial trucks includes counterbalanced, straddle and reach trucks with capacities up to 2000kg (40001b).

These trucks, according to the manufacturers, have been designed on a revolutionary structural concept with safety in operation the major consideration. The centre of gravity has been lowered with the battery and counterweight located beneath the footplate.

The integral "'four-poster" overhead guards enclose and protect the driver. Its overhead tilt ramp built into the guard has a safety chain as an additional protection. The fork carriage is fitted with a load backrest as standard.

The battery is easily removable for a speedy change using the battery trolley supplied with the truck, It has an emergency disconnecting plug accessible from the driving seat, which incorporates a switch to isolate the electrical system when the driver leaves the vehicle.

Formula Trucks Ltd, Ten Acre Lane, Egham, Surrey. Tel: Egham 3863 FORMULA TRUCKS offer a range of models for most applications up, to 2000kg (40001b) capacity. 1 Included in the current range are new four-way long load carriers with capacities up to 1524kg (33601b). Hydraulic powered direction control is fitted to assist operation.

Of particular interest to the smaller transport operator is the new AM model which will lift a 350kg (770Ib) load to a height of 1.5m (60 inches). With an overall height of 1930mm (76 inches) it will go through standard 2m (6.56ft) high doors.

Hamech Group of Com panies, Units 8 and 9, Staines Central Trading Estate, Staines, Middlesex.

Tel: Staines 56321 HAMECH markets the Ransomes range of battery-electric fork trucks and the Mitsubishi range of internal combustion engined trucks. These are supplemented by the Kelvin range of pedestrian trucks. The organisation has seven strategically placed depots throughout the UK, together with mobile field service vans capable of carrying most major on-site reports.

Of particular interest are the Mitsubishi lpg and diesel models with a range between 1500 and 3000kg (3000 and 60001b).

Handling Analysis Ltd, Home Farm Works, Little Billing, Northampton N N 3 4AQ. Tel: 0604 406711

HANDLING ANALYSIS LTD is sole concessionaire in England and Wales for Komatsu reachtrucks. The range currently available includes electric narrow-aisle reach trucks in both sit-down and stand-up and control forms, and electric fork-lift trucks with cushion or pneumatic tyres and electric reach-trucks with various handling capacities up to 1750kg (35001b).

Jungheinrich (GB) Ltd, Southern Road, Wythenshawe, Manchester M23 9DU. Tel: 061-998 7919 THIS COMPANY has recently exhibited its new products in the UK for the first time.

The latest addition to the wide range of counterblanced fork-lift trucks is the Ameise 112. This is a new threewheeled electric fork-lift truck which operates on two 18-volt traction batteries.

Four mast options are available giving lift lengths of 2900mm (9ft 6in), 3500mm (lift 6in) and 4100mm (13ft 6in) with telescopic mast. With the duplex mast a lift height of 2900mm (9ft 6in) is obtainable with a full free lift of 1250mm (49.2in). The vehicle has a capacity of 1200kg (2650Ib) at a 500mm (20m) load centre.

Jungheinnch produces electric reach trucks with capacities from 1000 to 3200kg (2204 to 70541b), and all these have recently been restyled for better driving comfort and control.

In addition, the company has introduced a new design to its 1250 and 1500kg (2750 and 33001b) capacity electric stackers. This includes a new control handle, modified drive unit and side support rollers.

Kelvin Engineering (Basingstoke) Ltd, Hatch, London Road, Basingstoke, Hampshire. Tel: Basingstoke 3084 KELVIN produces a range of pedestrian-controlled battery electric fork-lift trucks, pedestrian-controlled stackers and platform trucks.

The PF7 model is the latest addition to the range and has a capacity of 340kg (750Ib) at a 508mm (20in) load centre. This model is claimed to have the smallest turning circle of any counterbalanced fork-lift truck currently available. With a 1.72m (68in) turning circle, 90-degree stacking is possible in aisle widths of less than 2.1m (7ft). A wire mast guard is mounted on the mast to prevent the operator from putting an arm between the mast channels.

The maximum-capacity forklift truck produced is 1360kg (30001b) with a lift height up to 4.3m (14ft) with a similar capacity for the stacker but a lift height of 3.7m (12ft).

Lancer Boss, Grovebury Road, Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire LU7 8SR Tel: 0525 372031 LANCER BOSS states that for almost every fork-lifting appli-, cation there is more than one lift truck available from more than one manufacturer, not only from within the UK but also from world sources.

This is particularly relevant to this company because its range of fork-lift, side-lift and container handling lift trucks can only be described as vast.

Electric and ic-engined trucks are available in the 2000kg (44001b) to 45-tonne side-lift truck. Standard features of the range include a long wheelbase for minimum floor loadings and maximum stability, full power hydrostatic steering giving maximum manoeuvrability and torque converter transmission (diesel), or solid state control (electric). All-round visibility is obtained by using an off-centre driving position and on the bigger sidelifts a forward-mounted traversing cab.

Trucks can be supplied with either cushion or pneumatic tyres and a full range of specialised options — including heat protection or dust protection. The company offers a special advisory service as well as driver training facilities.

Lansing Ltd, Kingsclere Rd, Basingstoke, Hampshire Tel: 0205 3131 LANSING LTD produces a large range of floor trucks, electric rider and pedestrian-operated pallet trucks for localised handling of palletised loads, general-purpose fork-lift trucks for a variety of handling opera tions, narrow aisle reach trucks designed to make the best use of warehouse volume and order pickers.

Of particular interest to the transport industry are the Merlin C, P. Hawk and Husky ranges of general-purpose fork-lift trucks.

The Merlin is available in a range of lifting capacities from 1 360kg (33001b) to 2270kg (55001b) at a 600mm (20in) load centre and may be fitted with cushion or pneumatic tyres. It is powered by a 32kW (43bhp) engine with torque converter transmission and offered with a choice of mast lift lengths.

The Hawk is able to accommodate loads up to 3 200kg (70001b) at a 600rrim (20in) load centre. A 46kW (63bhp) engine is fitted together with torque-converter transmission as standard. Hydrostatic transmission is an optional fitment.

The Husky has a loadcarrying capacity of 6300kg (1 4,0001b) at a load centre of 24in. It is fitted with a 60kW (80bhp) engine, torqueconverter transmission and full power steering.

Liftrucs Ltd, Gelderd Road, Gildersome, Morley, Leeds LS27 7JX Tel: 0532 537735 TWO NEW series of Toyota fork-lift trucks have been introduced into the UK this year. One is the updated series of lpg and diesel-powered units with a range from one to three tonnes, and the other is the new FBE series of three-wheel electrics with capacities from one to 1 .75 tonnes.

MIC (UK) Sales, Southmoor Road, Wythenshawe, Manchester M23 9DU Tel: 061-998 9833 M1C PRODUCES pallet and fork-lift trucks in Argentina and imports them to the UK. Of p ticular interest is the new thn wheeled electric fork-lift trui Designated the Cadet, it hat capacity of 1 200kg (26501b) 500mm (20in) load centre. Fr mast options are availat giving lift heights of 2900rr (9ft Sin), 3500mm (lift 6 and 4100mm (13ft Sin) w telescopic mast and 2900n (9ft 6in) on a duplex mast witl full free lift of 1 2 5Orr (44.2in).

With the lowest lift, the ov all height of the truck is or 1990mm (6ft 7in), making suitable for container stuffi and working through low do ways.

Montgornerie Reid Ltd, Bramley, Basingstoke, Hampshire RG26 5DW Tel: 0256-86 444 MR LTD PRODUCES batte operated reach trucks with lc capacities from 1 500kg 2041kg (3000 to 45001b), a three-wheeled counter-balanc fork-lift trucks with load cap ities from 1 000kg to 1500 (2000Ib to 30001b) at a lc centre of 500mm (24in). Thr are three interchangeable ti options: cushion, super elaE and pneumatic.

Parts requiring routi maintenance are situated t neath the top cover, on hing panels, or behind the eas removed battery cases. T manufacturer claims that transmission can be out of t truck and onto the workben within a matter of minutes.

Motown Fork Truck S vices Ltd, 66-70 Walsall Road, Perry Barr, Birmingham 842 1SF MOTOWN IS the sole UK r tnbutor for PEG fork-lift truc The SM range which has lift capacities from 800kg 1 500kg (17631b to 3307 has been specifically desigr in the interest of the low utili tion user who does not war sophisticated truck, but o wants use for a few hours a d The vehicle is supplied cc plete with battery and charc and pivot forks. Two otl models, named the Micro r Poly, are more sophistica and offer various additio benefits. All three models h. front-wheel drive by indep dent electric motors to et .wheel giving traction gradients up to 1 in 5 ft laden. The complete range trucks is available in 284 ferent standard options,