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Giving a big lift

1st March 1980, Page 63
1st March 1980
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to the industry

Transport operators are increasingly turning to forKlift -rucks, and Brian Chalmers-Hunt reviews --le equipment best suited to hauliers" needs

THIS SURVEY reviews the range of forklift trucks most suitable for haulage operators and has been compiled from information supplied to CM.

There are many dealers who hold one or more franchises or specialise in the overhaul and resale of used units. These have not been included.

AC R Lift Truck Ltd

Chalmers Way North Feltham Trading Estate Middlesex TW14 OUJ (Tel: 01-751 0222) This company offers a wide range of Allis-Chalmers forklift trucks. The latest range of computer-rated electric lift trucks are available in a capacity range of 908kg, 1.134kg and 1361kg (20001b, 25001b and 30001b).

Also available is the ACT 10, 12 and 15 three-wheel truck range. These have a carrying capacity of 1000, 1200 and 1500kg (2000, 2400 and 30001b) respectively. The frame is all-welded extra-rigid box with a simple high strength steel bar front axle.

Other four-wheel electric models include the ACET and ACETP 20 and 30 having a capacity of 1000 or 1500kg (2000 or 30001b) respectively.

The cushion tyre ACET range and pneumatic tyred series ACETP are specially designed with a low-profile of 1.98m (78in) over the overhead load guard for container stuffing. Two and three stage masts are available to provide a variety of lift heights up to 4.4m (175in).

The steer axle is made of high strength cast alloy and trunnion mounted.

For lifting heavier loads of 2000 or 2500kg (4000 or 50001b), the ACET 40 and 50 range is available.

For those who don't need a large forklift truck, ACR is able to offer the Wagner range of electric trucks for internal operation.

These include pallet trucks, stackers, reach trucks and order pickers. The pallet trucks are available as stand-on, sit-in or one-sider machines and their capacities are to 3000kg (60001b).

For warehouse use, the order. packing truck has turning reach Forks and can lift 1000kg (2000Ib) to 6.45m (19ft).

These trucks are also available for operation in explosive areas. These include a pallet truck and two stackers.

Agent Plant Sales

5-7 Dysart Street London EC2A 2BX Tel: 01-247 7565) Agent handles the Omfort range of rough-terrain forklift trucks. Although basically designed for site work, they are worthy of consideration for an operator involved in the building, construction or plant hire industry.

Four choices are available: four-wheel drive, two-wheel drive, manual or hydrostatic. transmission. The maximum lift weight is 2500kg (2.5 tons) with a lift height of 3.6m (12ft).

The chassis is purpose-built for heavy truck work and uses Renault tractor components. The H-range is fitted with the Sauer hydrostatic transmission which can give working and travel speed ratios.

A single-lever control is fitted for forward and reverse and allows the driver to use "creep speeds for precision work.

Being completely hydrostatic, clutch and brake components are eliminated and the parking brakes are inboard oilimmersed discs.

The M-range machines are fitted with a heavy duty mechanical transmission incorporating six forward and six reverse speeds plus differential lock. A 2827cc 75hp MWM diesel engine is available for both models.

Atlet Ltd

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

The range of high-level order pickers are designed to comply with the latest European Safety Standards. The APT 100 model has a capacity of 100kg (20001b) and is able to lift to 6m (19.7ft).

The APM 1.5 medium level order picker lifts to 1.5m (4.92ft) and has a 700kg (15431b) capacity.

This machine is considered to be ideal for second-level order picking and has similar features to the high-level order pickers including independent lift on the forks.

The LPL and NPL low-level order pickers both have a capacity of 1250kg (27551b) and are ideal for ground-level operations with occasional second level picking.

The four-way UF reach truck has a 2000kg (40001b) capacity and can operate as a site loadei The Atlet range of forkli trucks have capacities of 1 001 1250 and 1500kg (220! 2755 and 33071b), and with i three wheel configuration pr vides the smallest possible U. fling circle.

The Senior Stacker is ava able in sit-on and stand-on ve sions and offers a range of I capacities from 1250-20001. (2755-44091b) and the low I powered pallet truck with 2000kg (44091b) capacity.

Brimpex-Eccles Ltd

Brimpex Works Yorktown Industrial Estate Camberley, Surrey GU15 3DE (Tel: 0276-64202) This company manufactures range of mechanical handlir equipment from small hydraul lift trucks to stackers and electr vehicles.

Of particular interest is tr Workmaster power tractic stacker which has a capacity 1000kg (2240Ib) at 600mi (24in) centres. It is operated lz a series wound BS1727 24. 1.1kW (1.5hp) heavy duty tra tion motor which has an adjus able electro-mechanical brake.

The company also produces singleand double-mast stack( which is either hydraulically electrically operated. Thes have a lifting capacity of 508k (11 201b) or 1016kg (2240Ib).

Caterpillar Lift Trucks

H. Leverton & Co Ltd Maidenhead Road

Windsor, Berkshire SL4 5HH (Tel: Windsor 68121) Caterpillar forklift taicks rang from 1000kg (20001b) ti 27,200kg (60,0001b) Iiftin capacities and are available, dc pending on specification, witl petrol, diesel, LPL engines o electric drive.

For general use the M compact series is creating mos .interest. It is available in thre, lift capacities, 1000, 1250 an 1500kg (2000, 2500 an

30001b). continued overlea: All these models have a Dice of 36-, 48-, 72-and 80-v sterns. Batteries up to l.4kWh capacity are easily commodated on the two jher weight and 29.5kWh on low-weight model.

The fan-ventilated seriesiund drive motor has a one ur rating of 16bhp and Class nsulation to British Standard 27. Dynamically balanced natures run on single row ball arings which are prepacked th high-temperature lubricant cl sealed for life.

Higher in the M-Series range three versions that offer a Id capacity of 3000kg,

,00kg and 4500kg (60001b, 00Ib and 10,0001b) respecely.

The Caterpillar T-Series is signed for heavy duty use and ailable in a range of load pacities from 1500kg to i00kg (3000lb to 12,0001b). her petrol of LP gas engines fitted developing, 35.8kW 8bhp) with the gas conver)n. or 34.3kW (45bhp) with a conventional petrol version.

oventry Climax Ltd

ndy Lane iventry CV1 40X al: 0203-555355 iventry Climax offers a wide nge of vehicles including idestrian-controlled pallet Jcks and pallet stackers.

The company has introduced ree metric forklift trucks 'own as the EC1.5 electric ick, the GC 2.5 engined truck, d the R2.0 and these marked ?, first stage of rationalisation tween Climax and Conveycer models.

The Climax EC1.5 electrical rklift truck has a basic lifting pacity of 1500kg (30001b) at )Ornm (24in) load centre. tere is a choice of either duplex iminal free lift or triple full free t masts. The standard free lift 305mm (12in).

The G-E 2.5 cushion-tyred rklift truck has high travel and ting speeds and uses the Ind-Rover 2.25-litre engine. le lift capacity is 2.5 tonnes 0001b). This new LP gaselier:I truck is available with lplex nominal free lift mast or iplex and triple full free mast. The new 82.0 was designed a replacement for the Climax 5-RT electric reach truck and fers a choice of frame widths, gh-lift capacity, electric con1 of the hydraulic system and ihanced driver comfort.

The truck has been deveped to meet the narrow aisle aterials handling requireants of those operators nrived with warehousing. It has a standard rating of 2000kg (45001b) at 600mm (24in) load centre to a lift height of 5m (16.6ft). For heavy duty low lift height applications, a 2250kg (50001b) and 3.75m (12.3ft) is available.

Crown Lift Trucks Ltd

Armadale Road Feltham Middlesex TW14 OLR (Tel: 01-890 0191) This company is able to offer mechanical handling equipment ranging from hand pallet trucks to forklift trucks.

Pallet trucks are available in several forms, hand control, walkies, centre-control riders and end-control riders/walkies. The powered models include three-speed operation, a 24-v electrical system and have capacities of 2994kg (66001b).

The range of stackers all feature 24-v lever systems, sealed gear cases, and mechanical braking. Capacities are available from 680-2000kg (150040001b).

Stock pickers are available in many forms, but based on these specific models. Lift heights are available to 9.1m (30ft) with capacities to 1360kg (30001b).

The Crown range of sit-down and stand-up lift trucks offers power-assisted steering, 36-v electrical systems and independent front-wheel drive. Maximum lifting capacity is 1587kg (35001b). Stand-up side models utilise the Crown multifunction control handle which provides one control for speed, direction of travel, level, tilt and lower of the lift forks.

Danks of Netherton

257 Halesowen Road Net Dudley, West Midlands DY2 9PG (Tel: 0384-66417) Danks of Netherton is well known for its extensive range of industrial materials handling trucks, including both pedestrian-controlled and diesel and electric ride on trucks.

Besides producing its own trucks, the company also imports a selection of diesel models from NYJ of Japan and from Czechoslovakia.

The Danks range includes pallet stackers, straddle stackers, power pallet trucks, counterbalanced trucks and explosion-proof forklift trucks.

These at present come in three versions. Pallet or straddle type stacker with a maximum capacity of 1360kg (30001b) at 610mm (24in) load centres, front-loading counterbalanced lift truck with a similar lift capacity to the stacker, and the pallet truck which has a maximum capacity of 2000kg (44001b).

There are five Desta lift trucks available and these range from a three-cylinder 1360kg (30001b) unit to the fourcylinder 3181kg (700015) model.

The lift on these models ranges from 3.3 to 4.8m (10.8 to 15.7ft).

One Desta model is fitted with an LPG engine and is ideal for stuffing containers because of its low overall height of 1.82m (6ft). This particular truck has a lift capacity of 2.5m (8.2ft) for a 1136kg (24991b) load.

Power-assisted steering is fitted as well as two forward and reverse speeds which are controlled by a single gearlever.

The NYK range of front loading lift trucks is available from 500 to 3500kg (1102 to 77161b) capacities and two reach trucks with capacities of 1500 and 2000kg (3307 and 44091b).

Direct Transport Services (Sweden) Ltd

7 Market Place,Derby, DE1 3QA (Tel: 0332-371111) This company are agents for the Swedish lift truck producer Kalmar LMV in the UK. They are able to offer a range of lift trucks in the 3 to 7 tonnes, 8 to 15 tonnes, 20 to 22 tonnes and 28 to 42 tonnes categories.

In addition ro/ro models are available in the range from 5 to 35 tonnes and side loaders from 4 to 15 tonnes.

Eaton Ltd

Materials Handling Division Waddensbrook Lane Wednesfield Wolverhampton, West Midlands WV11 35W (Tel: 0902-66955) Eaton Ltd has been producing forklift trucks for many years.

For the transport operator, the GP, G LP and GDP model range will be of interest. Besides having a low overall height of 2.08m (82in), so being suitable for operating inside containers, the models are available in capacities from 2000 to 4000 kg (4000 to 8001b).

The Eaton automatic power, shift transmission is fitted as standard on this range of tricks and although fitted with an' internal-combustion engine, the manufacturers claim that they are as easy to drive as a modern electric truck with pulse control and motor braking.

Operation is via a low pressure hydraulic system which is claimed to reduce wear, and avoid leaks. A special relief valve is fitted to protect the hydraulic system against excessive pressure caused by overloading A lowering valve

ensures safe lowering of the load in the event of hydraulic pressure failure.

Any wear caused by offcentre loading is corrected by using special adjustable thrust plugs located between the fork carriage and mast channel.

One of the latest range from Eaton is the A-Series electric rider lift trucks. These supplement the current range of moving mast reach trucks, electric rider and pedestrianoperated pallet and platform trucks. These are available in capacities from 1500 to 3000kg (3300 to 66001b) and diesel and LPG trucks from 907 to 6350kg (2000 to 140001b).

Fiat Fork Lift Trucks

35 Berkeley Square London VV1X 6EE (Tel 01-493 5033) With over 25 years experience in the mechanical handling field, the Fiat Fork Lift Trucks Company has become one of the established manufacturers in Europe.

The UK division can offer a wide range of side loaders, counterbalanced and reach trucks with a choice of either diesel, LPG or electric power units. Vehicles are available in a capacity range from 0.6 to 50 tonnes.

The UK division comprises a centralised head office in London and a dealer network headed by L. Lang Ltd of Weybridge for South and Central England and Isis Forklifts of Manchester for the North-west.

Forager Fork Trucks Ltd

Meadow Lane Dewsbury, West Yroshi re W F 13 20W (Tel: 0924-46331) Forager produces a battery electric forklift truck and industrial truck of the counterbalanced, straddle and reach type with a range of capacities up to 1814kg (40001b).

For safety reasons, the centre of gravity has been lowered by locating the battery and counterweight beneath the footplate.

The integral 'Four Poster' overhead guards enclose and protect the driver, whilst the overhead tilt ramp built into the guard has a safety chain for additional protection. The fork carriage is fitted with a load backrest as standard equipment.

Maintenance is simple and the battery is easily removable using a special trolley which is supplied with the truck.

For safety, the electrical system has an emergency disconnection plug easily accessible from the driving position.

Formula Trucks Ltd

Tenacre Lane Egham, Surrey TW20 8SJ (Tel: Egham 33862). Formula claims to offer one of the largest range of forklift .stacker trucks with capacities up to 2000kg (4000Ib) and lift heights to 5m (16.5ft).

Of interest to the smaller transport operator is the RM model which will lift a 350kg (770Ib) load to a height of 1.5m .(5ft). Having a low overall height of 1.93m (6ft 4in) it will go through a standard 2m (6.56ft) high door. Included in the current range are four-way long-load carriers with capacities up to 1524kg (3360Ib). Hydraulic powered direction controls are fitted.

Designed especially for pallets, the LP and VLP series are hand-propelled but will powerlift 0,5 tonne loads up to 2.7m (9ft).

Hamech Group of Companies

Units 8 and 9 Staines Central Trading Estate Staines, Middlesex (Tel: Staines 56321) This company markets the Ransomes range of battery electric fork trucks and the Mitsubishi range of 1C-engined trucks. These are supplemented by the Kelvin range of pedestrian controlled trucks.

The Mitsubishi range is available in lift capcities from 1000kg (20001b) to 3000kg (60001b) all at 500mm (24in) load centres. Due to their low profile design, all models are able to work inside containers. Power-assisted steering is fitted to all models.

On all torque converter models, the brake pedal is connected to the inching pedal so enabling the trucks to be positively controlled even when on a slope.

All trucks operate at lower than 87 decibels at the operators ear. This is assisted by an independent cooling system which incorporates a largecapacity fan installed independently to give a strong blast of air across and around the cylinders.

Hamech has seven depots located around the country and mobile field service vans are capable of carrying most major on-site repairs.

Handling Analysis Ltd

Home Farm Works Little Billing, Northampton (Tel: 0604-406711) Handling Analysis is sole concessionaires in the UK for the Tomatsu reach trucks. The range currently available includes electric narrow-aisle reach trucks in both sit-down and stand-up control forms, LPG and electric forklift trucks with cushion or pneumatic tyres, electric reach trucks various handling capacitie: to 1750kg (35001b) are a able.

The FB25RJ model h. capacity of 2500kg (551 111 has wide wheel tra 1175mm (46.3in) front 925mm (36.4in) rear, and a low centre of gravity is clai to have superior stability. independent suspension sys prevents slippage and d wheel racing on rough groi Power steering is standar the FB15 model'. pneumatic-tyred electric ti has a capacity of 150 (3000Ib). Besides having 4 access to all major componE safety features include thei protection, over-current prc tion and pulse monitor.

JCB Sales Ltd

Rochester Staffordshire ST14 JP (Tel 0889 590312) JCB is probably better know the construction industry tha transport, but it does produi telescopic handler which wil of interest to those involved N. loading and unloading un rough terrain conditions.

The JCB520 telescc handler is a purpose-desig machine which the manur turers claim will revolutior material handling.

Instead of a conventio mast it has a strc hydraulically opera telescopic boom that places payloads not only up but wards as well.

Basically the unit is telescopic boom on a ri chassis with front-wheel dri rear-wheel steer and powe by a diesel engine, with ton converter, full power gear s and a driver comfort desigr cab.

The unit has a 6.4m (21ft) with a 2.25 tonne payload fc reach lift of 3.66m (12ft) 10. tonne payload.

Jungheinrich (GB) Ltd

Southern Road Wythenshawe Manchester M23 9DU (Tel: 061-998 7919)

This company is a relative n corner to the UK, but it ( offer a wide range of coun balanced forklift trucks.

The Arneise 112 is a thr wheeler electric forklift tri that operates on two 18-v ti tion batteries.

Four mast options are av able giving lift lengths 2900mm (4ft 6in), 3500r (lift 6in) and 4100mn-i (1 6in) with telescopic mast. 1/1

duplex mast a lift height of )0mm (9ft 6in) is obtainable a full free lift of 1250mm .2in). The vehicle has a acity of 1200kg (2650Ib) at DOmm (20in) load centre.

he company is also able to .r electric reach trucks with .acities from 1000 to )0kg (2204 to 70541b). • kdditionally, the company introduced modifications to 1250 and 1500kg (2750 I 33001b) capacity electrical ::kers. This includes a new itrol handle, modified drive t and side support rollers.

olvin Engineering asingstoke) Ltd

Hatch

iing

Basingstoke, Hampshire I: Basingstoke 3084) s company produces a range pedestrian-controlled battery ctronic fork lift trucks, pedrian controlled stackers and tform trucks.

Of particular interest is the 7 which is the latest addition the range and has a capacity 340kg (750Ib) at a 508mrn Din) load centre. The inufacturers claim that this del has the smallest turning cle of any controlbalance klift truck currently available. With a 172cm (68in) turning e and 90' stacking, it's posle to use this equipment in le widths of less than 2.1m It). A wide mast guard is ached to the mast to prevent 3 operator putting an arm beaen the mast channels.

The maximum capacity fork produced is 1360kg D001b) with a lift length of 3m (14ft) with a similar pacity for the stacker but a lift igth of 3.7m (12ft). The platTri truck is available in side or destrian controlled versions ving either 1 or 2 tonnes carng capacity.

ooi-AAP

'eylode anon, Bristol BSI 7 6QY el: 0454 313305)

'though not a conventional rklift truck, the Kooi-AAP is an eal tool to help the driver unad his lorry. Its diesel or petrol -igine and hydrostatic transission makes it totally inde?.ndent of the lorry.

Basically, the equipment fits Dhind and beneath the existing adywork of the lorry and can a detracted in under a minute. can lift 1500kg (30001b) to a ngth of 269cm (8ft 6in), yet it ill carry its load through a 44cm high doorway.

This equipment is particurly ideal where heavy goods have to be unloaded and the customer has no lift truck available.

Although various models are available, the maximum lift capacity is 2.5 tonnes.

Lancer Boss Ltd

Grovebury Road Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire LU7 8SR (Tel: 0525 372031) This company claims that for almost every forklifting application there is more than one lift truck available from the current range.

Electric and IC engined trucks are available in the 2000kg (44001b) to 45 tonne side-lift truck. Standard features of the range of standard forklift trucks 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). Trucks can be supplied with either cushion or pneumatic tyres, and a full range of specialised options. Standard production trucks are marketed with a range of special options including dust protection, inflammable area operation, and cold-working areas operation.

Lansing Ltd

Kingsclere Road Basingstoke, Hampshire RG21 2XJ (Tel: 0256-3131)

Lansing produces a range of,

floor trucks, electric and pedestrian-operated pallet trucks for handling palleted loads, general purpose forklift trucks for a variety of handling operations, and narrow-aisle reach trucks designed to make the best use of warehouse volume and order picking.

For the transport operator the Merlin, Hawk and Husky ranges of general purposes forklift trucks are most suitable.

The Merlin is available in a range of lifting capacities from 1360kg (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 heights.

The Hawk is able to accommodate loads up to 3200kg (7000Ibs) at a 680mm (20m) load centre. A 46kW (63bhp) engine is fitted together with torque converter transmission as standard. Hydrostatic trans mission is an optional fitment.

The Husky has a load carrying capacity of 6300kg (1 40001b) at a load centre of 24in, it is fitted with a 6016.A./ (80bhp) engine, torque converter and full power steering.

During October last year, the new FRER 9 reach truck was announced. it is available with capacities of 1 500 and 2000kg (3307 and 44091b) at 500mm (19.7in) load centres.

The principal design features, include front-wheel braking, power steering, and adjustable steering wheel as standard.

The Lansing Bagnall FOER 15 succeeds the current 1.5tonne capacity models and has many ergonomic features to provide a high degree of operator safety and comfort.

-A further new truck recently announced is the Lansing 7. It utilises a chassis which contains the fuel and hydraulic tanks and combines a low centre of gravity with sufficient ground clearance.

Liftrucs Ltd

Gelderd Road Gildersorne Morley, Leeds LS27 7JX (Tel: Morley 537735)

Liftrucs have introduced two new series of Toyota forklift trucks. One is the updated series of LPG and diesel powered units with a range from 1 to 3 tonnes The second is the new FBE, series of three-wheel electric trucks with capacities from 1 to, 1.75 tonnes.

Linde Hydraulics Ltd

Nuffield Way Abingdon, Oxfordshire OX14 1RJ (Tel: 0235-22828) The Linde range of forklift trucks must be one of the most corn-' prehensive ever in the UK. Capacities available are from 1000 to 7000kg (2205 to 15,4321b) with diesel or electric power dependent on specification. No optional equipment is available. Standard duplex masts of 3750mm (147in) are fitted to all except the H70 model which has 3450mm (135.9in). Forks of 1100mm .(43.34in) are fitted as standard except to H50, 60 and 70 models which are 1300mrn (51.22in).

Matbro Ltd

Matbro House Horley, Surrey RH6 9EH (Tel: 02934-5522) The Matbro range of industrial lift trucks encompasses 32 different models contained within four district product groups.

At present the company offers eight electric models with capacities from 1360 to 2720kg (3000 to 60001b) at 600mm (24in) load centres. Four are cushion tyred and are basically intended for inside use. The four other models are fitted with pneumatic tyres. Full power steering, 72 thyristor control and good manoeuvrability are standard features on all models.

There are five models in the Compact range with options of diesel or LPG power units. Capacities range from 1820 to 3630kg (4000 to 80001b).

The yard range is more suitable for transport operators involved with steel, timber and heavier loads. All models are fitted with power steering, torque converter transmission and are available in LPG and diesel variants.

This range has capacities from 2720 to 7260kg (6000 to 160001b) and for really heavy duty work Matbro produces a further five trucks which can handle payloads up to 13640kg (30,000Ibs), The Swinglift range is suitable for long loads and suitable for timber and steelyards. There are six models in the range from 3630 to 11750kg (80001b to 260001b).

Swinglifts offer all the advantages of the side loader and conventional front end forklifts whilst allowing narrow-aisle and block-stacking storage techniques to be implemented for maximum space utilisation.

Materials Handling Equipment (GB) Ltd

Hunslet Engine Works Leeds LS10 1BT (Tel: 0532-32261) MHE produces a two to fourway side-loading reach truck which can be used in areas which are only 761mm (2ft 6in) wider than the -load being carried. Models within the range have a lifting capacity of 1 6002050kg (3500-45001b).

A double telescopic mast is fitted as standard which gives a lift of over 910mm (3ft), but a two-stage mast is available as an option. For those operators handling steel or timber, a fork spread of 2200mm (7ft 2.5in) enables the trucks to handle loads up to 10.65m (35ft) in length.

For operators requiring a higher lift capacity a 1360kg (3 ton) version is available.

MIC (UK) Sales

Southmoor Road Wythenshawe Manchester M23 4DU (Tel: 061-998 9833) M IC manufactures pallet and forklift trucks in Argentina and imports them to the UK.

Transport operators will be interested in the three-wheeled electric forklift truck. Designated the Cadet, it has a capacity of 1200kg (2650Ib) at 500mm (20in) load centres.

Four mast options are available giving lift lengths of 2.9m (9ft 6in), 3500Mm (lift 6in) and 4100mm (13ft 6in) with telescopic mast and 2900mm (9ft 6in) on a duplex mast with a full free lift of 1250mm (44.2in).

With the lowest lift, the overall length of the truck is only 1990mm (6ft 7in) making it suitable for container stuffing and working through low doorways.

Montgomerie Reid Ltd

Bramley Basingstoke, Hampshire RG26 5DW (Tel: 0256-86444) This company produces battery operated reach trucks with load capacities from 1500kg to 2041 kg (30001b to 45001b), and three-wheeled counterbalanced forklift trucks with load capacities from 1000kg to 1500kg (20001b to 30001b) at a load centre of 500rnm (24in). There are three interchangeable tyre options, cushion, super elastic and pneumatic for the lift trucks.

Two new ranges of lift trucks have been recently announced. Known as the Series 3 (threewheel counterbalance) and Series 4 (four-wheel counterbalance) they have a lifting range from 1750 to 3000kg (3858 to 50001b).

Parts requiring maintenance are situated on all models beneath the top cover, on hinged panels, or behind the easily removed battery cases. The manufacturer claims that the transmission can be removed from the truck and onto the workbench within a few minutes.

Motown Fork Truck Services Ltd

66-70 Walsall Road Perry Barr Birmingham B42 1SF (Tel: 021-356 9696) Motown Fork Truck Services are the sole UK distributors for PEG forklift trucks. The popular SM range has a lifting capacity from 800 to 1500kg (1763 to 33071b) and has been specifically designed for the low utilisation user who doesn't need sophistication but only wants use for a few hours a day.

Two other models named the Micro and Poly are more sophisticated and offer various additional benefits. All three models have a front-wheel drive by independent electric motors to end wheel giving traction on gradients up to one in five when fully laden.

Narrow Aisle (UK) Ltd

Union Street Industrial Estate Bilston West Midlands WV14 OQT (Tel: 0902-47661) 'This company produces a rar of narrow-aisle counterbalanc forklift trucks which are r-ri4 suitable for those operators volved with storage and c tribution. The range are signated the Rotareach a Pacemaker. The Rotareach c stack on aisles only 440rr (17in) wider than the load carries but it can perform all 1 duties of a conventional fork truck. Maximum stacking heic is 6m (20ft).

The Pacemaker operates the Rotareach principle, but c lift up to 12m (40ft). Using original mast design, the cab carried between the two rm inner sections and raised lowered in conjunction with t forks.

Ransomes. Sims ar Jefferies Ltd

Electric Truck Division Ipswich IP3 9QC (Tel: 0473-72222) This company produces a ran of electric forklift and rea trucks suitable for use by trar port operators and those i volved with warehousing al distribution.

The L-range, fitted with so cushion tyres, and conventior forklift trucks and have a lo. range of 1000 to 40001 (2000 to 80001b) at a 500m (24in) load centre.

Where height restrictions a evident, the LO-overload ran has a capacity of 750 4000kg (1500 to 80001b) at 500mm (24in) load centre.

The E-range, fitted with 'arc pneumatic tyres, is more su able for yard use and is availab with capacities from 1500 4000kg (3000 to 80001b) at 500mm (24in) load centre.

Rolatruc Ltd

Stirling Road Trading Estate Slough. Bucks (Tel: Slough 30551) Rolatruc market the Swedish B range of electric forklift trucks. new generation of BT reac trucks has recently been ar nounced and is available in th 1350 to 2000kg (3000 t 40001b) capacity range. BE sides conventional lift trucks th; company can offer hand pall( trucks (manual and powered sit-on powered pallet truck stackers (manual and powered sider-seated stacker, reac trucks, narrow-aisle trucks an four-way trucks.