New forklift range at lower prices
May 1st 2006

Translift Bendi, pioneers of the articulated forklift in Britain, are launching their biggest range of new models in years, carefully honed to reflect buyer' varying needs, at lower prices that will match highend reach trucks. These include the B318, the B420, the B420 Hi-Lift and the truck nicknamed the 'External'

"It's an exciting period for us as we have a new range of trucks that offer better performance and space usage at more aggressive prices," says Translift's MD, Simon Brown. "Moreover, we have a new sector to aim at with the External truck, so I think that the next year or so will see some dramatic growth for Translift Bendi."

When Translift patented its rear-wheel drive in 1990, it allowed the company to use beefy components and disc brakes while retaining the ability to keep the front end at its most efficient shape for aisle perfonnance. It made for a safer truck than front-wheel drive because it reduced the risk of wheel spin in traction and braking and it offers the ultimate articulated solution. However, not all users felt the need for the 'belt and braces' approach of rear-wheel drive because their trucks would be used outside far less frequently.

This led to the birth of the B313 over a year ago, a tront-wheel drive Bendi that is much easier to build, with just one drive motor, one gearbox and one controller, compared with two of each in rear-wheel drive versions, which reduced build costs.

Now coming onto the market, the 1800kg rated B318 is the bigger brother of the B313, and will lift to 10m, using front wheel drive. Like all the other new models being launched, it will work in 1600 mm wide aisles, some 150mm less thaft competing articulated trucks.

Due for launch this summer, the B420 will be a 2-tonne rated truck with an identical chassis to the B313 and B318, available in rear-wheel and all-wheel drive.

Likewise, it will raise loads to 10m. The 420 HiLift will take over from the B420 to lift loads to 13m and should be available later in the year at lower prices than the existing Hi-lift models. These two models will be used to provide a better performing, double-deep truck able to place 1 tonne loads at the back while needing no more than 2m wide aisles, some 0.4m less than the existing trucks thanks to greater turning efficiency.

Safety is always a big issue with lift trucks, especially so where members of the public are walking around nearby, as in large DIY centres, for example. Such businesses, therefore, may be interested in the pedestrian version of the Bendi, developed in collaboration with B&Q. Tiller operated, it has the same chassis and therefore capacity and space saving as the B318 but does not require banksmen when operated in public areas.

Translift are most excited, however, about the launch of its new machine dubbed the External, designed to take the outdoor capabilities of the Bendi still further. Although often used for outdoor work, articulated and reach trucks alike are fitted with wheels that mean a less comfortable ride than conventional, fourwheel counterbalanced (cb) trucks with bigger, softer wheels. Subsequently, market forces have created a sector for soft-wheeled outdoor reach trucks. Translift see that by offering more value for money in this sector with their articulated expertise they can provide a better all-round solution. Fitted with four special compound rubber wheels, the Bendi External will still work in 1.8m wide aisles, much less than the 2.6m required by reach trucks and 3.6m by conventional cb trucks. "I see that selling at below many reach truck prices," said Simon Brown. At such a price, it will have strong attractions for all companies using a cb and reach truck combination.

Translift's Long Loader faces heavy demand following a redesign last year.

Unlike all conventional side loaders and four-way reach trucks, the Long Loader has load bearing decks on either side of the truck, which with the swivelling forks means that it can access loads in aisles further. Although often used for outdoor work, articulated and reach trucks alike are fitted with wheels that mean a less comfortable ride than conventional, fourwheel counterbalanced (cb) trucks with bigger, softer wheels. Subsequently, market forces have created a sector for soft-wheeled outdoor reach trucks. Translift see that by offering more value for money in this sector with their articulated expertise they can provide a better all-round solution. Fitted with four special compound rubber wheels, the Bendi External will still work in 1.8m wide aisles, much less than the 2.6m required by reach trucks and 3.6m by conventional cb trucks. "I see that selling at below many reach truck prices," said Simon Brown. At such a price, it will have strong attractions for all companies using a cb and reach truck combination.

Translift's Long Loader faces heavy demand following a redesign last year.

Unlike all conventional side loaders and four-way reach trucks, the Long Loader has load bearing decks on either side of the truck, which with the swivelling forks means that it can access loads in aisles either side of the truck without having to emerge from the aisles to turn around for re-entry. Available in gas or electric, the 2.5 tonne capacity Long Loader will lift 8m long loads up to 9m high in aisles under 2m wide.

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