Trucks prove flexible, cost effective and space-saving
July 1st 2006

The purchase of three electric Bendi forklifts has helped Essex-based distributor, Task Force, gain better use of storage space and achieve flexible, costeffective operation.

Built by Translift Bendi, the articulating B40 trucks work in aisles that are only 2m wide. The company says that this means they can provide 33% more racked pallet storage than reach trucks and 50% more than counterbalanced forklifts.

At Task Force the three Bendis work almost exclusively inside the warehouses but, when needed, act as back up to six counterbalanced forklifts used for vehicle loading/unloading in the yard and covered areas. The Bendi cuts out the double handling inherent in an operation that combines reach truck or VNA machines with counterbalanced forklifts.

The Bendis enable Task Force to lift 900kg to 8.7m or 1750kg to 3.3m. They are equipped with side shift, reversing bleeper and flashing light. Their CCTV monitors help drivers when placing loads at up to 8m high, adding to the safety of the operation. Other safety features claimed include absence of rear end swing and better load vision when interfacing with racking beams.

Stock picking is with handheld laser scanners and goods are positioned so that the fast movers are nearest the aisle entrances and floor level.

Driver training was carried out on site by task force's own instructor over several days and there is a three-year truck maintenance contract in place with Translift.

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