Bendi innovations star at IMHX
April 1st 2007 Translift Bendi stunned visitors to IMHX with two innovative new articulated truck models, plus two exciting concept trucks, due for full production over the next 12-18 months It would be easy to rest on our laurels, having developed the world's most space-efficient articulated truck," says Simon Brown, managing director of Translift Bendi. "But there's much, much more to come from the Bendi concept. We want to give every customer the ability to match their truck precisely to their application – and their budget. It's all about choice" Shown for the first time at IMHX, Translift claims the Bendi B420F-AC is the world's first twin front wheel drive articulated truck. Translift has built rear wheel drive trucks for 25 years and 12 years ago introduced a four wheel drive option. Three years ago the company introduced the single front wheel drive model. Front wheel drive has a cost advantage over rear wheel drive but traction is compromised, compared with rear or four wheel drive. Some warehouse operations dedicate their trucks to inside duties and so rarely benefit from the Bendi rear or four wheel drive patents. The Bendi B313 and B318 are three wheel, front wheel drive machines that offer maximum aisle performance at a minimum cost. The new B420F-AC with AC independent front wheel drive offers control with traction not previously possible with front wheel drive and will bridge the gap between the B3 cost benefits and the Bendi rear wheel and 4WD drive models. Also introduced at IMHX, the B420 Hilift joins the rest of the Bendi range in offering world-beating aisle width performance. Previously, it was expected that high lifting machines would only be able to operate in less advantageous aisles. Now, with the introduction of the Bendi B420 Hilift, operators can benefit from the Bendi's remarkable aisle performance, with a machine that's capable of safely lifting to 12m, without the need of flat floors, guide rails or wire guidance. The highly innovative Bendi Manriser concept drew significant interest at its IMHX debut. Another first for Bendi, it will lift a pallet to 12m in a 1.6m aisle and allow the operator to control his field of vision. He can either raise himself to the same level or higher to stock take or identify products, or he stay below the load while placing the pallet as both of the masts are controlled separately for lift. The Bendi Manriser is in the final stages of development and orders have already been taken. The soon-to-be-available Bendi External is set to take the Bendi concept to a wider audience than ever. The second Bendi concept truck on display at IMHX, the Bendi External is a fresh look back to the Bendi's origins with the added benefit of 25 years Bendi experience. The external is a yard truck that can work inside, as well as 2m aisles – but now with a yard truck price tag. With the first production examples expected in late 2007, the Bendi External will be supplied with yard truck tyres and offered with gas, petrol and diesel power options. "These new models are being developed directly in response to market research and ongoing customer feedback", says Mr. Brown. "Ever since we introduced the original Bendi back in the eighties, we've always been keen to channel our innovative approach to provide appropriate solutions for our customers". For more information about these or any of the increasingly wide range of Bendi articulated trucks, call the number below or visit www.bendi.co.uk More articles from Translift Bendi Limited: | 
