Double pallets handled
March 1st 2011 Forklift attachments spearhead new product releases from Translift Bendi.These
launches follow a raft of innovations unveiled at the end of last year
Forklift company Bendi, is set to raise the competitive bar
with the launch of three new models, with forklift
attachments playing a key role. The move follows the
manufacturer launching a great many products last year including
showcasing eight at the IMHX show in November.
The first of the three trucks, the B55 features an innovative
attachment that is said to halve handling time and increase
productivity.
Working closely with its US manufacturer and partner, Landoll,
two new machines have been developed and a lesser known range
of machines re-launched; the B55 has been specifically designed
for 3PLs and beverage distributors, and a counterbalance standon
machine and range of trucks capable of 1370mm aisles that
can also handle long loads and be wire guided.
The B55, nicknamed the Bendi Duo, is said to offer 100%
increased throughput over present single pallet handlers but in
improved aisles. The single/double pallet handling attachment
allows two pallets to be unloaded and stacked side by side two at a
time using the hydrulically extending outer forks. In addition, the
pallet-handler can retract for a slimmer width, restoring the truck
to standard Bendi mode with an articulated capacity of 2750kg.
"The real advantage of the B55 is that no reach, turret or other
articulated truck is able to work with the double pallet
attachment, rotate the load and offer enough capacity to suit the
market its aimed at," explains Simon Brown, Bendi's MD. "What's
more, the advantage over a counterbalance truck is the reduced
aisle size when doing the same job – it's approximately a 50%
saving."
In contrast, the new counterbalance stand-on truck is a three
wheel stand-up ride, compact, rear entry front loader, with a
single poly rear drive/steer tire and poly front load tires. It features
a short turning radius and a high visibility mast.
The low step height provides access on and off the truck for
order picking and load checking.
"This particular truck offers the best of both worlds and
remarkable comfort," continues Brown. "Easily removable covers
provide easy access to all major components reducing
maintenance downtime. The battery compartment, with slide
strips, can be set up for left or right removal."
The Drexel SwingMast is the last of the three new models. "The
Drexel performs like a conventional counterbalance truck, a reach
truck, a sideloader and a turret truck," says Brown. It is said to
operate in aisles as narrow as 1.37m and is available in 1350 to
5500kg model capacities with three to four stage masts enabling
lift heights of up to 9m.
The Drexel can pick up and use any exsisting wire guidance
system which lends the truck to replacing VNA machines or
acting as an additional truck alongside an existing VNA fleet.
Shifting marketplace
"The marketplace will continue to shift and change according to
customer requirements. That is a given," continues Brown. "It's
therefore our job to facilitate any modifications our customers
need to make, whether to enable them to be able to store more in
less space or increase efficiency or both."
R&D has been an intrinsic part of Bendi's business since it
started designing and manufacturing space-saving forklift trucks
in 1964. Indeed, Simon's father, Freddy Brown, invented the first
ever modern day articulated truck.
"Now, with a growing network of strategic partnerships across
Europe, America, Africa and Australasia, Bendi has reaffirmed
that product development remains at the heart of its business
growth strategy. The company's strategic tie-up with US-based
forklift major Landoll has been fruitful and points the way to
more joint R&D projects and collaboration globally.
"Working closely with our customers, we keep a keen eye on
the industry and work hard to deliver solutions to meet
requirements regardless of sector or locality.
"It has never been a one-siz-fits-all market and those
manufacturers who ignore feedback do so at their peril,"
concludes Brown. More articles from Bendi: | 
