Samuk open day success
August 1st 2006 Samuk recently put on a series of open days to showcase its comprehensive truck range and introduce the management team from its Chinese supplier, Hangcha
Visitors to the recent Samuk open days were able to get hands-on with 40 different types of truck available from the company as well as meet the management team from the Zhejiang Hangcha Engineering Machinery company, the Chinese manufacturer of the trucks.
The day started off with a comprehensive demonstration of the trucks, expertly driven by representatives from Tilbury-based ALM Training Services. Among those showcased were the H Series IC engined trucks, available in diesel and LPG versions with capacities from 1 to 5t.
In the electric counterbalance category, the drivers showed how the HE15 and HE20 four-wheel units can be used in confined spaces by completing tight manoeuvre around a specially devised test area. Like all the trucks demonstrated, these feature familiar automotive style controls which help new drivers adapt intuitively to the machines. These trucks have also been designed to provide easy access, which is particularly beneficial in environments where the operator may be required to 'hop on and off' frequently during the shift.
The HG series demonstrated has its battery positioned between the axles and features a full suspension seat for optimum driver comfort. Another feature is integral sideshift.
As well as counterbalance trucks, Samuk also showed the HR16 reach truck. At the moment this is available in capacities from 1.2 to 1.6t, with a 2t version due for release next year. In line with all the equipment available from Samuk, the HR series features a simple, straightforward design to keep servicing requirements to a minimum and make the units as user-friendly as possible.
Visitors were also treated to a preview of the brand new R series of four-wheel IC counterbalance trucks, which will feature heavily on the Samuk stand at next year's IMHX. Initially available in the capacity range 1 to 3.5t, there are plans afoot at Hangcha to expand the series further as time progresses.
In an indication of its commitment to the UK market, the Hangcha management team were prominent at the events. Heading up the team, Jenny Zan was keen to convey the wish to support and nurture communications with UK dealers and end users, via Samuk.
Hangcha produced its first forklift in 1974 and is now reckoned to be the second largest forklift manufacturer in China, with a current capacity of 25,000 units per year.
Despite the huge capacity of its current manufacturing plant, which has over 900 staff, in order to fulfil anticipated increases in demand and accommodate the development of a full range in the electric truck sector as well as tow tractors, the company is planning to move in 2008 to brand new premises of almost 400,000m2, which will have an output capacity of 60,000 units per year on a single shift.
All components used by Hangcha are tier one quality and the production lines conform to ISO 9001 and ISO 14001. More articles from Samuk Lift Trucks Limited: | 
