BT's latest models
December 1st 2005 BT used CeMat to showcase several new products - a range of compact rear wheel drive counterbalance trucks, new Ixion and Minimover stackers, and a hand truck with integrated weighscale
Over the past two years BT has achieved improvements in market share for both warehouse and counterbalance trucks. Intending to build on this success, the company used the recent CeMat exhibition to launch a number of new models and highlight its commitment to providing a total service.
Commenting on the company's business philosophy, Hans van Leeuwen, BT Europe's vice president for marketing, said: "Our business is not just about trucks. We are today essentially a service organisation, and whilst we believe our customers appreciate the quality of our products, it is the total service offer that is the key thing."
Compact counterbalance
The new Cargo C3E100R-150R models are built on a three-wheel compact chassis - the resulting manoeuvrability making them particularly suited to operation in confined spaces. Available with capacities from 1000 to 1500kg, the cost effective range features a simple 24V electrical system for easy maintenance.
Each truck in the range has a clear-view mast with concealed hoses for improved driver visibility and there is a full choice of hydraulic controls with either conventional or fingertip lever operation, or an electric mini joystick. A three-way valve bank means the trucks are pre-equipped for sideshift, which can be specified as a low cost option. It is also possible to specify an optional fourth lever for use with ancillary devices, such as fork spreaders or rotators.
In common with other BT Cargo models, the rear wheel drive range offers a choice of drive control systems, with either twin pedals or a direction switch on the steering column. Another standard feature is the comprehensive instrument display panel, which includes a steering-direction indicator and full range of illuminated warning signs for maximum safety.
Automatic speed reduction on cornering enhances safe operation and all performance characteristics can be programmed to suit the driver and/or application. All trucks also have a full set of rear lights.
For applications that require extended working hours, the range can be supplied equipped for simple, fast sideways battery change.
Multi-purpose stacker
Thanks to its single column mast and elevating support arms, the new Ixion SWE080L stacker can also be used as a pallet truck and order picker. Flexibility is further enhanced by the choice of two mast heights - the 600mm mast version is suited to use in shops and warehouses, while the 1580mm mast version is suited to pallet stacking. Both versions are also appropriate for the handling of smaller pallets carried on larger standard pallets (pallet slave handling).
As part of the BT Ixion range, the SWE080L models feature BT Powerdrive - an integrated drive and control system that delivers ease-of-use, performance and efficiency. Simple CAN-bus wiring connects a central processor, which monitors and controls all performance aspects of the trucks, to a powerful separately excited motor. According to BT, this results in smooth, powerful performance in all conditions. Acceleration and maximum travel speed are virtually unaffected by load weight. Low energy consumption and regenerative braking help increase the number of work cycles per battery charge.
Hand truck with weighing scale
The 2000kg capacity LHM200SC pallet truck incorporates a high-accuracy scale to provide an efficient alternative to a floor scale.
Allowing shorter work cycles without any compromise in accuracy, the truck can also improve accuracy in work cycles that have previously not included weighing. For example, in shipping applications exact transport weights can be determined, and at goods-in deliveries can be checked by weight as well as number.
Weight checking can also help improve picking accuracy. In manufacturing, processes such as dosing and mixing can be carried out with fewer pallet movements.
The integrated scale has an accuracy of 0.1% (maximum error) of the applied load.
An accurate reading is ensured, no matter how the load is placed, due to the positioning of a load cell at the end of both forks.
Weighing is easy thanks to the large display, which can be read over a wide angle, and the simple keypad. All components are designed for mobile use, being compact and resistant to shock and vibration. The scale unit conforms to IP65 for resistance to dust and water and features an integrated printer.
Rounding up BT's CeMat launches is the versatile Minimover BT HWE100. With a capacity of 1000kg, it is suitable for first level stacking, low intensity order picking and horizontal pallet transport. It can also be used as a mobile worktable with its optional automatic height adjustment feature. More articles from Toyota Material Handling (UK) Ltd: | 
