New products nominated for three Archies at UKMA awards

This award has become the symbol of distinction within the materials handling sector. In October, guests from across the industry will gather at the Hilton Metropole in Birmingham to pay tribute to the companies, teams and individuals who have done so much to innovate, raise standards and help operators work more effectively and safely.

The X range of electric counterbalance trucks represents the first electric powered product specifically designed to offer engine truck performance in an electric truck and has been shortlisted in the Innovation Manufacturer Product category.

This new range creates a completely new performance dimension in electric forklift trucks: performance characteristics and power delivery previously only available from IC trucks with hydrostatic drive, with the dynamism, flexibility, and freedom from emissions of electric trucks.

This means that electric forklift trucks can now be used in areas where the use of IC trucks was previously unavoidable. The key to this performance is a new electric motor generation and a completely new truck concept developed from scratch. The unique selling point of the X models is to offer the same performance and durability as IC trucks.

The next contender for an award in the Ergonomics category is the H35-H50 range which set a new standard for interaction between operators and machine.

The workstation and the entire truck are designed around the needs of the operator offering more headroom and improved visibility. The drive and control concept together with the Linde Hydrostatic transmission, twin or single foot pedal control and Linde Load Control hydraulic levers, make these trucks easy, precise and intuitive to use. Physical strain on the operator is also minimized with proven design elements reducing Whole Body Vibration. Additionally, the functionality, feel and design of the operator's compartment and controls align with automotive industry standards.

Finally, the Smart Bumper on the latest range of powered pallet trucks has secured a position as a finalist in the Safety Manufacturer Product section.

An optional low mounted assistance system fixed on the rear chassis of these pedestrian pallet trucks eliminates the risk of feet getting crushed especially when working in tight environments when the operator is physically close to the moving truck. As soon as the operator's foot touches the Smart Bumper, the truck either stops or stop and moves slowly away. This factory-fitted option provides an additional level of safety for the operator over and above the low rear chassis skirt of the standard machine. In addition, the Smart Bumper option only adds 17mm to the overall length of the truck.