SAMUK+HC has announced the launch of its new H series range of diesel, LPG and electric lift trucks for the UK market. The new range includes; HE 1.5 – 3.0 tonnes electric lift truck, HG AC/DC 1.0-3.0 lift truck, a 1.5 – 5.0 tonne LPG and Diesel truck, the HJ series of 1.3-2.0 tonnes and the HR electric reach trucks, due to go on general release in the UK at the beginning of 2007.
SAMUK said that improvements include; the switch to the use of a Cummins B3.3 engine and the low placement of the battery on the electric models, allowing for optimum unladen stability with high masts.
A spokesperson for SAMUK+HC said that the company are paying keen attention to the unladen stability of trucks, as in the warehouse, drivers tend to go faster and are subsequently less stable than when they are carrying a load.
When speaking about the future of the forklift truck global market, chairman Sir Neville Bowman-Shaw said: “Asia puts the fear of God into me,” though he said that the company was “in it to survive.” He admitted that SAMUK+HC has faced assembly problems over the last three years, but he maintained that these were now behind them. He said that he was confident that SAMUK+HC’s rugged and simple design could compete well in the UK and Europe.
SAMUK has also announced that it will be releasing its new R series in 2007, which will be on display at next year’s IMHX show, where SAMUK has rented over 300 sq m of space to exhibit the new trucks.
