Still won two awards

A number of forklift products were recognised at the 2008 Red Dot design awards, announced recently.

While Rocla's honourable mention in the product design category for its h2 tiller arm for warehouse truck has been previously reported, other makers were also honoured.

Still managed two accolades - a Red Dot award for its SU 20 electric low-lift truck and another for its FM series of mast forklift trucks.

Judges noted that the SU 20 is able to pick up commercially available pallets in transverse and longitudinal directions. An ergonomically designed driver's platform ensures comfort. The chassis of the SU 20 creates space in the driver's seat area and good access for service purposes.

The FM series, meanwhile, was cited for its design, comfort and functionality which were likened to the "more comfortable equipment of a passenger car".

Linde got a Red Dot for the 396 series forklift. Besides featuring numerous innovations in terms of construction and technology, the design has paid special attention to the ergonomics of the driver cabin, including the access and the exit, according to judges.

Crown's WF3000 Series stacker got a Red Dot, having achieved the design objective of creating a very robust, compact and manoeuvrable truck that is easy to use, friendly and inviting as well. The rounded design of the hydro-formed and arched power unit cover, combined with the flowing lines of the lower unit, communicates a sense of strength as well as friendliness, the citation says.

With more than 8,000 submissions from 60 countries, the international Red Dot design awards rank among the largest and most renowned design competitions in the world.