The newer AC bendi are much better. I guess there are pro's and con's for all manufactures. Try them your self, what is good for someone else might not suit you. They have all been manufacturing them for some time now. They should all be good. As far as i am aware there is still only 4 manufactures, Bendi, Flexi, Aisle-master and Landoll. I have seen a leaflet at IMHX 2013 with a nexus articulated forklift but haven't seen anything since.
Please keep in mind the Translift Bendi is NOT the same as the Landoll Bendi. The Translift version is built in India and is not the same design or standards as the US Built version.
Bendi vs. Flexi - The Bendi has been AC powered for 7 years now. It impliments a dual real wheel drive design that operates as an electronic differential, where as the Flexi still uses a single transaxle on the front. Bendi runs a single pump motor for improved battery efficiency vs the Flexi's dual motors. The Bendi is programmed to operate the pump motor at the speed needed to provide the required flow for the task at hand. Therefore, during normal driving the pump moves at a much slower speed to provide only the required pump flow needed to steer. Bendi has gone to the DuraSteer technology, making the front rotation assembly a much more robust and reliable unit.
I encourage you to test both lifts, I believe you will find the Bendi the better choice.
i myself now look after 17 ac bendi truck they have just come out of warranty and have been nothing but trouble from the day they came of wagon,have just been on a flexi training course and they look to be very basic but like they say KEEP IT SIMPLE.
The Landoll produced Bendi Articulated trucks were the first AC articulated trucks being produced since 2007. As is the case with any truck converted from DC motors and controllers to AC motors and controllers the maintenance costs and reliability are vastly improved. The motors are brushless and enclosed and far more efficient than DC motors. Contact www.landoll.com/mhp for additional information.
Have you not considered Aisle-master. They are much more reliable.