The Bendi B313 on which the B318 is based.

UK forklift manufacturer Translift Bendi Ltd is introducing its "biggest range of new models in years" in 2006.

The 1,800kg rated B318 forklift, whose predecessor is the B313, can lift up to 10 metres using front-wheel drive. It can work in 1,600mm wide aisles.

A two-tonne rated forklift, the B420, is being launched in the northern hemisphere summer. It is available in rear-wheel and all-wheel drive and raises loads to 10 metres. The B420 Hi-Lift, which can lift loads to 13 metres, will be available later in the year.

A new machine, named "External", has been introduced for companies using a counterbalanced forklift and reach truck for lorry loading and unloading and indoor work.

The articulated truck, fitted with "special compound rubber wheels", will work in 1.8 metre wide aisles, "less than the 2.6 metres required by reach trucks and the 3.6 metres by conventional counterbalanced forklifts", a Bendi statement said.