The KegMaster keg clamps enable a secure grip of kegs and casks.

Fourth-generation cider maker Thatchers Cider of Sandford in North Somerset, England has benefitted from the keg clamps supplied by B&B Attachments.

The boom in the cider industry has seen Thatchers grow rapidly. To support this growth and as an integral part of its end-of-line productivity, Thatchers turned to B&B Attachments for five standard keg clamps, two double pallet handlers and a push-pull forklift attachment. Thatchers has a forklift fleet comprising five JCB Teletruks supplied by Holt JCB and four Linde counterbalance forklifts supplied by Linde Severnside.

Jeff Janes, distribution manager at Thatchers Cider, says: "The attachments provided by B&B are an integral part of our operation, enabling fast and reliable loading, unloading and end-of-line support. They have been chosen for their excellent visibility, optimum performance, maximum productivity and reliable operation."

The KegMaster keg clamps enable a secure grip of kegs and casks and allow for easy pallet handling without the removal of the centre tyne. They provide the driver with good visibility when approaching the load, while increasing driver confidence and ensuring the safe and secure handling of kegs and casks. According to B&B, the attachment decreases the risk of damage to lorries and other overhead obstructions, reduces maintenance costs and ensures less shock loading to trucks.

The Kaup double pallet handler attachment has been designed specifically for transporting several pallets simultaneously, and can be quickly and easily altered to handle either single or pairs of palletised products. It has two sets of hydraulically operated forks, which function in a synchronised way, ensuring that the centre pick-up of the load is guaranteed.

Thatchers also received a push-pull attachment, which B&B says is "a cost-effective solution, ensuring optimum performance and maximum productivity when handling materials on slipsheets".

The value of the order is confidential.

Thatchers started making cider in 1904. It now has 360 ac. (146 ha) of its own orchard in Somerset and works closely with other apple growers in the area. Thatchers makes a range of premium apple ciders in both draught and packaged formats.

Established in 1980, B&B attachments Ltd is the UK's official Kaup distributor. B&B has a post-order service team for specialist attachments in the UK, with 15 field-based service engineers spanning the UK.