A Bendi articulated forklift.

Logistics services provider Euro Continental has turned to Translift Bendi for a good base to build up the storage side of the business.

Euro's logistics project manager, James Edstrom, says the Bendi articulated forklift not only worked in narrower aisles but handled trailer loads quicker than other forklift types.

Established in 1995, Euro is a haulage company with a 60-vehicle fleet operating internationally. In March, Euro vacated its two premises to combine operations under one roof. Previously, it relied on counterbalanced forklifts for block stacking as it had no racking.

The company chose narrow aisle racking for its new warehouse and designed it around Bendi's articulated forklift.

Edstrom estimates Bendi saves 30 minutes unloading a 40-foot (12-metre) trailer compared with a two-forklift, double handling operation. The articulated forklift can work on rough yards and on smooth warehouse floors, eliminating the need for a counterbalanced forklift and a warehouse forklift to do the same job.

Euro handles around 75 trucks a day, including double-deck trailers and 7.5-tonners, making fast vehicle turnaround time essential.

The gas-powered BG 40 Bendi can lift 1,600kg (3,527.4lb) to 3.5 metres (11.5 feet) and work in aisles just over two metres (6.6 feet) wide. Drivers, guided by pick lists, bring pallet loads down from up to six-metre high racks to replenish order picking faces at ground level.

Complete loads are taken directly from racking to trucks, helping Euro meet next-day delivery schedules with the time savings.

Edstrom likes the Bendi's side shift and flashing safety beacon, and appreciates the forklift's load vision when interfacing with racking beams that he says is better than reach trucks and counterbalanced forklifts.

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