An ME AC compact electric rider.

The ME AC compact electric rider from manufacturer V Mariotti Srl is getting a warm reception in North America.

"Dealer and customer acceptance of the new ME AC has been excellent," says John P Smith, one of two master distributors. "We are having a difficult time keeping inventory in our warehouse. By the time the container arrives, the forklifts are already sold. We just shipped the last two trucks in our inventory two weeks ago."

The next container is scheduled for shipment in September, "and 11 of the forklifts on that container are sold," Smith notes. "We are pleased to be doing so well in this down economy."

Master distributors of Mariotti forklifts in North America are Smith's Smith-Gramley Ltd in Loves Park for the eastern US and all of Canada, and Jim Baird's MH Distribution in La Vista for the western US and all of Mexico. MH Distribution oversees parts and service functions through all of Mariotti's North American dealerships.

The ME design includes a small innovative chassis, cutting-edge electronics, a specially created mast, rear gearbox and hydraulic rack and pinion power steering.

"The ME design rewards the user with trouble-free maintenance, ease of handling, long lasting performance and low operating costs," Smith says. "Mariotti manufactures the smallest electric rider on the market." The ME 8C with a 113-inch (2.8m) duplex mast fits through a standard man-sized doorway. Lifting capacities range from 1,440 lb to 2,100 lb (648 kg to 945 kg).

Mast heights in standard, duplex and triplex configurations range from 113 to 224 inches (2.8 to 5.6 m). Forklifts come standard with integrated side shift, adjustable steering wheel, regenerative braking, amber strobe light, back-up alarm, horn, emergency power disconnect, power steering, battery discharge indicator, fully adjustable seat and operator restraint.

The Mariotti factory is in Grugliasco, Italy near Torino.

Effective from 1 March through Smith-Gramley, Barloworld Ltd's US materials handling equipment operation in Charlotte, North Carolina added distribution of Mariotti ME line to its exclusive Hyster representation through 30 sales and full-service branches in eight south east states (Forkliftaction.com News #458).