The KDF 50 forklift, part of a fleet of four new Kipor forklifts, supplied by Smith Power Equipment to Metal Connection.

Boksburg-based scrap metal recycler Metal Connection has replaced its fleet of forklifts with four new Kipor forklifts. Metal Connection's Johann de Meyer says that the previous forklifts were no longer economical and the provider's service levels had dropped off quite drastically.

"I had bought a Kipor 5.5 T excavator and I was impressed with its performance. I then decided to look into buying new Kipor forklifts," de Meyer says.

He adds that he was nervous about the decision as, at the time, he hadn't heard much about Kipor's materials handling range and did not know what service levels could be expected from Kipor distributor in South Africa, Smith Power Equipment (SPE).

"The performance of the forklifts has been exceptional and this has been matched by the service of the SPE team," de Meyer notes. "They go the extra mile and whenever I have needed anything, the response has been immediate."

De Meyer stresses that scrap metal is a very harsh environment, which is hard on equipment. "The forklifts must push and carry the large bins laden with metal and even under these challenging circumstances, the Kipor machines have performed exceptionally."

Metal Connection acquired two Kipor KDF 35 and two KDF 50 forklifts. Both boast an advanced, streamlined design and solid, sturdy frames. Safety is increased by a hoist cylinder at the rear of the mast that increases visibility and the rear lamps, which are installed on the top cover. The tilt angle of the steering columns on both machines can be adjusted freely.

Metal Connection is a family-owned metal processing company with a collective 90 years' experience in the metal recycling industry. Its facility contains an array of state-of-the-art metal processing equipment to ensure that various grades of ferrous and non-ferrous metals are accurately and appropriately separated and sized for mills and foundries both locally and internationally.