Manitou will showcase its "totally updated" range of truck-mounted forklifts for transport companies at the Solutrans trade show next month.

In 1995, Manitou launched the first Manitransit truck-mounted forklift with an aim to offer a goods-handling service to transporters.

The truck-mounted forklift is a three-wheeled truck with arms that project forwards so the load is carried within the wheelbase, not cantilevered out like a traditional forklift.

The Manitransit truck has a telescopic boom and built-in sideways motion. The boom offers 360 degree vision and enough forward reach to unload a truck from one side only.

According to a company press statement, the new range will meet five major objectives:
* Reduced machine weight
* Increased machine stability
* Increased machine crowding power
* Improved machine design, and
* Optimise the number of models in the Manitransit range.

The updated range is expected to be available to transporters in May 2005.