The BT Powerdrive system.

BT has delivered the 100,000th forklift with its concept steering handle to Deutshce Post Fleet Management GmbH.

BT started developing the Powerdrive system in 1997 and introduced it on the Orion range of forklifts in 2000. Manufactured at its Mjölby plant, in Sweden, the system has remained "more or less unchanged" over the years, a BT spokesperson said.

The BT Powerdrive is an advanced integrated drive and control system aimed at reducing the number of components needed to control the forklift. All electronics are integrated into a plastic steering handle. Can-bus wiring connects a central processor, that controls the forklift's performance to a separately excited motor.

A BT statement said the handle, made from resilient plastic instead of steel, allowed for better aesthetics and ergonomics.

"The BT Powerdrive handle was notable for being the first to be made from resilient plastic. This is now standard on similar trucks from other manufacturers."

BT Powerdrive is part of the Orion, Ixion and Opus ranges.

Last month BT added a new double-stacking model, the SPE200D, to the Ixion range of stackers. The double stackers, popular in Germany and used where two pallets are concurrently handled, can carry a maximum load of 2,000kg at 10km/h.