A Taylor XC series forklift

BLT expands offering in Africa Durban, South Africa Big Lift Trucks (BLT), Taylor Machine Works's exclusive distributor in Africa, has expanded its product offering with cushion-tyre industrial trucks. The Taylor XC series trucks that have a tight turning radius are designed to fit into narrow aisle spaces. There are nine units in the range, with a 610mm (24 inch) load centre and rated handling capacities between 8,165kg and 15,876kg (18,000lbs and 35,000lbs). Standard features of the series include work and tail lights, turn signal indicators, two key-actuated amber strobe lights, an electric horn, forward and reverse alarms, an operator fan, panoramic view mirrors and a fire extinguisher. Bobcat launches new attachments London, United Kingdom Bobcat has introduced a new range of hydraulic hoist and extension jib attachments for its telehandler range. The two types of attachment available are hydraulic hoists rated to 3.5 or 4.0 tonnes and 600 and 1,000kg (1,322lb and 2,204lb) hydraulic hoists, each combined with a 4 metre (13 foot) jib. Designed for applications in construction, general industry and maintenance, the hoist or hoist/extension jib attachments enable a telehandler to perform the functions of a crane but with the site mobility and versatility of a telehandler. Manitou's new telehandlers Ancenis, France Manitou has launched the MHT780 telehandler designed for applications requiring power and high capacity. The manufacturer says mining and quarrying customers will benefit from the machine's 8 tonne-load capacity and specialised accessories like tyre clamps and jibs. Its 2.7 tonne capacity at a forward reach of 4 metres (13 feet) means that blocks of stone can be easily handled. Manitou has also launched the Easy series of rotating telehandlers, consisting of 14, 16 and 18 metre (46, 52 and 59 foot) models. The telehandlers are equipped with "fast and simple compass stabilizers". Manitou says to ensure the fast positioning of the MRT Easy, the vehicle is stabilised as soon as the stabilisers touch the ground. Crown's reach truck wins design award New Bremen, OH, United States A line of electric side-sit reach trucks from Crown Equipment Corp has won a top 2010 International Design Excellence Award (IDEA). Crown of New Bremen, Ohio and Formation Design Group Inc of Atlanta, Georgia collaborated on the ESR 5000 reach truck series, which won a gold award in the IDEA commercial and industrial products category. Designers incorporated some industry-first innovations. A super-duty mast can lift a fully loaded pallet up to 39.4 ft (12 m) in height. All models offer a low step for easy on/off and fully adjustable seating and controls. An all-new S-Class vehicle improves operator comfort with a 30-degree rotating MoveSeat and a FlexBack reclining seat. The patented battery shape provides 40% more legroom, and the MoveSeat reduces upper body twisting. A patented angled overhead guard increases upward visibility.