These Rugged Bell Units Have Extended the Role of Forklifts

There can be little doubt that one of the most useful tools for simplifying the task of those engaged in materials handling is the compact vehicle that was designed to retrieve, transport and reposition raw materials and manufactured goods with speed and precision. A common sight in wholesale warehouses and similar storage facilities, these units often operate almost continuously and are characterised by their exceptional manoeuvrability, especially when they are required to operate in confined spaces.

For such purposes, they are often powered by electricity and equipped with large storage batteries to ensure a sufficient interval between charges. Their power source also ensures the near-silent operation that is desirable for indoor use. When used outdoors and for heavier duties, forklifts such as those in the Bell range are better designed for this environment and rely on more powerful diesel engines for their propulsion instead.

Fundamentally, whether designed for indoor or outdoor use, the main function of these vehicles is to provide a lifting mechanism and for this purpose they are fitted with a structure known as a mast. Positioned forward of the operator’s cab, the mast provides the support tracks for a two-pronged platform used to carry the load and this may be raised or lowered, as well as oriented a few degrees before or beyond the vertical, with the aid of the vehicle’s hydraulic system. In order to maintain its stability, the vehicle requires sufficient ballast in its rear section to compensate for the load when raised to its maximum height and its mass will determine the vehicle’s maximum lifting capacity.

Specially fabricated to operate in rough terrain, these Bell forklifts are characterised by their exceptional strength and reliability. Coupled with their extreme versatility, these qualities result in a product that can be used for a wide range of applications. Among the locations where they are most commonly found are brickyards and timber yards. However, in addition to their ability to lift and transport huge quantities of bricks, breeze blocks or wooden planks, they are also a popular choice with South Africa’s farmers. On the farm, their usefulness will often lie in their ability to handle heavy loads such as bales of hay and silage, on both uneven and muddy surfaces, and to do so with ease.

To allow for variations in the lifting requirements of its clients, Bell offers a choice of two forklifts – the models 120A and 220A. In addition, the latter model is also offered in a version known as the Versalift. It is designed to be quickly re-configured using a number of optional attachments that serve to adapt it for use in a much wider range of work applications.

All of these models are three-wheeled for ease of manoeuvrability and the standard 120A is powered by a 2,8-litre, 3-cylinder, naturally-aspirated engine delivering 28 kW in a unit designed for a maximum payload of 2500 kg. Increasing the payload by a further 1000 kg, the standard 220A Bell Forklift has an additional cylinder and a 3,7-litre capacity. Both models offer South Africa’s end-users the lowest cost-per tonne solution in their class. In addition, they are also noted for their low fuel consumption and low maintenance costs.