KANOO Machinery, part of the Yusuf Bin Ahmed Kanoo group of companies, is promoting a new range of Utilev forklift trucks that has been introduced in response to regional market demands for units that deliver a cost-effective solution for lower intensity, lighter duty handling operations.

The range was recently introduced by Nacco Materials Handling Group (NMHG), one of the largest lift truck manufacturers headquartered in Portland, Oregon, US, which also offers Hyster, one of the best-known and well-respected brands in the industry. 

As the exclusive distributor of both the Utilev and Hyster brands in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the UAE, Kanoo Machinery is able to deliver the right materials handling solution for various applications.

Commenting on the new range, Samarth Dhond, sales manager, machinery division of Bahrain-based YBA Kanoo, says: “Utilev trucks deliver a no-nonsense uncomplicated approach to materials handling, offering a range of counterbalance forklift trucks designed to be easy to operate and maintain and backed up by a standard warranty and comprehensive parts availability. The machines meet the needs of light-to-medium-duty operating environments.”

The operator compartment ... ergonomically designed.

NMHG first began introducing the Utilev range of affordable forklift trucks in 2011 with an aim of delivering reliable and cost-effective solutions for applications across many industries, particularly where users require materials handling equipment but do not need advanced functionality or attachments.

The Utilev range consists of 1.5- to 3.5-tonne forklift trucks available in six different capacities with diesel, LPG or dual-fuel power, a single-speed powershift transmission and a range of front-end equipment options to suit varying application requirements.

On the front end, the range of rigid Class II and Class III LFL and FFL masts feature heavy sections and large diameter rollers. Thanks to the wide opening between the mast channels, the operator has an excellent view of both the load and the operating environment. The mast design also helps to reduce load damage, as the excellent visibility helps to ensure precise handling.

Masts are mounted on the drive axle for maximum stability and are supported by large tilt cylinders with fine rod threads and spherical bearings. The carriages are Class IIA and IIIA and are made from high tensile steel sections.

The Utilev trucks are available with a range of efficient, quiet, clean running engines. The UT15-18P and UT20-25P models can be configured with either a Yanmar 2.6-litre diesel or a Nissan 2.1-litre LPG/dual-fuel engine, while the UT30-35P is available with either a Yanmar 3.3-litre diesel or a Nissan 2.5-litre LPG/dual-fuel engine.

The operator compartment of the forklift trucks is ergonomically designed, with a familiar automotive layout, which means that drivers will be able to work comfortably, preventing tiredness during handling operations.

A wide, low-mounted intermediate step with good grip plus large grab handles allow the driver to get on and off the truck easily from either side. Meanwhile, the familiar automotive-style controls ensure ease of operation. The dash display includes a fuel gauge (diesel/dual-fuel), water temperature, oil temperature and transmission oil level warning lights plus an LCD hour meter.

The manual hydraulic controls are cowl-mounted and within easy reach. Third and fourth function levers are available as 

an option.

Thanks to the simplicity of the components and specification, servicing can be carried out quickly and easily, even when PCs, laptops or diagnostic tools are not available.

Hyster range

Meanwhile, Hyster has established a strong reputation for making reliable handling equipment since the 1920s. “Hyster forklift trucks incorporate innovative design, and the highest quality components, which together with state-of-the-art manufacturing and testing processes, ensure that the trucks operate reliably in the world’s toughest applications,” says Dhond.

Utilev engine ... efficient and quiet.

The Hyster product range is extensive, with more than 130 different models ranging from 1,000 kg to 52,000 kg lifting capacity, including warehouse equipment, diesel, LPG or electric-powered forklift trucks, plus container handlers and reachstackers.

“Each Hyster truck is designed to meet the required level of dependability and operational costs and is backed up by high quality replacement parts, as well as responsive service and maintenance support from Kanoo Machinery,” he adds.

The machinery division of YBA Kanoo, in addition to offering Hyster and Utilev handling equipment, provides a wide range of additional services to its customers. 

Kanoo has developed a sophisticated after-sales service, including financed maintenance solutions, a stock of genuine spare parts available for immediate delivery throughout the region and mobile service technicians, who are on hand to respond quickly to customer callouts, in order to ensure the minimum disruption to the customer’s operation. 

“Whether an application is heavy-duty or a three-shift operation, requiring dependable, robust equipment to cope with a harsh operating environment, or a truck is used only intermittently during the working week, Kanoo Machinery has a solution that meets the needs of both the customer’s application and balance sheet,” concludes Dhond.