TCM of Japan has been setting new standards in forklifts technology for half a century, says its Saudi dealer.

"Over 50 years of continuous research and development, TCM has achieved breakthroughs considered as world industry firsts," explains engineer Abdullah Sulaiman Al Ali, the general manager of Aljomaih Holding Company's heavy and agricultural equipment division.

"TCM trucks have helped improve cargo handling, stacking and storage, save on costly warehouse space, improve productivity and operator safety, reduce maintenance and repair expenses.

"Take, for instance, the new Acroba series of forklifts which comes in 1.5 to 4 tonne capacities. These trucks improve storage capacity of a warehouse between 10 and 30 per cent as they require less space with their straight sideways movement and pivot turns. They require less turning allowance and therefore improve turnaround time and productivity. The trucks also significantly reduce physical fatigue caused by long, uninterrupted operations with their unique swivel seats and improved rear visibility. The trucks also provide superb operating manoeuvrability and safer operation."

He continues: "The Acroba's lift lock system, which automatically locks the lift when the engine stalls, is an added safety feature, while multiple safety devices, such as the balance monitoring system, warning lights and buzzers, further ensure safety in operation.

"Finger-tip control levers for lifting and lowering forks, as well as a comfortable armrest attached to the seat, make lifting operations easier. An integrated switch both for turning signals and lights gives the operator the feel of driving a car."

TCM applies these innovative technologies not only to its Acroba series but all its trucks, including large diesel forklift trucks with telescopic spreaders or ram attachments for handling coils of steel or wire.

Aljomaih, which represents TCM in Saudi Arabia, provides prompt and efficient after-sales service with a well-stocked parts department and well-equipped workshop.

Aljomaih sells the complete range of TCM products - diesel, gasoline, LPG and electric forklift trucks - together with their attachments. The company also represents Fiat Allis, Iveco Aifo, New Holland, Merlo, Nardi and Sogema of Italy, Claas and MTU of Germany, Tacom of Japan, Nokka-Tume of Finland, Perkins of the UK, and Arcusin of Spain.

The firm sells a wide range of generator sets and engines, wheel loaders, dozers, graders, concrete mixers, vibratory compactors, asphalt rollers, forklifts, telescopic handlers, marine container straddle carriers, telescopic spreaders, agri-tractors, harvesters, mowers, balers, combined seed drills, fertiliser spreaders, cultivators, disc ploughs, trailers and auto-bale loaders to the Saudi market.