Toyota Material Handling's BT Pro Lifter hand pallet truck has been voted Popular Winner: The Professionals' Choice after initially winning the Industrial Trucks category in the IMHX Design 4 Safety Awards 2010
The Award was announced on the final day of IMHX (International Materials Handling Exhibition), the UK's premier materials handling event, which took place earlier this month of the NEC, Birmingham.
After voting ended at the close of show on Thursday, the BT Pro Lifter hand pallet truck was voted by a clear margin, having attracted over 50% of the votes cast.
The BT Pro Lifter hand pallet truck
The BT Pro Lifter hand pallet truck requires up to 67% less starting effort than the standard hand pallet truck.
This unique option makes the Pro Lifter the ergonomic choice for optimal safety and productivity.
Thanks to its unique Pro Start Technology (PST), a quick pump-action of the tiller arm transfers power to the truck's steering wheels which then turn a third of a revolution to overcome inertia and get the user on their way.
With an ordinary hand pallet truck you need a force equivalent to 45kg to get a 2300kg loaded truck moving.
Using PST you now only need a force equivalent to 15kg to get a similar load moving, reducing the risk of operator strain and improving workplace safety.
Offering easy positioning and driving, this rugged truck delivers smooth transport over uneven surfaces and thresholds giving increased safety and productivity. Strong powerthane steering handles provide enhanced operator comfort and durability.
About the Design 4 Safety Awards
The Design 4 Safety Awards were created by IMHX owners BITA (British Industrial Truck Association) and Quartz Publishing & Exhibitions Ltd, to highlight the importance of safety product design features in helping to ensure safe materials handling operations.
Over 10% of IMHX exhibitors contributed entries to the Awards in four categories (Automation, Industrial Trucks, Racking & Storage and Technology), to reflect the full spectrum of materials handling and logistics disciplines. Judging took place in two stages: first, a panel of independent industry specialists, drawn from the media, the HSE and various industry bodies, voted to elect three finalists in each category. Second, another panel, including health and safety practitioners from prominent UK companies and organisations, voted again to decide the winners.
James Clark, Secretary-General of BITA, who presented the award to Tony Wallis, Operations Director of Toyota Material Handling UK said: "I'm delighted that so many show visitors took the time to cast their vote for a
'Popular Winner' in the inaugural Design 4 Safety Awards. We named this category 'The Professionals' Choice' to reflect the breadth and depth of operational logistics expertise possessed by those who visited the show. We congratulate Toyota on their good fortune in this final stage of the awards."