16 tonne forklift

The 16 tonne capacity forklift is supplied from Sany Europe's £100m port equipment manufacturing facility in Bedburg, Germany, and its introduction follows the release of the Sany reach stacker a few months ago. While the SCP160G is a new product, and the first forklift to be supplied from Bedburg, the model is well-established in the Far East where the same chassis has worked many hundreds of thousands of hours.

Cooper SH expects the machine to have wide appeal thanks to the very heavy duty build - it weighs in at more than two tonnes heavier than similar capacity forklifts - and the €39000 value of standard fit options included within the basic machine price.

Commenting on the build quality of the SCP160G, Chris Barnes, General Manager of Cooper Specialised Handling, said: "This really is a heavy duty machine. Much of the additional weight is located where it's needed, around the front-end and mast, making it very durable and capable in the most arduous applications. The steel section is of a quality that is typically seen on machines with a 25 or 28 tonne lifting capacity!"

Chris Barnes is also impressed with the machine's Volvo TAD 572 VE Euro step 4 (Tier 4 Final) turbo diesel engine, Dana TE 17 transmission and Kessler axle. It also features load sensing hydraulic systems supplied by Parker Hydraulics.

He continued: "The Sany SCP160G has the benefit of a well-proven drive train combination and power pack and, in terms of field knowledge and support, we are totally comfortable with it."

With many ‘options' included in the SCP160G forklift's standard specification, it is this range of accessories that is expected to attract real attention. Along with the heavy duty mast, the forklift benefits from 12x24 tyres, in lieu of standard 20 inch tyres, giving improved ride and stability while also reducing wear. Other key features include air conditioning, a Terminal West interchangeable fork system, tyre pressure monitor and electrically tilting cab. In total, Cooper estimates the value of these accessories to be around €39000.

Chris Barnes added: "We know from experience that the market demands value for money. Based on the Sany 16 tonne forklift's price, heavy duty specification and extensive standard supply options, it represents exactly what the market wants."

Cooper understands that Sany is now the only heavy lift truck manufacturer producing its own chassis and welded structures, with a consequential improvement in warranty terms that is also expected to impress the UK marketplace.