Al-Vac UK has introduced the latest version of its mini truck and van crane. The AL-Vac mini truck and van crane is typically installed at the rear of a truck located within a square socket although this socket may be positioned anywhere on a truck body. Offering a capacity of 160kg, the crane may be removed simply by lifting it from the socket and disconnecting the electrics. Similarly, the unit may be located inside the rear doors of a suitably-sized van such as a Ford Transit with different versions available for a range of vehicles.

Versatility is a key feature of the AL-Vac mini truck and van crane. The model may be specified with a safety hook for conventional lifting tasks or fitted with the AL-Vac Handyman vacuum lifter. This is available with a number of special attachments for handling kerb stones, slabs, drums, barrels and other non-standard loads. All up and down movements and suction are controlled by switchgear on the handlebars to ensure optimum performance and safety.

“It’s frightening to realise just how many accidents are caused by unsafe manual handling,” says AL-Vac’s Colin Harper. “In the construction industry alone, more than a third of all reported over-three-days injuries are due to workers hurting themselves when lifting heavy or awkward loads. Our new mini truck and van crane is ideal for the safe loading and unloading of delivery vehicles plus the simple and precise placing of loads.”

AL-Vac’s full range includes floor-, ceiling- and forklift-mounted lifters with capacities up to 5t.

Nissan’s commercial vehicle customers in the UK can now specify and purchase vehicle mounted cranes and platform lifts from Penny Hydraulics through their local dealer following an agreement between the two companies. Penny Hydraulics designs and manufactures a wide range of vehicle mounted handling equipment including Swing Lift cranes for loads up to 2000kg.

“The combination of Nissan commercial vehicles and Penny Hydraulics load handling equipment provides our customers with a highly effective solution based on market leading products,” says Mark Lovett, Sales and Marketing Manager for Nissan Commercial Vehicles in the UK. “We are currently in the process of growing our commercial vehicle dealer network to reach more customers and offering bespoke adaptations that add value to our vehicles. This agreement gives our customers a one-stop-shop for their load handling requirements and helps our specialist dealer network to offer something locally that some other manufacturers cannot.”

The company has prepared two Nissan demonstrators available at Nissan Commercial Vehicle Dealers during 2008 to introduce the companies’ joint capabilities to local customers.

Nissan Commercial Vehicles started to develop its network of specialist commercial vehicle dealers in the UK back in April 2007 and expects to have around 50 in operation by the end of 2008.

“There is tremendous synergy between the two companies and we can offer an excellent combination which represents good value for a wide range of customers who need to handle loads on and off their vehicle,” says Richard Short, Sales Director at Penny Hydraulics.