Big Lift has delivered a new specialized walk behind forklift capable of providing precision materials handling in vacuum furnace applications. The ability to deliver unique forklifts tailored to specific tasks has been a driver of significant growth according to Big Lift LLC, who manufacturers and distributes electric forklifts under the Big Joe brand name in North America.

(PRWEB) August 1, 2010 -- A special variation of the Big Joe PDM straddle stacker which is built in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, was delivered last week. Unique to the vehicle is a mechanism designed to place loads far inside vacuum furnaces which often cost in excess of $500,000. Vacuum furnaces are used to heat metals to very high temperatures and carry out processes such as brazing, sintering, and heat treatment with high consistency and low contamination. Since this type of furnace can be subject to damage during loading and unloading, precision material handling is required.

To provide highly reliable load placement, the Big Joe forklift utilizes an electric control the company calls “Dial-a-speed”, which allows an operator to accurately set the forward and reverse speed of the lift truck from full motion to as little as a snail’s pace. Complimenting this electric drive control is a v-groove wheel assembly that locks in lateral movement during transit to ensure proper load placement. This amount of precision is necessary because vacuum furnaces are designed as long tubular chambers that are ringed with delicate heating elements which can be compromised or destroyed by even a slight misplacement of a workload.

Growth provided by delivering special material handling solutions like this is also helping the company grow in other areas of their business. Beginning with the recent introduction of two new units, the WPT45 electric pallet truck and the PDS straddle stacker, Big Lift is in the process of launching a new line-up of electric powered forklifts using the latest AC power technologies. “Our capability to provide forklifts designed for specialized tasks strengthens our ability to also develop new products that compete in volume categories, which is important in this economy,” says Bill Pedriana Director of Sales at Big Lift. “While many of our competitors are scaling back production of standard products, we are using our skills in this area to continue to innovate and grow.” Next month Big Lift will begin featuring several special application lift trucks on their company website .

The Big Joe brand of electric forklifts is well known for their easy to use and maintain walk behind designs. Managed by Big Lift LLC from corporate offices in Lombard, Illinois, the Big Joe product line is currently one of the fastest growing in the material handling industry. Along with partner EP of China, Big Lift is distributed by a network of distributors that includes many of the largest forklift dealerships in North America.