Released on: June 11, 2008, 7:34 am

Press Release Author: Sarah A. Chase

Industry: Industrial

Press Release Summary: Linde Material Handling UK has completed a deal with Biffa
Waste Services to supply 25 highly specialised diesel powered forklifts for
operation on sites throughout the country.

Press Release Body: London, 11 June 2008 - Linde Material Handling UK has completed
a deal with Biffa Waste Services to supply 25 highly specialised diesel powered
forklifts for operation on sites throughout the country.

Biffa is a leading integrated waste management business in the UK which operates
across the breadth of the waste management value chain with over 160 locations and
1,500 vehicles. Biffa provides waste collection, treatment and recycling and
disposal services to around 75,000 local and national customers in the industrial,
commercial and municipal sectors.

The site at Eversley in Hampshire is typical of Biffa operations and is used to sort
and bale waste, including plastic bottles, cardboard, paper and tins, which is then
distributed throughout the UK and worldwide for recycling. Shifting thousands of
tonnes of waste a week demands a materials handling fleet that is not only robust
and reliable, but also takes into account the specific requirements of the
application.

The working environment at Biffa sites causes paper to be sucked into the forklifts'
air vents creating a potential fire hazard. Plastic strapping can become wrapped
around axles and waste trapped in the lower section of the masts. Sparks from
exhausts further exacerbate fire risks.

A decision was made to source a replacement fleet tailored to the exacting
requirements of the application and Linde was approached.

Representatives of Biffa, including Ian Everton, site manager at Eversley, worked
closely with Linde Material Handling's Paul Grady to develop a waste paper
specification that would provide a permanent solution for trucks operating on all
Biffa sites.

The final results incorporated many innovative solutions in the new Linde fleet of H
35 D, 3.5 tonne capacity, diesel trucks now being delivered to Biffa sites
throughout the UK.

Brush attachments have been fitted on the hydraulic hose pulleys to ensure that
waste doe not become trapped. Air vents have been fitted with special fine mesh
filters to prevent the ingress of paper into the engine and the fully enclosed
chassis substantially reduces the risk of plastic strapping fouling the drive and
steer axles. An exhaust spark arrestor eliminates the risk of fire in the highly
combustible surroundings.

The Linde hydrostatic transmission fitted as standard to its engine powered truck
range is virtually wear free, eliminating the need for a clutch, mechanical
differential and reversing gears. The twin pedal accelerators are perfect for this
type of environment where trucks are shunting back and forth continuously throughout
the working day. Biffa's previous fleet of trucks repeatedly required new clutches
- not an issue with Linde trucks.

The new Linde fleet is fitted with bale clamps with elongated 1400 mm arms and an
opening range of 2150 mm enabling larger bales to be handled. An eight-roller fork
carriage provides additional strength as this area of the truck is subject to
significant strain because of the weight of the attachment and load. The trucks are
often used for 'pushing' loose waste paper by lowering the clamp to the floor and
driving forward and creating a shovel effect. Wear strips are fitted to the
underside of the bale clamp arms to prevent premature wearing and the hydrostatic
transmission set-up adjusted to counter the significant forces imposed.

The trucks' low profile makes them ideal for operating in ISO containers, which are
extensively used on the sites.

Ian Everton commented: "Seeing recycling waste grow dramatically in the past 18
months, it is imperative that we have equipment suitable not only for the present
day, but for the future. Linde actively sought a solution for us that will prove
highly cost effective in terms of reduced downtime and increased productivity and,
not least, enhanced safety."


Web Site: http://www.imageline.co.uk

Contact Details: Sarah A. Chase
Head of PR
Image Line Communications Ltd.
Unit 1A Zetland House
5-25 Scrutton Street
London
EC2A 4HJ

(t) + 44 (0) 20 7689 9009
(f) + 44 (0) 20 7689 8008
(e) pr@imageline.co.uk
www.imageline.co.uk