Members of the Builders Merchants Federation, including the entire BMF Board, were out in force for the launch of the new JCB Merchant Master Teletruk at JCB World Headquarters in Staffordshire.
The new range has been specifically designed for the merchant sector, with four models available, each incorporating its own list of standard and optional equipment. In a first for JCB and the BMF, the BMF logo is proudly displayed on all Merchant Master models. BMF MD, John Newcomb said: “This is the first time a BMF member has used the BMF logo on a range of machinery. It demonstrates JCB’s dedication to producing a range specifically tailored to the merchant’s requirements and the BMF is proud to be associated with such a fantastic product.”
The new range was revealed with a fanfare of music and lighting effects normally associated with the launch of a new car. For the merchant industry this was an even more exciting event. Those attending were able to walk round and sit in the new Merchant Master models, and hear from builders’ merchants who currently operate the Teletruk how it benefits their business. Many have already requested to try the new machines for themselves.
Speaking at the launch, Nicola Bagworth, General Manager, JCB Industrial said: “We are very pleased to offer machines that are tailored directly to the merchant industry, and delighted that our association with the BMF means they will all feature the logo of the leading trade association for builders’ merchants.
“Since the Teletruk was first introduced to compete within the forklift truck market, it has been designed to reduce operator overheads, save time and space, and improve site safety — all resulting in cost savings. With the launch of the Merchant Master range we now offer a Teletruk range specifically designed to perform in the merchant’s yard.”
Amongst its features, the Merchant Master Teletruk has telescopic boom, designed for single-side loading of waggons, saving up to 50% of yard loading space. It is capable of extreme site flexibility through the use of other attachments, and boasts a maximum lift capacity of 3,500kg with 2,400kg at 2m forward reach. Maximum lift height is 4,400mm. The 4×4 model is designed with rough-surface yards and gradients in mind — surface conditions which would be quite unsuitable for ordinary fork lift trucks.
