Doosan Launches Heavy-lifting Electric Trucks

Doosan, manufacturer of robust high-performance forklift trucks, has launched two new ranges of high capacity electric counterbalance forklift trucks within the NXE Series, providing industrial users with a wide choice of zero-emission, low-noise level, environmentally friendly trucks capable of tackling heavy duty tasks. Both ranges have a compact new design for greater manoeuvrability in tight spaces and are built to Doosan’s exacting standards on durability and robust, reliable performance.

The powerful B80NS
Available in capacities from 8.0 to 10.0 tons, businesses across a broad spectrum of industry – from manufacturing, engineering, and foundries, to building supplies, transport and warehousing – will benefit from the improved capability, power and performance of Doosan’s latest heavy-lifting B80NS electric trucks. The versatility of electric power is now available in a durable and reliable heavy-lifting vehicle, built for working long-shifts in arduous conditions, making it a viable alternative to increasingly regulated IC Engine equivalents – all of which helps to save time and costs.

For those businesses requiring a truck for light to medium duties, Doosan has introduced a low-cost electric truck specified for the task.

The cost-efficient B60NX
The B60NX ‘value’ range, with three models covering a capacity range from 6.0 – 8.0 ton, offers the simple clean performance of electric power in a series of competitively priced high-capacity models – giving occasional users a reliable ‘buy new’ alternative to purchasing a second-hand or reconditioned forklift truck. Designed for light to medium duties, the B60NX range offers all that’s needed to get the job done – without needing to spend large. These compact zero-emission trucks are clean and quiet in operation, delivering safe, reliable performance exactly when it’s needed.

Extra Durable
Durability for outside duty is catered for in both ranges with IP65 rated controllers and motors, offering maximum resilience to water and dust. Also included as standard is an industry leading sealed, oil-cooled disc brake system, which is virtually maintenance free and lasts up to five times longer when compared to conventional shoe brakes. The sealed units protect against outside elements such as dirt, water and grit, ensuring top-rate braking performance for enhanced safety and increased productivity. With zero emissions, low noise levels and a reduced total cost of ownership (TCO), the new models across both ranges will appeal to businesses looking to boost environmental performance, while reducing costs.

Enhanced Productivity
A major productivity-boosting feature across the range is a compact design and tighter turning radius, giving a strong competitive edge over the average diesel truck of the same capacity. Smooth and responsive acceleration are assured with the 96V or 80V AC drive system, where a single or dual, powerful motor gives the unbeatable combination of power, performance and functionality. The all-round efficiency provided promises to boost productivity inside and outside the factory or warehouse.

Safety first
Doosan places a strong emphasis on safety in the design of their trucks, prioritising all-around visibility. The clear-view overhead guard and lower seat position provides 360 degrees of visibility. A prominent safety feature included as standard is the Automatic Speed Control function which adjusts the travel speed for safer cornering.

Stronger Ergonomics
The compact new design is combined with good ergonomics – taking safety, driver comfort, ease of maintenance and productivity fully into account. The spacious cab is designed for operator comfort and to reduce fatigue, with a fully adjustable premium Grammer seat as standard and excellent all-round visibility for safer manoeuvring with greater awareness. Other features included are an adjustable steering column, a low seat position for easy access and plenty of legroom. Everything a driver needs for maximum comfort during long shifts. Further, optional features within the cab include: MP3 radio player, HVAC integrated heating/cooling/ventilation system and a fingertip console with two-axis cross levers or ergonomic fingertip control.

Easy Maintenance
The new design takes ease of maintenance into account too. A tiltable cab (optional) on the B80NS provides simple, clear access to core components, along with improved accessibility to the controller and electric components, and a fast detachable backplate facilitates a swift battery change for multi-shift operations. The B60NX series comes with a full-opening side door, which makes battery replacement simple and straightforward using a pallet truck.

The new Doosan B60NX and B80NS ranges offer everything a business needs to feel confident in making the transition to using electric powered trucks for the heaviest of lifting duties.
Jan Droogendijk, Marketing Supervisor, Doosan Industrial Vehicles, says: “Companies that are currently considering contracts on high capacity IC Engine trucks should at least be looking at the possibility of switching to electric powered forklifts as a way of reducing their long term costs, improving safety and cutting their carbon footprint. Electric trucks have come a really long way in the past few years and are now, with these new additions, a highly viable alternative to IC Engine trucks for most applications.”

Hoppecke Cuts Freight Delivery Firm Costs

A leading palletised freight delivery company is enjoying important operational benefits and reduced costs after replacing its diesel materials handling fleet with electric forklifts.

Working in partnership with battery specialist Hoppecke, Freightroute is also reducing its impact on the environment, while a quieter MHE solution is fostering a more harmonious relationship with neighbouring residents and businesses.

Since a lot of Freightroute’s operations take place at night, the switch to an electric fleet has created a much quieter and cleaner working environment. Having started the changeover in 2019, by swapping some of its diesel engine machines for battery-powered counterbalance trucks, Freightroute teamed up with Hoppecke to complete the move and maximise the benefits.

Freightroute is committed to providing its customers with a first-class end-to-end solution. The decision to switch to electric forklifts was therefore made on the understanding that the benefits to the business would not impact adversely on the quality of service provided to customers.

Hoppecke analysed the set-up, then fitted a batcoms datalogger to the existing truck batteries. Using the results to gain a better understanding of Freightroute’s daily operational requirements, Hoppecke was able to increase battery capacity by 30 per cent.

Subsequently, Freightroute adopted Hoppecke’s Trak-Air 5.5-hour charging systems, which are able to dovetail with the palletised freight operation, facilitating opportunity charging during rest periods and a full charge during the morning to lunchtime period.

Gus Whyte, Hoppecke‘s Sales Director UK and Ireland, says: “Freightroute was well-aware of the advantages of switching to battery-powered trucks. Our input helped to maximise its investment in the future of the business to deliver improved efficiency and extended battery life whilst also keeping employees safe.

“We’re delighted to help Freightroute achieve significant operational improvements with a set-up that is more efficient. Operational costs have significantly reduced due to savings from lower fuel and forklift maintenance costs.”

Hoppecke provides full maintenance support to Freightroute. The customised service contract includes battery topping and cleaning as well as charger preventative maintenance. Meanwhile, the collection of charger data supports an ongoing operational analysis with a view to driving further efficiencies.

Hoppecke Industrial Batteries is the leading specialist for industrial battery systems and at the same time the largest battery manufacturer in European ownership. Hoppecke offers to its customers around the world concepts for efficient and reliable power supply for every industrial application. A leading exponent of environmental care for more than 90 years, Hoppecke offers solutions for a variety of industries including motive power, reserve power for IT/telecoms, power stations, solar energy and UPS, special power for rail and underground. Hoppecke’s UK operation is based in Newcastle-Under-Lyme in the Midlands and the parent company has customers and business partners in many countries around the world, including Europe, the USA and China.

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