Tag: forklift technology|forklifts|materials handling

The one-size-fits-all lift truck solution of yesterday won’t cut it any longer, says Yale. To meet today’s challenges head on, customers need a truck that is configured to the unique demands of their applications. The Yale Series N will create a new level of excellence in lift truck solutions; the performance, ergonomics and configurability will give customers everything they need – raising the bar for success.

The Series N moves away from the defined categories of basic, standard, and premium lift trucks to a completely new customer experience that enables them to define their own truck specification.

Phil Mean, Product Strategy Manager at Yale Europe Materials Handling, said: “The introduction of the Series N is a pivotal moment for Yale. In a time of forklift operator shortages and rising costs, it’s important for operations to have equipment that matches their needs. The Series N challenges customers to reject the status quo, and set their own standard. Even in extreme applications, the trucks can be configured to suit the customers’ needs – all while offering operator comfort to promote high levels of productivity.”

The first truck available in the range is the GDP/GLP 2.0-3.5N, with more electric and ICE trucks due to be released in the future.

Operator-centric design

Yale says the Series N is designed to the needs of the operators and the challenges of the individual operation – rather than customers using a truck with functionalities they simply don’t need or use. The value of the trucks goes beyond moving goods from A to B; the Series N can reduce labour challenges through excellent ergonomics to assist with staff retention.

Boasting an easy three-point access, a large grab handle and generous foot space reduces strain and twisting as the operator gets in or out of the cab. A flip-up armrest provides an unobstructed route when raised, and additional comfort when down.

“We all know we work best with the right tools and supportive surroundings, so we have designed the operator compartment to be spacious, with excellent head and shoulder clearance and a full suspension seat. Even during a long shift, operators can rely on the Series N to provide comfortable working conditions,” added Mean.

All-round visibility

The trucks have a wide mast window, offering excellent forward visibility while handling loads or travelling. A fork laser level line option allows the operator to quickly see where the fork tips will enter a pallet load – great for low light environments – while a clear glass roof option allows unobstructed upward view, helping the operator to pick and place loads at height precisely.

Combined with industry-exclusive technology, the Yale Series N range supports peak performance, confidence, and productivity. A standard, full-colour touch screen display offers quick, easy access to vital truck information.

Other optional operator assist systems on the new lift trucks include a reverse driving camera and rear-view display, a highly configurable suite of spotlight and pedestrian awareness light options and mounting positions, and integrated proximity and object detection systems.

“Being able to work with confidence is key to achieving productivity goals and keeping operations moving,” continued Mean. “As well as high visibility and excellent ergonomics, the Yale Series N lift trucks feature rapid acceleration and fast lift/lower speeds – helping to shave off crucial seconds in every cycle.”

Efficient and dependable

With increasingly demanding productivity targets pushing any operations to run two or even three shifts, logistics operators need to set a new standard for high uptime and low cost of ownership.

Harsh duty cycles and challenging environments can threaten uptime. The Yale Series N range has been designed to deliver, shift after shift.

The lift trucks boast low fuel consumption, enabling them to do more work with less fuel. Reliable and robust components reduce the amount of maintenance required, keeping the truck moving for as long as possible and reducing downtime.

“There are so many more benefits and features of our new range to be discovered, so we encourage logistics operators to get in touch to find out more,” concluded Mean. “Our dealer and sales teams will work directly with our customers to understand their specific needs and help them define exactly what they need from a Series N truck.

“It is a ground-breaking offering, and it will transform the way Yale creates solutions for our customers. We have always said people are at the heart of our products, and in allowing our customers to create a bespoke lift truck for their application, the Series N epitomises this completely.”

Investing in a used forklift attachment in a great condition is a cost-effective way of upgrading your material handling equipment at a pre-owned price, according to B&B Attachments.

With over 40 years’ experience in the UK and Ireland forklift truck attachment market, B&B Attachments is in a unique position to provide reconditioned clamps to meet its customer’s requirements.

B&B Attachments specialises in the design and manufacture of forklift truck attachments and material handling solutions. The company’s extensive workshop facilities allow its experienced fitters to meet the challenge of providing high quality reconditioned and refurbished clamps. All attachments are inspected, serviced, repaired, and tested. They undergo a rigorous remanufacturing process where original equipment manufactured parts are used wherever possible. Its range of used forklift attachments are available in mounting classes II, III and IV.

“All B&B’s reconditioned attachments are thoroughly restored back to their original condition with some of the most experienced industry professionals finding it hard to tell them apart from new stock,” comments Sales Director, Neal Fowler. “All units are backed by our 3- or 6-month warranty options, with dedicated sales and service teams providing full technical backup and support. All reconditioned attachments are sold with Thorough Examination Certification included.

“Or why not test out our attachments before buying, with our dedicated hire fleet of over 2,500 attachments, available through our European network. All attachments are available on flexible long- or short-term hire agreements to suit the hirer’s need. Whether the requirement is a week, a month, or a year, B&B have the solution that works best for you.”

 

Hyster has launched its new Hyster A Series lift truck series, with the H2.0-3.5A internal combustion models now available. The A Series trucks are designed specifically for each customer using A+ Logic, a fully integrated set of scalable and adjustable features that allow users to fine-tune the truck to match their specific application needs.

“For the A Series, Hyster has revolutionised its manufacturing process to deliver the tough, high quality lift trucks that you expect, built around the particular needs of the intended application and the operator,” says Robert O’Donoghue, VP Marketing and Solutions EMEA, for Hyster. “That’s why we describe this series as ‘Distinctly Hyster, built for you’.”

With A+ Logic at the core, the A Series lift trucks can be easily configured to fit each customer’s unique needs, delivering superior performance for the specific operation as well as a low total cost of ownership. The scalable design philosophy makes it easy for customers to add the features that are needed for productivity in their operation and avoid paying for unnecessary options that increase cost without adding value.

“We have designed the trucks this way as no two customers face identical challenges,” says Robert. “With the Hyster A Series, instead of providing you with options for a truck we already built, we build the truck you need according to your duty cycle, environment, and tasks.”

The Hyster H2.0-3.5A internal combustion lift trucks with capacities from 2 to 3.5 tonnes are the first trucks to be released in the series. Not only are they highly configurable, but the base models offer industry-leading fuel economy, excellent visibility, simplified service, and robust components that help prevent unplanned downtime.

“Operator confidence and comfort are tremendously important as they help to enhance productivity,” explains Robert. “That’s why the new A Series lift trucks feature operator-centric design to support proper ergonomics and high performance.”

The spacious operator cabin on the H2.0-3.5A trucks is specifically engineered to emphasise overhead, forward, and rear visibility and give the operator greater freedom of movement to help reduce strain on the body. This attention to design makes the lift truck comfortable and convenient to operate, helping to increase productivity across the whole shift. Additionally, there are available features including operator assistance systems and an innovative Dynamic Stability System (DSS) option.

All A Series trucks are also ‘telematics ready’ for use with the Hyster Tracker wireless asset management solution, which gives businesses the data needed to optimise their fleets, control costs, reduce downtime, and streamline maintenance even further.

The newly released models replace the Hyster Fortens and XT lift trucks at the same capacity. The A Series is expected to expand to include other Hyster IC lift trucks in various capacities in due course.

 

Clark‘s globally coveted S-Series celebrated its debut in 2018. With the special “Smart, Strong and Safe” features of the counterbalance trucks, Clark set a benchmark for future truck generations back then. Now the materials handling vehicles manufacturer is expanding the popular series to include IC engine-powered trucks with load capacities of 4 to 5.5t.

Like their smaller counterparts with load capacities of 2 to 3.5t, the new models are also equipped with active safety systems, a smart information system and extensive additional equipment. Operators can tailor the trucks to their individual use and thus achieve high productivity at a low total cost of ownership (TCO), says the manufacturer. And the operator does not miss out either thanks to the excellent ergonomics and safety of the trucks.

The new S-Series models consist of the S40-S55 diesel and LPG forklifts with superelastic or pneumatic tyres. The trucks are the first choice for both medium-duty and extremely tough applications. Wherever high handling performance and availability are crucial – such as in multi-shift operations in industry, trade and distribution, in the paper and beverage industry or in demanding foundry operations – the trucks score with their robust design, reliable, safe and powerful operation and low operating and maintenance costs.

Strong – robust and low-maintenance

The construction basis of the S-Series is, as usual with Clark, the proven “Built to last” concept, which is based on more than 100 years of experience in forklift construction. It stands for a solid construction with high-quality and durable components. The forklifts have, among other things, wet maintenance-free multi-disc brakes, a durable and electronically protected gearbox, tried and tested lift masts from our own production with a robust 6-roller fork carriage, an extremely stable steering axle as well as the fully welded frames familiar from Clark.

Powerful Kubota industrial engines are used in both the diesel and LPG forklifts of the S-Series. The Kubota 4-cylinder diesel engine with common rail fuel injection V3800-CR-TE5B has a fully electronic engine control. This not only makes it environmentally friendly, but also provides an optimised torque curve and more economical operation. Due to the integrated exhaust gas aftertreatment with diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) and diesel particulate filter (DPF), the Kubota diesel engine, like the LPG engine, meets the strict exhaust gas standards of EU Stage 5.

Operators can look forward to low operating and maintenance costs with the S-Series. The vehicles have, for example, maintenance-free multi-disc brakes with oil cooling, which also show their strong braking effect on wet or dusty ground. At the same time, the brake booster ensures that less force is required for braking. The long maintenance intervals should also be emphasised. In case of maintenance, all relevant components are easy to reach for the service technician. Downtimes are therefore kept to a minimum.

Active safety systems

Clark offers the S-Series with numerous safety features: These include the standard automatic engaging parking brake, which is automatically activated when leaving the parked vehicle and makes the operator’s daily work much easier. The truck control system prevents the forklift from starting against the parking brake. This not only increases safety, but also contributes to longer component durability.

The parking brake also increases safety on ramps. The operator always has the truck under control, as unintentional rolling away or back is prevented. This anti-roll-back feature is standard and can be activated or deactivated via the truck’s control system. Safety and comfort are also ensured by the direction switch integrated in the hydraulic or mini-lever. This allows the driver to change the direction of travel without having to reach around.

The load weight indicator is available as an option. This measures the weight of the load on the forks and helps the driver to avoid overloading the truck. With the Vertical Mast System (VMS), which is also optional, a tilt sensor automatically brings the mast into a vertical position so that goods can be stored and retrieved quickly and safely. The VMS positions the mast vertically both when tilting forwards and backwards and compensates for the vehicle position on uneven floors or ramps.

In order to adapt the maximum travel speed of the truck to the application profile, a speed limiter is optionally available. And last but not least, Clark offers a car-like reversing camera for safe reversing, with the aid of which the driver has an optimum view of the activities in his path when reversing.

Ergonomic driver’s workplace

The ergonomic workplace concept of the S-Series offers the driver a high level of comfort. This starts with the entry: the driver can comfortably get on and off the truck via the wide non-slip step and the large grab handle. In the spacious interior, the driver enjoys the best head and legroom. Clark has placed the tilt cylinders under the base plate on the new series, thus ensuring unobstructed entry and exit.

The comfortable full-suspension seat with safety belt has a folding backrest and can be adjusted to the weight of the driver. To increase safety during forklift operation, the transmission and direction switch can only be operated when the seat belt is fastened by means of appropriate additional equipment. The ergonomic steering wheel, automotive-style pedals and hydrostatic power steering allow the operator to control the truck intuitively and without effort.

The vehicle is operated either by hydraulic levers attached to the bonnet or, optionally, by mini-levers integrated into the fully adjustable, swinging armrest. The movements required to operate the levers are minimal, relieving the strain on the driver’s arm-shoulder area.

The splash-proof 5-inch TFT colour display provides information on all important vehicle parameters, such as travel speed, load weight and operating time until the next maintenance. Safety and warning messages can be individually programmed and are displayed in 26 languages. In addition, the display is used for onboard diagnostics and has password-protected access in case of service. If desired, to save fuel and increase safety, the vehicle can be programmed so that the engine automatically shuts off at idle as soon as the driver leaves the truck seat. When a reversing camera is used, the image is transmitted to the colour display.

The overhead guard provides a good view upwards when storing and retrieving high racking levels. All mast variants with free lift have double primary cylinders so that the driver also has an unobstructed view of the forks and load to the front. By decoupling the engine, transmission and drive axle, Clark has reduced vibration and noise to a minimum so that the driver can concentrate on his work. A wide range of storage options, a 12 V power connection and, on request, a radio or an additional USB charging port, e.g. for mobile phone devices, round off the workplace.

Extensive additional equipment

Clark offers the S-Series with extensive additional equipment for a variety of different applications: These include container-compatible driver’s protective roofs, a reversing camera, a Safety Light for visual warning when driving forwards and backwards, an acoustic reversing alarm, various seats with armrests or side bars, SE tyres, orange safety belt and a wide range of attachments.

In addition, various cab variants are available: these range from rain (cab roof) or weather protection (roof and windscreen) to a partial cab (roof, windscreen and rear window) to a fully equipped full cab with two-part side door and sliding window, air conditioning, heating with proportionally controllable heating valve, heated rear window and front and rear windscreen wipers, so that the driver can work in concentration and comfort even in the harshest climatic conditions.

 

Hyster will show a new A Series lift truck for the first time at LogiMAT 2022 in Stuttgart, Germany. Visitors to the show from 31 May to 2 June 2022 will get a chance to see a model that lifts 3.5 tonnes from the new line of tough, scalable, counterbalanced lift trucks at the Hyster stand.

In Hall 10 at Stand C10, experts will be on hand to discuss how Hyster can “Power YOUR Possibilities” with a range of more than 140 counterbalance lift trucks, warehouse equipment and container handlers.

On the stand, the much anticipated Hyster H3.5A will be revealed alongside the “lithium-ion ready” P3.0S Platform Pallet Truck designed for businesses cross docking, loading and unloading trailers or order picking in the warehouse. The P3.0S on show features a fixed platform with side protection for the operator, but there are options available including rear protection or a folding platform with side arms.

In addition, attendees can learn about the different power options for Hyster forklifts and warehouse equipment. For instance, Li.ON FORCE, a lithium-ion battery from Sunlight Group, has recently been added as an option for selected 24V, 48V, and 80V Hyster equipment giving customers more ways to select the best battery technology for their application. The batteries can be linked to Hyster lift trucks using the CANbus communication to optimise battery management. Real-time battery monitoring data and remote access is also available with the Sunlight Group’s GLocal telematics solution.

“We are excited to bring together some of our newest developments and diverse global industry experience at LogiMAT, showing how we support our customers’ specific needs with different solutions,” says Rainer Marian, Director Network Development at Hyster Europe.

Yale Europe Materials Handling will return to LogiMAT with a showcase of solutions and materials handling products embodying the ethos ‘Technology that moves’. Visitors to Stand D31 in Hall 9 of Stuttgart Messe can expect to see the latest edition to the Yale product range, the Series N.

Yale experts will be on hand to discuss how Yale products enhance the latest logistics innovations by combining technology and design to provide tailored solutions for tomorrow’s challenges.

“Yale has undergone an exciting business transformation, which we will demonstrate to visitors to LogiMAT 2022,” said Timo Antony, Area Business Director Central Europe at Yale. “We’re looking forward to meeting in-person with our customers, dealers and prospects to show how Yale solutions can keep their businesses moving and thriving.”

Forward thinking logistics

As part of a deepening partnership with one of the world’s top manufacturers of energy storage solutions, Yale will showcase a MR16 reach truck powered by a lithium-ion battery from Sunlight Group. Having previously used the company’s lead-acid batteries in its product range, Yale now offers Sunlight Group lithium-ion batteries as a power solution for its customers.

The MR16 Reach Truck can lift up to 10.5m and has a maximum load capacity of 1600kg. The robust heavy-duty mast design provides high residual capacities and stable load handling, which can enable faster put away and retrieval times.

Yale is proud to be revealing its new Series N ICE counterbalance truck for the very first time at a live trade show at LogiMAT. As well as being easily configured to match unique requirements, raising the bar for success in almost all applications and environments, the Series N offers shift-long operator comfort, excellent visibility and high fuel efficiency.

“There will be a lot of exciting announcements from Yale in the coming 12 months, and LogiMAT is set to kick-start a bright and prosperous chapter for our company, our dealers, and our customers old and new. LogiMAT 2022 is a great opportunity to see our ground-breaking new range, the Series N, as well as find out more about our power solutions and expanding partnership with Sunlight Group,” concluded Antony.

 

Doosan, a leading manufacturer of robust high performance forklift trucks, has introduced the latest addition to its powerful 9-Series forklift trucks with the launch of the heavy-lifting D160S-9 range – featuring Doosan’s new world-class DL06V(P) Euro Stage V compliant IC engine.

Available in five models across a capacity range of 10-16 tonnes, these tough diesel-powered trucks offer an unbeatable combination of outstanding fuel efficiency, performance, driver comfort and safety, making them perfect for the most demanding industrial environments.

A new capacity model offered for the first time with the 9-Series is the DV160S-9, a 16 tonne (1,200mm load centre) pneumatic counterbalanced forklift truck capable of effortlessly handling the heaviest of loads over long shifts.

The new highly fuel-efficient Doosan-built DL06V(P) Stage V diesel engine brings huge benefits in terms of ultra-low emissions and dramatically lower operating costs – providing a 5% improvement in fuel efficiency, combined with a 20% reduction in energy lost as heat, compared to previous models. The new engine also starts quickly and efficiently in cold conditions.

Importantly, Doosan’s latest engine design is fully compliant with Euro Stage V regulations and is fitted with a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF). In normal operation, regeneration of the DPF takes place automatically during driving – maximising uptime and ensuring uninterrupted all-round performance.

A cost-saving standard feature of the new range is the multi torque function, allowing the operator to select the performance most suited to the task. ECO mode minimises fuel consumption, cutting down on unnecessary acceleration; High mode increases power output to match the demands of heavy-duty work; and Standard mode maintains output at levels suited to everyday tasks.

Responsive performance

Powerful, robust performance is assured. Doosan’s D160S-9 range has a new highly durable heavy duty drive axle and is equipped with an electronically controlled three-speed ZF transmission, providing the driver with a smooth gear change every time and precision control when handling heavy loads.

A new steer axle incorporating taper roller bearings has also been introduced, offering greater durability. And, importantly, the truck’s new load sensing hydraulic system automatically adjusts in accordance to the load being carried, reducing fuel consumption and heat generated on long runs.

A new sleek cab design offers increased visibility, greater comfort and enhanced ergonomics – giving the driver the perfect conditions for safe, efficient operation.

The cab has been cleverly designed to reduce blind spots and provide greater all-round visibility. And with an all-new ‘full floating’ cabin design, with improved sound insulation, noise has been reduced to just 71db(A) and vibration to an absolute minimum.

In-cab air quality has been enhanced too. By introducing positive air pressure within the cabin and installing two internal filters the driver is protected against the harmful effects of dusty working environments, making the D160S-9 ideal for brick works and foundries. In addition, the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system offers fully automatic temperature control and can be easily adjusted in manual mode.

Information at a glance

When it comes to ergonomics the new cab layout of the D160S-9 firmly places the operator in the command driving position. An integrated 7” full LCD multi-functional display positioned close-to-eye level, along with clearly arranged switches incorporating status indicators and finger-tip controls (optional) for effortless actions, all help to boost productivity and enhance on-site safety

Along with offering easy to view data on the truck’s status, the multi-functional display panel includes an integrated maintenance management programme, diagnostic functions and PIN code security. When used in conjunction with optional front and rear cameras the panel can be used to display forward and reverse views, helping to improve safety on site. A weight indicator is another optional extra.

Included as standard is Doosan’s 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.

Safety is foremost across Doosan’s entire new 9-Series, as reflected in many of the design features already outlined. In addition, some further prominent safety features are: An operator sensing system; LED lights; hill start assist; rear object detection system (option); auto tilt levelling (option): and blue safety light projection.

Doosan takes ease of maintenance into account too, with improved accessibility to the engine and service areas – the cab tilts back automatically, opening up to 60°. The pump, brake and steering pressure-check ports are centralised for easy inspection and maintenance, and electronic components are centralised for convenience too.

Doosan says its new D160S-9 range offers all the power and performance needed to get the job done.

 

 

New powerful electric tow tractors and platform trucks from Linde Material Handling are now flexing their muscles. Equipped with extensive safety features, improved driving comfort and powerful drive technology, the towing machines and transport vehicles ensure enhanced throughput rates for automotive and steel producers, at airports and wholesale markets or in traffic-calmed areas.

Electric tow tractors, whose design is reminiscent of light trucks, are extremely powerful despite their small dimensions and therefore indispensable in many applications where, for example, they pull heavy trailers loaded with machine components or pieces of luggage over longer distances, or reliably transport large numbers of vegetable crates along narrow aisles. Great driving comfort for operators as well as fast and safe goods handling are the predominant requirements placed on this vehicle class. And Linde MH has once again achieved significant improvements with regard to precisely these parameters.

The new electric tow tractors in the Linde P120 to P350 series are designed for towing capacities of 12, 18, 25, 30 and 35 tonnes. For the P250 model there is an additional choice between a short or long wheelbase version. The Linde W20 and W30 platform trucks are capable of moving two and three tons of payload respectively or, alternatively, six tons of towing load. Here, too, there are options regarding the length of the wheelbase.

The entire series has been completely revised in terms of performance and ergonomics, resulting in significant potential benefits for users. “For example, the vehicles are even more enduring when transporting over long distances, which provides a boost in efficiency,” says Sandra Karras, Product Manager Warehouse Technology, highlighting one of the product benefits. In addition, both the platform trucks and the tow tractor variants are equally agile and safe to manoeuvre, and they use either lead-acid or lithium-ion batteries as energy storage medium.

Powerful on gradients

Thanks to their powerful electric motors, the vehicles master ramps, underpasses with gradients and long distances quickly and reliably at driving speeds of up to 25km/h. In addition, the overall vehicle design takes into account the regulations and standards that apply in highly sensitive airport environments.

The improved ergonomics are aimed at providing the driver with the best possible support and thus make goods transport even more productive. The spacious cabin with wide, non-slip entry, large display, comfortable seats, air conditioning and lighting, as well as many other equipment features, offers a perfect working environment. Additional windows in the doors and roof provide the driver with the all-round visibility that is so important, especially on difficult terrain. The doors are electronically monitored so that the towing machine only starts up when they are closed.

To prevent unintended acceleration on sloping terrain or ramps, the driver can activate the automatic speed reduction at the push of a button. Other safety equipment includes a protective grille for the rear window, emergency stop switches on the right- and left-hand side at the rear of the vehicle, a solid metal shield at the front of the vehicle, double mirrors on the doors and lighting solutions such as the Linde BlueSpot. All these features pay off in terms of high driving comfort and safe operation.

Driving comfort taken to a new level

The fully suspended and fully damped sports chassis is another feature that ensures driving pleasure. “Everyone who got behind the wheel of one of the new electric transporters was thrilled by the completely new driving experience,” Karras enthuses and recommends taking a test drive. She highlights the fully encapsulated, maintenance- and wear-free brake system as a particularly service-friendly feature which reduces the maintenance outlay. Last but not least, the greater variety of models and equipment options offers economic benefits: Oversizing is avoided, while at the same time high performance is available whenever needed.