Tag: forklifts

Doosan, a leading manufacturer of robust high performance forklift trucks, has further extended its powerful new 9-Series world-class Euro Stage V compliant IC engine counterbalance forklift trucks with the launch of the advanced heavy-lifting D70S-9 range.

Built to perform in the most demanding industrial environments, and available in four models across a capacity range of 6 – 9 tonnes, Doosan says these tough diesel-powered trucks offer an unbeatable combination of outstanding fuel efficiency, performance, driver comfort and safety.

Powering the D70S-9 is the new highly fuel-efficient DM03V(A) Stage V Doosan-built diesel engine, bringing huge benefits in terms of ultra-low emissions and dramatically lower operating costs – saving almost half a litre of fuel per hour when compared with other models in the market. The new engine also provides high torque at low rpm, facilitating improved forklift acceleration, drive and climb performance – making the trucks ideal for loading and unloading using ramps.

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.

Increased in-cab visibility

A new sleek cab design offers 40% increased visibility, greater comfort and enhanced ergonomics, giving the driver the perfect conditions for safe, efficient operation.

The cab has been cleverly designed using curved front, top, and rear glass panels 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 74dBA 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 D70S-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.

When it comes to ergonomics, Doosan says the new cab layout of the D70S-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 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.

Powerful performance

Doosan says powerful, robust performance is assured. Its D70S-9 range has a new, highly durable reinforced steering axle and is equipped with an electronically controlled 3-speed ZF transmission, providing the driver with a smooth gear change every time and precision control when handling heavy loads. In addition, the sensitivity of the inching pedal is adjustable, ensuring accuracy when handling heavy and fragile loads such as glass bottles.

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 first

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; 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 20% more than on the previous model. The transmission oil filter and pressure check port are placed on top of the transmission for easy inspection and maintenance and electronic components are centralised for convenience.

Maintenance costs on the D70S-9 are dramatically reduced, with hours between servicing double those of the previous model when using upgraded lubricants – for transmission (1,000hr to 2,000hr) and engine (500hr to 1,000hr).

Manufacturer, importer and supplier of high-quality fabrics to the fashion industry, Jerseytex Ltd, has developed a new very narrow aisle high-density storage solution at its Midlands warehouse facility based on Flexi Truck articulated VNA forklift technology from Narrow Aisle Ltd.

A long-standing Flexi Truck user, Jerseytex has operated Flexi Truck VNA trucks at its site in Tipton for the past two decades.

“We bought our first Flexi Truck nearly 20 years ago and have used them ever since, so we had no hesitation in turning to Narrow Aisle when we needed a new materials handling solution to support the continued growth of our business,” said Jerseytex owner and managing director, Pritpal Singh Sidhu.

“We have proved that Flexi Truck technology represents the most efficient and cost-effective materials handling solution for us. The Flexi Truck’s design allows us to save valuable space when operating and is generally far more efficient than traditional ‘reach’-type trucks.”

John Maguire, managing director of Narrow Aisle Ltd, commented: “Flexi Truck products are renowned the world over for their reliability and build quality. Jerseytex has long realised the space and throughput efficiency benefits that Flexi Truck technology brings and we are delighted to have such a long and successful relationship with the company and their team at Tipton.”

Jerseytex uses its Flexis to support the unloading of textile rolls from incoming vehicles before delivering the fabrics directly to the new bespoke VNA racking scheme within its Midlands storage facility. By unloading incoming vehicles and delivering loads directly to the storage system, the Flexi Trucks eliminate ‘double handling’ which allows more product to be transferred in less time. As a result, Jerseytex is able to minimise its materials handling costs and speed-up operational throughput, with fewer forklift trucks in its fleet.

More than 10,000 Flexi Trucks are in operation at logistics sites across the world and there are models in the Flexi Truck VNA Digital range to suit every product type and warehouse size.

Toyota Material Handling UK has launched a new range of electric counterbalance forklifts. Designed for both indoor and heavy-duty outdoor applications, the Traigo80 80V electric counterbalance range is offered with a choice of lithium-ion, lead-acid or fuel cell power solutions.

Customers that opt for lithium-ion batteries can select two intelligent energy packs based on Toyota’s own high-density lithium-ion battery solutions. This flexibility enables users to calculate the lithium-ion battery and charger combination that is best suited to their particular application.

At most sites, a lithium-ion-powered Traigo80 will operate continuously during multiple shifts without a battery change – saving the cost of additional batteries and battery changing equipment. For example, a new Traigo80 equipped with a small lithium-ion battery can work a full 8-hour shift, with just two 15-minute charging breaks during the main operating periods, and 45 minutes of additional charging during the mid-shift meal break. Furthermore, Li-ion-powered Traigo80 trucks require zero battery maintenance.

Meanwhile, for users that choose the traditional lead-acid battery option, the new truck offers quick and easy sideways battery changing, while improved motor and component technology means the lead acid battery-driven Traigo80 consumes 15% less energy when compared to the previous model – even in the most intense and demanding applications.

In addition to lithium-ion and lead acid batteries the Toyota Traigo80 is also available with hydrogen fuel cells. For users that have the benefit of an on-site hydrogen supply, hydrogen fuel cells can be refuelled in just a few minutes and allow emission-free operation.

As well as selecting their preferred truck power source, Traigo80 customers can also choose between a compact chassis design for applications where space is confined, or a longer chassis with a larger battery for those operations where trucks are in continuous use. In addition, two models with a chassis suitable for longer load handling on 600mm load centres have also been introduced.

Available in capacities from 2 to 3.5 tonnes with lift heights up to 6.5m, the Traigo80 is designed for the toughest environments and features high-level protected motors that  deliver best-in-class performance and durability in all weather conditions.

And, for the ultimate outdoor performance, a fully enclosed cabin is available to ensure optimum operator comfort and, therefore, productivity.

The Traigo80’s new operator compartment has been ergonomically designed and features an updated adjustable armrest and lots of storage compartments. An optional integrated colour touchscreen display provides key information such as lift height, load weight and mast position, while a multifunction display screen with push-button controls is also available.

A completely new range of controls – including mini-levers, a single multi-function joystick, or multifunction levers – allow operators to choose the system that best suits their driving style, while the Traigo80’s fully floating driver compartment reduces noise and vibrations highly effectively for extra comfort.

For even greater efficiency and the ultimate in truck operator safety, the Toyota Traigo80 is equipped with Assist functions, such as Toyota’s well-known and proven System of Active Stability (SAS). The multi-award winning Toyota SAS maintains truck stability by continuously monitoring the load weight, lift height and truck speed during operation.

Integrated telematics have been standard on the Toyota warehouse range since 2018 and a number of new connected smart truck features which allow customers to monitor and improve the operational safety, productivity and cost-efficiency of their materials handling equipment, are available with the new Traigo80 models.

These include an all-new pre-operation check function and the ability to recognise when the truck is being driven without a load. The system also monitors the condition of the Li-ion or lead-acid battery, which not only increases safety but also extends the battery’s lifetime.

Sam Gray, Sales Training and Product Development Manager, Toyota Material Handling UK, commented: “The launch of Toyota’s new Traigo80 counterbalance  range means companies that run the most intensive indoor or outdoor operations or whose applications demand trucks that deliver peak performance in the harshest environments, can make the transition to emission-free electric- powered forklift technology with no compromise on reliability or durability.

“Toyota Material Handling is committed to sustainability across its business and this new range of electric trucks has an important role to play in reducing the environmental impact of all companies that rely on forklifts within their business – from single truck users to the biggest fleet operators.”