Unbeatably Manoeuvrable, Safe to Operate

Clark has launched a new, manoeuvrable high-lift truck with lithium-ion technology. The SWX16, with a load capacity of 1.6t, is suitable for transporting goods over short distances in industry, trade and distribution. Thanks to its extraordinary manoeuvrability, the compact high-lift truck is unbeatable when it comes to moving goods quickly and safely in confined spaces with a hand-operated device – whether in the warehouse pre-zone or at the high rack.

The pedestrian stacker has a maximum lift height of 5500 mm and so can easily reach even higher shelves. With a turning radius of only 1507 mm, the truck is also designed to be extremely compact so that safe load handling is possible even in space-critical work areas. The SXW16 also has a lot to offer in terms of handling performance: For example, the lifting and lowering speeds of 0.20 m/s and 0.26 m/s (with and without load) and 0.4 m/s and 0.3 m/s (with and without load) are significantly higher than those of its predecessor.

User-friendly and safe thanks to Clark SpeedControl

The standard Clark SpeedControl (CSC) increases safety during operation. CSC automatically adjusts the driving speed to the position of the tiller. This means that the smaller the distance between the operator and the vehicle, the more the speed of the hand-guided warehouse assistant is reduced. When the driver releases the tiller, the vehicle brakes automatically. With the tiller in the normal driving position, the vehicle reaches the maximum driving speed of 5.5 km/h. All parameters of the CSC can be individually adjusted according to the customer’s wishes. In addition, the proportional hydraulic control, which is also standard, ensures safe and precise storage and retrieval of sensitive loads.

For intuitive and fatigue-free operation of the vehicle, all controls are positioned within easy reach in the ergonomic tiller and can be operated by both right-handed and left-handed operators. Because the tiller is long and low, the operator can operate the vehicle with sufficient safety distance. In addition, he has an optimal view of the forks and can store and retrieve loads quickly and safely even in narrow racking aisles.

Li-Ion power ensures maximum efficiency

The SWX16 is equipped with a maintenance-free, encapsulated 1.6 kW three-phase traction motor. This ensures powerful acceleration and high travel speeds. The powerful 4.5 kW lift motor guarantees maximum efficiency when lifting and lowering loads. The SWX16 is available with a 24 V, 205 Ah lithium-ion battery (Li-Ion). It therefore also proves itself in multi-shift use, because the Li-Ion battery can be recharged at any time and within a very short time – for example during breaks – without damaging the battery or shortening its service life. The battery can be recharged at any 230-volt socket. Clark offers a 24 V, 100 Ah charger for Li-Ion batteries in the scope of delivery. With Li-Ion technology, the vehicle has a high level of availability thanks to the battery’s rapid charging capability, as time-consuming battery replacement is no longer necessary. Moreover, Li-Ion technology not only increases productivity, but also saves costs for maintenance, infrastructure, and replacement batteries. This makes a Li-Ion vehicle worthwhile for anyone who wants to operate a maintenance-free, long-lasting, and fast-charging battery with a high safety standard. For application profiles where a Li-Ion battery is not required, the SWX16 is also available with a lead-acid battery with a battery capacity of 24 V, 225 Ah.

Low operating costs through easy maintenance

The use of proven AC controllers makes the SWX16 high-lift truck an extremely maintenance-friendly warehouse helper. Should a malfunction nevertheless occur, the error code indication in the display provides the service technician with information about the possible cause. Thanks to a one-piece bonnet, the truck offers easy access for service and maintenance work. In addition, the service technician can easily program the travel and lift parameters via the vehicle display.

Low-cost Power Source Forklift Users Can’t Ignore

In the race to reduce their carbon footprint, many forklift truck users are ignoring a power source that would allow them to cut emissions, save money and avoid costly grid issues: LP Gas.

“Right now, the focus is on electric forklifts, and with good reason,” explains Stewart Gosling of Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks UK. “They are quiet, clean and come with a lot of integrated safety features. It’s why the award-winning Mitsubishi EDiA range is deservedly in such great demand.

“But, the price of electricity has rocketed in recent months, just as diesel costs did when the tax relief on red diesel was removed. By contrast, the one fuel source that has remained stable is LP Gas, making it the most economical solution for many different applications.”

Stage 5 Mitsubishi GRENDiA LP Gas counterbalance is a clean winner

Recently, one international transport specialist examined every option (including electric) and eventually opted for LP Gas – in this case a fleet of Mitsubishi GRENDiA counterbalance trucks – because of the high demands they place on the trucks, including extended shifts.

The company’s decision was also greatly influenced by GRENDiA’s green credentials. It is Stage 5 compliant and comes with a three-way catalytic converter and engine management system that combines to ensure ultra-low emissions and industry-leading fuel economy. The customer’s other concern when considering a switch to electric was the additional space required for charging operations.

“This would be less of an issue with Li-ion batteries, but that technology can raise different issues,” adds Stewart. “Some sites simply don’t have sufficient power supply to facilitate the high energy loads required for large numbers of Li-ion recharging points or can only do so at extra cost.

“The cost of electricity itself is an increasingly significant factor in areas where tariffs are particularly high. We have customers with multi-site operations who have gone for a hybrid approach, installing Mitsubishi electric trucks on some sites but LP Gas ones where the electricity tariff was unacceptably high. The lesson in all this is that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution… but there is every chance that a low-emission, fuel-efficient LP Gas truck could be the answer or an important part of it.”

UgoWork achieves Li-ion certification for forklifts

UgoWork, a Canadian energy solutions provider specialised in lithium-ion batteries for industrial trucks, has announced that its 36V and 48V lithium-ion batteries are now certified UL 2580, the Standard for Batteries for Use in Electric Vehicles.

UgoWork worked with UL to obtain third-party, science-backed certification for its 36V (Class I and II) and 48V (Class I) lithium-ion batteries for electric forklift trucks and fleets. The products passed the meticulous tests, which include fire propagation testing, drop testing, vibration and shock testing, and crush testing. Achieving UL’s 2580 certification helps demonstrate to customers the scientific approach to confirming its solutions adhere to strict robustness and safety norms.

“Obtaining this certification, in addition to the certification for our 24V model, is once again the proof of our commitment to safety, where there’s no shortcut acceptable,” explained Philippe Beauchamp, UgoWork’s President and CEO. “Forklift manufacturers don’t mess around with safety, and we are extremely proud of all our recent approvals to better serve our clients who deserve the best, and the safest for their team members.”

UgoWork will showcase its latest innovations at MODEX in Atlanta, GA, on March 28-31.

Further lift trucks added to product range

Materials handling manufacturer Clark has announced two additional low-lift trucks with Li-Ion technology and load capacities of 1,500 and 1,800 kg. This follows the launch of the pedestrian low-lift pallet truck WPio20 and the PPXsio20 low-lift pallet truck with folding driver’s platform., Clark thus has a complete series of low-lift trucks with load capacities of 1.2 to 2 tons.

The WPio series models are designed for efficient goods transport over short distances. They are idea in distribution centers, production or warehouses settings. All vehicles are equipped with the durable and powerful Li-Ion battery, suitable for the logistics sector. The operator requires minimal physical effort thanks to the electric lifting and lowering capability. The vehicles boast ease of maneuverability, particularly inly in confined spaces such as in storage areas.

The WPio15 has a maximum load capacity of 1,500 kg. It is equipped with a 24 Volt (30 Ah) Li-Ion battery. It can transport light loads reliably and safely at a maximum speed of 4.5 km/h. The user-friendly tiller arm can be operated intuitively by both right- and left-handed operators. To ensure safety in application, the vehicle brakes automatically when the tiller is released.

Optimally adjusted lateral support rollers improve stability when cornering. With an L2 dimension of only 400 mm and a turning radius of 1,390 mm, the WPio15 is compactly built and ideally suited for use in confined spaces and for carrying on trucks. The weight of this flexible storage assistant is only 160 kg including battery.

The WPio18 is equipped with a 48 Volt (20 Ah) Li-Ion battery, making it the powerful all-rounder of this series. With a maximum load capacity of 1,800 kg and a driving speed of 5 km/h, the truck is ideally suited for transporting medium-heavy loads. The WPIo18 also brakes automatically when the tiller is released. Its L2 dimensions and turning radius correspond to the values of the WPio15 – with a tare weight of 170 kg including battery. This means that this vehicle is also compact and ideal for confined spaces and for carrying on the truck. The ergonomic tiller with its easy-grip positioning of the controls is suitable for both right- and left-handed operators.

The Smart Display integrated in the tiller provides information about important driving parameters, such as battery level, operating hours, driving program, display of error codes and battery management. The truck is started via Smart Key to protect the vehicle from unauthorized access.

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