Product Focus
Here are some lift truck products that have recently crossed our editors
Staff -- Modern Materials Handling, 5/1/2002
Truck offers improved visibility
The FC 4000 series of four-wheel, sit-down rider lift trucks offers a cab-forward design that provides operators with all-around visibility and an optimum line of sight to the fork tips or load. The low profile and sculpted cowl enhance for- ward visibility by allowing the operator to see the front tires and corners. The narrow steering column coupled with improved cylinder and internal hose placement also increase visibility. Operator entry and exit is aided by a low step height, rounded surfaces and a tubular steel overhead-guard upright, which serves as a handhold. A transverse-mounted 11.4-inch-diameter drive motor is located high above the floor, away from dirt and moisture. Standard equipment includes full-circle power disc brakes.
Crown Equipment
419-629-2220
www.crown.com
Turret truck gets into tight spaces
Space-efficient SLT-30-HLT is an operator-down turret truck for facilities with very-narrow-aisle rack-storage requirements. It operates in 66-inch aisles with either roller or electronic wire guidance. The three-wheel, 48-volt model has a capacity of 2,650 pounds and features transistorized controls with self-diagnostics, which speeds service procedures and keeps downtime to a minimum. It comes with a high-visibility three-stage mast, 180-degree traversing turret head and customary safety features.
Drexel Industries
215-672-2200
www.drexeltrucks.com
Trucks feature hydraulic system improvements
The EC15K-EC30K family of 3,000- to 6,000-pound cushion-tire electric lift trucks can be tailored for customers' specific needs. The trucks feature an energy efficient hydraulic system with a revolutionary valve, which helps to improve battery shift life. The valve features flow control and an inlet compensator to return unused hydraulic fluid to the tank at lower pressure. The hydraulic system also includes a transistorized drive controller that enables proportional regenerative braking. Also known as electric braking, the regenerative braking is automatically engaged when the accelerator pedal is released. An interactive LCD display is optional; it displays battery-charge status, error codes and truck status.
Caterpillar Lift Trucks
800-CAT-LIFT
www.cat-lift.com
Easily handle variable pallet sizes
The BNGR walkie reach trucks are safe and easy to maneuver, especially for applications where pallet widths vary in size and exceed the existing straddle-width setting. The 24-inch, heavy-duty mechanism features internal hosing that replaces high-maintenance and obstructive externally mounted hose reels. Forks include 2-degree forward and 6-degree back tilt, making pallet handling easier. Programmable electronic controls provide maximum battery usage between charges.
Blue Giant
800-668-7078
www.bluegiant.com
Reduce risk of tip-overs
The 7FBCU series of electric forklift trucks features the patented System of Active Stability (SAS) electronic control system, which reduces the risk of tip-overs by detecting and responding to changes in forklift operation. The system also helps reduce the chance of injury and product damage from falling loads. The trucks' AC drive system offers fast response time to operating commands, precise power control and compact components. A spacious operator compartment provides generous headroom and leg room to reduce operator fatigue.
Toyota Material Handling U.S.A.
800-226-0009
www.toyotaforklift.com
Driver-friendly features
Cushion-tire lift truck offers driver-friendly features, including increased forward visibility and a full open step for easier access to the operator's compartment. A fingertip direction lever helps reduce operator fatigue by 30 percent while providing smooth operation and infinite inching capability. The lift truck can be factory equipped or retrofitted with a low-carbon monoxide system.
TCM Lift Trucks
713-681-8888
www.mitsui-machinery.com
Stand-up lift truck boosts productivity
The ESC-FA three-wheel stand-up lift truck increases productivity and performance in demanding dock and drive-in/drive-through rack applications. Available in 3,000- and 4,000-pound capacities, the ESC-FA features a multi-function control handle, angled or side-stance operator compartment and a low-force, two-stage parking brake. Its high-visibility mast increases driver safety. The truck also offers a low, 7-inch step height, shock-dampened, isolated operator compartment floor and on-demand hydrostatic steering with brushless DC motor. Other features include dual-steer tires, dual SEM drive motors and fast lift/lower speeds.
Yale Materials Handling
800-233-YALE ext. 270
www.yale.com
Electric forklift eases battery maintenance
The BBX is a cushion-tire electric forklift with lifting capacities of 4,000 to 6,000 pounds. The forklift offers improvements to accommodate both operators and service technicians. An enhanced ZX motor controller expands status-code storage and can be accessed with a handset or personal computer. The all-metal swing-up battery cover and slotted overhead guard permit fast battery exchanges and inspections. With 70 percent more open area in the overhead guard, the truck offers a better field of vision for locating high storage positions.
Komatsu Forklift U.S.A.
800-821-9365
www.komatsuforkliftusa.com
Easy, comfortable operation
Electric stand-up counterbalanced lift trucks are ergonomically designed for optimum operator comfort. The driver compartment is lined with molded, contoured rubber padding for extra protection. The floor and brake-pedal pads provide firm standing support and non-slip shock absorption. Electronic power steering reduces fatigue while a user-friendly, multifunction control handle allows single-handed operation with less arc motion. The overhead guard's top and side openings are swept in line with the head rotation for a panoramic view.
Schaeff Inc.
712-944-5111
www.schaeffinc.com
AC power improves energy efficiency
According to the manufacturer, the accelerated-cycle Reach-Fork truck is the first AC-powered lift truck manufactured in North America. AC-powered drive and lift motors enhance truck productivity, maximize energy efficiency and reduce operating costs. Because AC motors run cooler than other types, heat-related problems with wiring, bearings and brakes are reduced or eliminated. It features all the options of the manufacturer's EASi Reach trucks, including the steered idler. Capacities range from 3,000 to 4,500 pounds, with lift heights up to 421 inches.
Raymond Corp.
800-235-7200
www.raymondcorp.com
Safely turn sharp corners
The Bendi Series III narrow-aisle electric lift trucks are a compromise between reach, turret and counterbalanced lift trucks. The trucks can operate in aisles as narrow as 6 feet. They feature central front articulation, which allows the front steerable load to turn fully to the right or left at angles up to 180 degrees. This permits the forklift to turn sharp corners while maintaining full stability, traction and control in pivoted positions. It provides a full, unobstructed view of the load from the side, improving operator safety and load control.
Landoll Corp.
800-428-5655
www.landoll.com
Creature comforts
Comfor-Cab II is an ergonomically designed side-tilt cab for the H170-360HD heavy-duty line of lift trucks. It improves the serviceability of the trucks by pivoting to the right, allowing instant access to the engine, transmission and service check points. The cab features an ergonomic design with a full suspension, adjustable contoured seat, multi-position tilt and telescoping steer column, a Monotrol pedal and ample floor space. The ergonomic cab is encased by single-piece solid glass doors, which offer better visibility. Rounded hood, fenders and a counterweight design also increase rearward visibility. The new console is equipped with advanced instrumentation, including 16 indicator lights, five gauges and a dual-function LCD.
Hyster Co.
800-HYSTER-1
www.hyster.com
Mast boosts visibility by 48 percent
UltraVizion mast design offers a less-obstructed view for greater operator efficiency. The mast is available on counter-balanced lift trucks with capacities of 4,000 to 5,000 pounds. The design of the mast cross head, middle cross bars and mast rails has expanded the inside area of the mast by 20 percent vertically and 21 percent horizontally. Reconfigured lifting chains, hoses and pulleys behind the mast rails also have improved operator visibility, providing a clearer view of the load. Overall, the new mast design has increased visibility by 48 percent compared to previous masts.
Kalmar AC
800-311-8452
www.kalmarac.com
Sideloaders for narrow-aisle storage
Sideloaders facilitate narrow-aisle storage while enhancing productivity and safety. They allow long loads to be transported on the sideloader platform rather than above personnel and workstations. The sideloaders also eliminate the need for double handling of long items through doorways. The vehicles are available with electric four-directional, LPG or diesel engines. Capacities start at 6,000 pounds.
Sidelifts, Inc.
800-927-0385
www.sidelifts.com
LP truck works indoors and out
Aisle-Master is an LP gas-powered articulated forklift designed for both indoor and outdoor use. Warehouses need fewer trucks since Aisle-Master can do the work of both indoor electric reach trucks and outdoor engine-powered counterbalanced forklifts. In some situations, the truck allows storage space to be increased by up to 50 percent. It can operate in aisles as narrow as 78 inches and has a lift capacity of 4,400 pounds. The articulated design enables the operator to turn the steering and mast through 90 degrees. Lift-height options include three- and four-stage masts with freelift. A three-way catalytic converter reduces exhaust gas emissions to well below the international standards.
Aisle-Master Ltd.
877-280-4910
www.aisle-master.com
Regenerative braking power
EJB 25/35 heavy-duty walkie straddle stackers feature regenerative braking to provide long service life in any materials handling operation. Regenerative braking is achieved when the butterfly control is in the zero position and the straddle stacker slows down. Battery life is extended as battery power is recovered by an electromagnetic disc brake connected to the drive shaft. Among the safety features is a multifunctional handle, which gives operators total control over travel speed and lifting functions.
Multiton MIC Corp.
804-737-7400
www.multiton.com



















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