Capital Equipment News December 2015

LIFTING

CRITERION EQUIPMENT introduces new electric forklift range T he TCM range of forklift trucks, avail- able exclusively in Southern Africa from Criterion Equipment, now in-

cludes a new FB-VIII electric counterbal- anced series, with advanced design fea- tures for enhanced performance. “The new FB-VIII series - a Class 1 sit-down rider type – has been developed for lower power consumption than previous mod- els and for extended periods of operation between battery charges. This significant- ly improves productivity and enhances the environmentally-friendly features of these machines. Other benefits of these electric forklift trucks include greater controllabili- ty of the vehicle, improved safety, minimal maintenance requirements and enhanced operator comfort,” says Brendon Kemp, Managing Director of Capital Equipment Group (CEG) of Invicta Holdings Limited This new series is available in a wide range of robust units, each with a 500 mm load centre. The smallest machine has a maxi- mum load capacity of 1 000 kg and the larg- est unit’s maximum capacity is 3 500 kg. New design features include a fully hydrau- lic Orbitrol power steering as standard and an easy to read multi-function LCD panel which indicates power consumption and remaining battery time before the vehicle needs a re-charge. These forklift trucks can achieve an eight and a half hour battery run time (in economy mode) on a single charge by using a highly efficient AC drive motor that draws less cur- rent than other forklift trucks. AC motors are used for both the drive and lift systems to ensure greater controllability of the vehicle and low maintenance requirements. Regenerative braking also increases ener- gy saving during materials handling oper- ations. Efficient recovery of braking energy is attained by three types of regeneration – braking, accelerator-off and switch back. The reduced switch back time and distance minimises operator fatigue. A new auto power-off facility automatical- ly turns off the power when the operator’s seat is left vacant or when the unit is not in operation over a set time period. This elim- inates unnecessary consumption of battery current.

There are three power output modes avail- able – economy (E), power (P) and super mode (S) – to meet specific load handling requirements and to also improve economy and productivity. In super mode, these fork- lift trucks can travel at a maximum speed of 16 km/h without a load. The compact truck body, with a minimum turning radius of 1 800 mm, improves work efficiency, particularly when it is required to manoeuver in narrow aisles. Optional attachments for various tasks include fork extension sleeves, fork posi- tioners, load grabs, rotating forks and wide view masts. An optional fork positioning la- ser unit helps the operator check the fork height and enables safe and easy insertion of the forks into the opening of the pallet. This feature is particularly useful for stack- ing or unstacking, in high locations and for handling loads in dark areas. The ergonomically designed operator’s compartment offers enhanced comfort and greater controllability. In cases where oper- ators need to get on and off the truck fre- quently – particularly in warehouse applica- tions – the low floor and wide step design,

significantly reduces operator fatigue.

These forklifts, with a wide-view mast, have been designed for optimum safety during operation in any environment. The fully ad- justable, steering and adjustable safety seat with side supports offers greater protection and also reduces operator fatigue. Front and rear lights, as well as turn signal switches, with an auto return mechanism, contribute to enhance the safety features of these machines. Other safety features include an anti-rollback system, a speed limiter and an optional load meter that pre- vents overloading. The new FB-VIII series has a battery com- partment, with a damper, that opens fully for quick and easy maintenance access. Drive and hydraulic motor controllers, with en- hanced dust and water resistance, are also easily accessible. Criterion Equipment, which has been the sole distributor of TCM forklift trucks in South Africa for nearly 45 years, offers a national technical advisory, spare parts, re- pair and maintenance service.

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