Capital Equipment News December 2015

CAPITAL EQUIPMENT NEWS

DECEMBER 2015

CRITERION EQUIPMENT

introduces new electric forklift range

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.

LIFTING