Focus on lift trucks
By Staff
July 1, 2007

Raise heavier loads higher
For storage and retrieval at greater lift heights with heavier load capacities, the 7000 series reach lift trucks are offered. The model 7420 lifts up to 421 inches, and the model 7440 lifts up to 444 inches. Both trucks have a 4,500 pound (3,200 pound double-deep reach) capacity. Features include an open view mast for visibility and AC motors on both lift and drive systems for quick acceleration, smooth direction changes and precise traction and lift. A universal bidirectional stance is included standard, with optional dockstance available for both reach and double-deep reach configurations. Raymond Corporation, 800-235-7200, www.raymondcorp.com.

Counterbalanced truck for operator comfort
The versatile RC 5500 series stand-up counterbalanced lift truck loads and unloads trailers, transports and stages products, and stores product in racks. The truck ensures operator comfort with the FlexRide suspension to reduce shock and vibration up to three times more than comparable models. Other ergonomic features include a contoured backrest, hip pads and foot rests. Standard control systems ensure performance, stability, braking and troubleshooting. Crown Equipment Corporation, 419-629-2311, www.crown.com.

Low-emission lift truck
The 8-Series lift trucks haul a range of 3,000 to 6,500 pounds and offer a low emission internal combustion 4Y engine that exceeds 2007 EPA and 2010 California standards. The engine's closed-loop fuel system adjusts and optimizes the air-fuel mixture ratio. To withstand harsh environments, the chassis features a durable engine hood and stamped-steel side panels. Controllers and relays in the electrical system are isolated from pressure washing, adverse weather conditions and corrosive applications with weatherproof connectors and a sealed box. Overheating is prevented through a cooling system that provides optimal airflow through the radiator and counterweight to extend engine and hydraulic system life. Toyota Material Handling, 800-226-0009, www.toyotaforklift.com, www.toyota8series.com.

Side loader easily maneuvered
Highly maneuverable, the C10000SL four-way side loader handles up to 10,000 pounds and can block stack within aisles, eliminating the need to reconfigure warehouse layouts to accommodate a truck's mobility. The truck travels with long loads close to the ground, instead of raising them overhead, by securely resting the load on the platform. Offered with an internal combustion engine powered by either LPG gas or diesel fuel, the truck includes all-wheel hydrostatic drive and solid pneumatic tires. A front or rear cabin may be specified. Combilift USA, 281-507-0066, www.combilift.com.

6-cylinder diesel lift truck
The diesel, pneumatic tire P17500–P33000 heavy duty lift truck series includes a turbocharged engine equipped with a common rail fuel delivery system for even and high pressure fuel delivery to all six engine cylinders, yielding fast acceleration with low noise levels. Six different models can lift between 17,500 to 33,000 pounds. Hydraulic fingertip controls generate easy lever motion and precision handling while reducing operator fatigue. Other features include an operator compartment that reduces noise and vibration, and 12-week standard service intervals to cut downtime. Cat Lift Trucks, 800-227-5438, www.cat-lift.com.

Walkie riders lift loads 6 inches
With a 5.1 horsepower, separately excited drive motor, RPB walkie rider pallet trucks carry either 6,000 or 8,000 pound capacities, lifting up to 6 inches. A top-mount control handle turns 190 degrees each side of center for easier control and maneuverability. Soft-touch, low-effort switches, a large rider platform, standard cruise control and an ergonomic steel- and fiberglass-reinforced polyamid control head ensure operator comfort. The truck may be used in coolers, wet rooms and freezers to -20°F. Barrett Industrial Trucks, 815-568-0061, www.barrett-trucks.com

Tier III pneumatics debut
A full line of pneumatic tire lift trucks offers capacities from 8,000 to 10,000 pounds. The trucks are powered by EPA/Carb Tier 3 emissions compliant General Motors 4.3 Vortec V6 LPG fueled engines or by Mitsubishi S6S diesel engines. Heli Americas, 901-255-0736, www.heliforkliftusa.com.

Lift series in two capacities
Featuring internal combustion, cushion and pneumatic tires, the AX50 family offers 3,000 and 3,500 pound capacity lift truck models. Features include EPA Tier 2 compliance engines powered by gasoline or LPG, a dual floating operator cabin that reduces vibration and the KOPS Plus system that locks lift and travel functions when the operator's seat is unoccupied. The truck is guided by fully hydrostatic power steering located in a tilt steering console with a small diameter steering wheel. Komatsu Forklift USA, 770-787-5100, www.kfiusa.com.

Low-level order picker
The P-series low-level order picker selects orders from first and second levels in warehouse racking. Two base versions are offered: a fixed driver position for picking at first level or a rising driver position for second levels. Other options include low- or high-lift forks and standard tiller arm or power steering. The picker works in either ambient or sub-zero environments to temperatures as low as -35°F. Powered by a regenerative 2.2kW AC motor, trucks loaded up to 5,500 pounds reach a maximum travel speed of 6.8 miles per hour. Atlet, 800-351-5525, www.atletusa.com.

Redesigned pneumatic truck series
The redesigned D130 series of large IC pneumatic trucks incorporates reduced engine emissions and enhanced operator provisions. The three models in the series are powered by turbo-charged 5.9 liter diesel engines with 158 horsepower to carry loads ranging from 2,500 to 3,000 pounds while meeting EPA Tier 3 emission regulations. Features include a fully electric controlled autoshift transmission, electronic inching to move the heaviest loads precisely and a planetary drive axle with steel housing to protect the drive train from high impact shocks. An optional tilting operator compartment provides easy service access to truck components. Doosan Infracore Forklifts, 800-323-9662, www.doosanlift.com.

RFID-controlled turret truck
The energy-efficient electric EKX 513-515 man-up turret truck for very narrow aisle work includes RFID as a standard feature. When the RF transmitter and receiver under the truck pass over a transponder in the floor, the truck responds to commands including slow down, limit lift height and sound the horn while simultaneously being monitored throughout the warehouse. The three-wheel high rack stacker offers an 80 volt AC motor that reclaims energy from load and cabin lowering, making it 30% more efficient than previous models with up to 13 hours of run time (previously 10 hours). Jungheinrich Lift Truck Corp., 804-737-7400, www.jungheinrich-us.com.

Combustion engine trucks upgraded
Offering extended service intervals to reduce maintenance costs and downtime, the AX50 line of internal combustion engine lift trucks replaces the supplier's AX20 series. Available in 3,000 and 3,500 pound capacity models, the trucks offer cushion and pneumatic tires, a dual-floating operator cabin, K21 Tier 2 compliant ECCS high torque engine powered by gasoline or LPG and high visibility masts. To reduce vibration, the truck incorporates a single piece, fully insulated all steel engine cover. Tusk Lift Trucks, 800-980-8875, www.tusklifttrucks.com.

Stand-up end control truck
Ideal for fast-moving applications requiring extensive shuttling, the FBC15NS-FBC20NS electric counterbalanced stand-up end control truck series handles frequent entries and exits of trailers and tight turns in narrow spaces. Transport capacities range from 3,000 to 4,000 pounds. The trucks include transistorized AC drive and hydraulic control systems, electric power steering, low step height, and knee, hip and elbow padding to reduce operator fatigue. Visibility through the mast and around the overhead guard legs and a multifunction precision control handle improve accuracy in picking, loading and unloading. Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks, 888-648-5438, www.mit-lift.com.

Four wheel electric forklift
Running on AC drive technology, the CPD-1 four-wheel electric lift truck series offers durable, clean hydraulics with wet disc progressive braking. The truck's compact design requires minimal space for maneuvering. A long wheelbase, low center of gravity and wide tires provide stability during loading, travel and cornering. Hu-Lift Equipment (USA), 908-874-5585, www.huliftusa.com.

Negotiate tight spaces with heavy loads
The compact heavy-duty cushion-tire FKS lift truck series negotiates tight spaces, yet raises loads weighing up to 100,000 pounds. Standard features include a two-stage high visibility mast, standard LP gas 5.7 liter V8 engine and three-speed automatic transmission with an inching system. To perform heavy-duty tasks while reducing power demands, a load-sensing hydraulic system controls braking and steering, while preventing engine stalls should any hydraulic function deadlock. Gauges and controls located on the front panel monitor operation time, engine coolant temperature, oil and fuel levels, battery power and engine temperature. Hoist Liftruck Mfg., 800-367-5600, www.hoistlift.com.

Trucks with lower total emissions
To meet compliance requirements established by the EPA and California, the Veracitor VX's is powered by a GM 2.4L engine with low total carbon monoxide emissions that meet standards set for 2010. The truck's two other engine options, a Mazda 2.0L and 2.2L engine, are also certified as low-emission engines. The clean engines are also fuel efficient, moving capacities ranging from 3,000 to 15,500 pounds. Both cushion and pneumatic tires are available. Yale Materials Handling Corporation, 800-233-9253, www.yale.com.

PIN secures trucks
To enhance safety and safeguard against unauthorized use and theft, the Platinum II series of lift trucks offers personal identification number (PIN) security access. Up to five unique PINs may be programmed to control access to each vehicle. A vehicle control module, seat-actuated operator presence system and an LCD meter panel with on-board diagnostics that displays service reminders are also included. The trucks' low emission levels meet both EPA 2007 and California 2010 requirements. The line also offers a clean-burning diesel QD32 engine with lower fuel consumption and emission levels below the 2008 EPA diesel standards. Nissan Forklift Corporation, 815-568-0061, www.nissanforklift.com.

Lift truck computer offers range of operating systems
An electrically isolated 10-60VDC wide range input power supply is integrated into the Everest lift truck computer, eliminating external converters or filters when mounted onto vehicles. The computer is suited to a range of lift trucks, pallet jacks and stock pickers. By accommodating voltage sags as low as 6 volts and electrical spikes up to 275 volts, the internal power converter runs the computer without interruption or rebooting. The computer is available with 10.4 and 12.1 inch screens and a choice of processors including 600 MHz Celeron or 1.4 GHz Pentium M. Operating systems include Windows XP Pro, Windows XP Embedded, Windows Vista and Linux. Glacier Computer, 603-882-1560, www.glaciercomputer.com

Conveyor handles sharp curves
Model KGF-P 2040 belt curve conveyor provides smooth product turns for small items. The frame features 10 millimeter T-slotted aluminum construction for direct mounting of side rails, sensors and accessories. A 20-millimeter rolling knife edge transfers parts from in-feed to out-feed. To eliminate external interference, a compact center drive is located below the conveyor. Antistatic, FDA-suitable belt options include urethane, polyester and PVC with smooth woven and velvet surfaces. Standard belt curve is 90 degrees, with an optional 180 degree model available. Automatic belt tensioning accommodates stretch to reduce wear and ensure fixed installed dimension. mk Automation Engineering, 860-769-5500, www.mkprofiles.com.

Print photo-quality labels
Print full-color images and photos on labels with the LX400 color label printer for short runs of primary product and box-end labels. With photo-quality print resolution of 4,800 dpi, the printed labels are water and scratch proof. The printer includes drivers for Windows and Macintosh systems. NiceLabel SE label design software is included. Primera Technology, 800-797-2772, www.primeralabel.com.