Criterion Equipment has enhanced its portfolio of materials handling equipment, with the launch of a new range of TCM 2 - 3 Ton diesel-powered forklift trucks, designed for standard operation.

“The new durable TCM SMART counter-balanced type forklift truck series - with an environmentally-friendly ‘clean engine’, a simple design structure and low maintenance requirements - has been designed and manufactured in Japan in accordance with stringent quality and safety specifications,” says Brenton Kemp,managing director, Criterion Equipment, a wholly owned subsidiary of Invicta Holdings Limited. “A special feature of this range is the Kubota V2403 engine with new Tier 4 emission control and engine management for efficient power, enhanced reliability and economic operation.

These new robust forklift trucks, which are available in three different units (FD20T3K, FD25T3K and FD30T3K) have a power-shift transmission and load capacities of 2 000kg/500 mm, 2 500kg/500 mm and 2 500kg/500 mm.

These machines have a maximum travel speed of 19 km/h at full load and 19,5 km/h with no load and a lifting speed of 460 mm/s with a full load and 490 mm/s with no load. The rated output of Kubota V2403 engines is 36,5/2 600 kW/r.p.m, a maximum rated torque of 159/1600 Nm/r.p.m and a service weight of 4 160 kg. These engines- with a deep noise level, as opposed to the high pitch noise of other machines -have been designed for reduced noise levels during operation.

FD20-30T3K mono-block type transmission, where the transmission case is combined with the drive axle housing, absorbs engine vibration at two points of rubber mounting. The absorbed engine vibration is transmitted to the differential through the transmission and engine power is also transmitted to the differential through the transmission without loss because of direct gear connection.

SMART machines have a full hydraulic steering system without knob shift control. All the operator has to do is keep turning the hand-wheel at the end of each position.

Special attachments for enhanced operation, greater flexibility and improved safety include full two and three free -stage masts, drum clamps, hinged forks, rotating clamps, load grabs and turna forks.

For user convenience, every component of the mast of TCM Inoma internal combustion engine powered machines and the new SMART machines are the same.

In the Smart series, a plastic type hose is used as the return hose from lift cylinders instead of the hydraulic hose installed in Inoma machines.

There are fewer parts in this range than other forklifts and all main components are located on the same side of the machine for effortless maintenance.

TCM forklifts, reach trucks and container handlers are available throughout Southern Africa from Criterion Equipment branches, as well as dealers and agencies.