As the first electric counterbalance truck genuinely designed for outdoor as well as indoor performance, it is no surprise that the Mitsubishi EDIA EM electric counterbalance truck has pride of place on the just-announced shortlist for the FLTA Annual Awards for Excellence.

The Awards Committee - which scrutinizes the nominations long-list - was impressed by the fact that the Mitsubishi EDIA is the only electric counterbalance that FULLY meets IPX4 as well as IPX3 waterproof ratings. IPX3 signifies protection against sprayed water or wind-blown rain. IPX4 goes one step further by ensuring protection against water splashing or spurting from any direction. This would include, for example, rainwater sprayed upwards by the wheels of a truck driving across wet or flooded ground.

As a result, EDIA users can "go electric" with all the associated environmental and operating benefits, without compromise in external conditions.

Totally enclosed hydraulic and traction motors comply with IP54 Ingress rating, markedly exceeding the norm for the forklift truck industry. The bodywork design and protective shields keep water away from all other electronics while the advanced oil-immersed wet disc brake system is also effectively sealed against moisture.

The Mitsubishi EDIA is also equipped with the latest oil-immersed wet disc brake system, which is effectively sealed against moisture and dirt. This adds to the confidence with which the truck can be used in wet workplaces, where breakdown and corrosion would be a problem for unprotected equipment.

On hearing that the EDIA had been selected as Finalist in the Innovation category for the Fork Lift Truck Association Annual Awards for Excellence, Mike Jones, General Manager of Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks UK said: "We are proud and delighted to have made it through to the Pick of the Year. This really is an exceptional truck that breaks new ground by combining the go-anywhere performance normally associated with IC engine forklift with the cost and environmental benefits of an electric truck. We hope people will vote for it in large numbers,,,"