The high power and rugged design of FH100-160-1 forklifts make them outstanding choices for industries where heavy loads are common, including freight/logistics, shipping/ports, manufacturing, construction, metal industries, oil/gas, recycling/waste, and more.

Engineered to lower operating costs

The highly efficient, electronically controlled hydrostatic transmission (HST) hydraulic pump and motor system increases operator control, minimizes power transmission loss, helps moderate fuel use, and reduces environmental impact.

Brakes suited for high cycles, harsh conditions

Sealed wet multiple-disc brakes provide protection from dust, dirt, and debris, provide superior durability, excellent fade, and water resistance, and prompt constant, reliable braking in high-cycle operations.

Designed to deliver years of reliable, low-cost service

The FH100-160 diesel and Tier 4 Final engine, electronics, and hydraulics are engineered to work together seamlessly to provide years of outstanding performance, sustainability, and dependability.

Technology to boost efficiency. Komatsu’s Komtrax wireless tracking and reporting system allow the forklift to communicate daily usage, fuel consumption, operator productivity, location and movement, and more. Easy to use and web-based, it provides secure user data anywhere, anytime. Valuable data be used in daily reports on fuel consumption and running costs and monthly/annual operational records to track how machines are being used to help determine how to use them more efficiently.

The post Komatsu’s new FH100-160 Heavy-Duty Forklift Cycles Through Big Loads Quickly, Efficiently and Reliably appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

The urban forklift concept

AUSA’s new forklift has been designed with a completely different goal to the other all-terrain forklifts recently launched by the brand. The C201H is different because it is clearly designed for urban use. To begin with, at just 82 inches high, it is able to enter car parks and enclosed spaces with limited access.

This is combined with its exceptional maneuverability, enabling it to move around nimbly in any space, no matter how small. The forklift is supplied with a wide range of masts: from the standard duplex mast that measures 10.82 feet and has full visibility to the 12.14 feet, 14.11 feet, and 17.71 feet triplex masts.

This new model is available with two types of hydrostatic drive: 4×4 and 4×2. In both cases, it is equipped with a limited-slip differential on the front axle as standard; this transmits the necessary amount of power to each individual wheel.

The 4×4 version features the FullGrip system, which can be used to engage the four-wheel drive by simply pressing a button on the joystick, thus increasing safety during operations on the most winding roads.

Efficiency and economy

The C201H has a Kubota engine with 28.8 hp of power and no DPF and it complies with the Tier 4 emissions standard. A small engine with low emissions and outstanding performance, as it has a gradeability of 40% at full load.

In terms of maintenance, its design allows to include a tilting cab and engine top cover, thus ensuring unbeatable accessibility to all of the mechanical components. This makes it quicker and easier to perform any repair work.

Additionally, the C201H has been equipped with a digital screen with a self-diagnostics function on the dashboard, a system that allows the operator to easily access each of the machine’s error codes so that they can inform the technical service quickly and reduce downtime.

In short, with the new C201H, AUSA has added a forklift for urban use to its range of lifting machines, for users who want a compact vehicle without outstanding performance and quick and easy maintenance.

The post AUSA launches its New C201H Urban Forklift appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

If you’re reading this, you’re likely considering switching your fleet of forklifts and hand jacks to Lithium-Ion batteries. Or you might be in the market for new batteries and are looking for guidance on which Li-Ion technology to purchase.

If switching from older lead-acid technology, you’re making a sound business decision on several levels. It doesn’t matter if you have a single forklift working a single shift, or a large fleet working multiple shifts, upgrading to Li-Ion batteries offers you many benefits over lead-acid.

Here are just a few highlights to consider before we go myth-busting on needed Li-Ion charging times. In no particular order:

• Li-Ion batteries give you more consistent, stable power when in use. Unlike lead-acid types, the voltage level and power availability remain at a higher, more even level. Lead-acid technology loses both voltage level and power in a downward curve, from the time you plug in the battery to the final job. This can be particularly important in cold storage or freezer applications. Cold is the sworn enemy of lead-acid batteries. You will lose between 30-50% of available capacity in cold or freezing applications with lead-acid.
• Li-Ion batteries are virtually maintenance-free. Lead-acid batteries need to be cleaned, watered and equalized on a regular basis. Li-Ion batteries don’t need these operations. And there’s no crusty caustic build-up to remove.
• Li-Ion batteries are designed for opportunity charging. In other words, you can plug them into a charger anytime the forklift isn’t in use. This saves time by eliminating the need for labor-intensive battery swaps.
• Of course, because they can be opportunity charged, you eliminate the need for and expense for additional batteries, normally at least one per forklift. In some cases, this may even allow you to cut down on the number of lifts needed for your operation. Not to mention the related battery handling equipment required for lead-acid.
• Along with opportunity charging capability, Li-Ion batteries have much faster charging times than their older, lead-acid batteries counterparts.

It’s that last item—faster charging times—that will be addressed in the remainder of this article. There are two main Li-Ion battery technologies used in forklifts, each with its own unique characteristics, advantages, and limitations.

LFP, or Lithium Iron Phosphate, has been around for quite some time. Because of that, it has a better track record for reliability and other factors than its Li-Ion battery counterpart, NMC. NMC, or Nickel Magnesium Cobalt Oxide batteries, are a newer technology.

When first developed, NMC Li-Ion batteries were much more expensive than LFP Li-Ion batteries. That’s often the case when a new technology is developed. However, the cost between them is leveling out, so the price may or may not be your main consideration.

There are other, more important differences.

The Myth of a Necessary 1C Charging Rate Revealed

What is an important consideration is charging times during normal forklift operations? The charging rate is designated by C, which stands for charge current, not charge voltage. A battery that can be charged at 1C will go from 0% charge to fully charged in one hour. NMC batteries achieve this charging rate easily, as many manufacturers and sales reps will inform you.

In fact, that’s one of the main selling points they’ll tout during their pitch.

An LFP Li-Ion battery, on the other hand, normally has a charging rate of between .5 to .8 C. What this means is that the battery will charge from 0% to 100% in about two hours at .5C and perhaps closer to 1-1/2 hours at .8C. That seems significantly slower, a potential downside to LFP batteries.

So obviously, the sales rep’s biggest draw is that the NMC will charge completely in half the time of the LFP Li-Ion battery. The cost to do that may be slightly higher, both for the battery and the accompanying heavy-duty hardware required.

But the time saved for the entire charge cycle makes up for it, right?

Not necessarily.

The need for a zero to 100% charge in 60 minutes sidesteps one of the main benefits of Li-Ion batteries as a whole: opportunity charging.

Think about it for a minute. When will you ever completely drain your battery? If you’re seeing that happen, you’ve likely got a personnel problem not a battery issue. One of your drivers is not taking advantage of opportunity charging.

The fact is that if opportunity charging is used, you’ll rarely get more than a 20-30% power drain, even in freezers and cold storage operations. Therefore, the higher charging rate of 1C for an NMC Li-Ion battery is really a non-issue. It’s just an exaggerated selling point with no real tangible benefit.

You’re being sold a tractor/trailer rig … when a box truck or van will do the job.

But there’s one final and important nail to hammer in the coffin of the 1C myth.

Safety.

You Really Don’t Want the Heat of 1C NMC Charging Rates

Any form of flowing electrical current generates heat. That’s a fact. It’s an immutable law of electricity that must be accounted for and dealt with. The higher the amperage or current, the higher the heat.

How do you get a faster charge rate?

You raise the current flow, producing more heat. That heat must be dissipated by either using larger diameter cables, more robust insulation, or a combination of both. And the connectors that join battery to cable must also be heavier made or they’ll melt.

Even the battery charger must be constructed more robustly, adding to the overall cost of the installation.

Look at the cabling of an NMC high charge rate battery compare it with an LFP cable set. The size difference is quite noticeable. And remember, the heavier hardware is NOT for using the battery, but for charging it. More heat from higher charging rates mean more potential for fire and other heat-related accidents during charging.

High amperage burns hot. Need a practical example? Turn on a 100-watt incandescent light bulb and let it sit for a minute. Then, unscrew it while it’s still powered.

Any questions?

One Final Myth to Debunk

You might be told—during the course of an NMC sales spiel—that an LFP Li-Ion battery cannot be charged at a 1C rate. It’s just NOT true! LFP cells can now readily accept the higher 1.0 to 1.5C charging rates. If you still think you’ll benefit from that higher rate, it can be accomplished easily and more safely than possible with NMC technology.

LFP battery cells can be charged with dual output cables from the charger. Two cables at half the charging rate. Because the current draw is also split, the associated heat is lowered, allowing the smaller cable sets to be used.

When it comes to charging time capability, run the numbers. With opportunity charging for Li-Ion batteries, you likely don’t need what you’re being sold.

The post OneCharge explains 1C Charging Speed of Lithium Batteries appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

In order to enable drivers of a Palfinger Truck Mounted Forklifts to have an easier, energy- and time-saving working day, the premium manufacturer of lifting solutions started a comfort sales action at the beginning of the summer and is now extending it until the end of the year.

Mounted on the rear of a carrier vehicle and always ready to use – the Palfinger Truck Mounted Forklift F3. It offers complete independence, as no additional unloading devices are required, especially at the site of operation the Truck Mounted Forklift from Palfinger safes a lot of time.

“Many customers greatly appreciate the flexibility they gain with our forklifts.”,

knows the experienced Product Manager Franz Heidegger. However, this alone is often not enough. Today’s driver wants more – and Palfinger has a solution for this with the Comfort Plus package.

With this special package, drivers get three options for their new Truck Mounted Forklift F3 for free: hydraulic fork positioner, foldable seat, ground control. This way, drivers can ensure easier, more energy- and time-saving operation with maximum safety and continued complete independence – and this until 31st December 2020.

Source: Palfinger

 

The post Palfinger Updates the Truck Mounted Forklifts appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

Executive Summary

Briggs & Stratton merged its smaller warehouses across the U.S. into two large distribution centers and switched forklift fleets at both locations to li-ion batteries from previously used lead-acid batteries. The detailed cost analysis demonstrated significant savings of lithium batteries compared to both LPG (propane) and lead-acid batteries. After over a year of impeccable performance from OneCharge li-ion batteries, the company is committed to switching all of its remaining lead-acid batteries to li-ion.

Challenges

With over 110 years of experience, Briggs & Stratton is trusted by millions of people around the globe and backed by the largest service network in the industry. Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Briggs & Stratton Corporation is the world’s leading producer of gasoline engines for outdoor power lawn and garden equipment and pressure washers through its Briggs & Stratton, Simplicity, Snapper, Ferris, Vanguard, Allmand, Billy Goat, Murray, Branco and Victa brands. Briggs & Stratton products are designed, manufactured, marketed and serviced in over 100 countries on six continents.

In 2019, Briggs & Stratton was consolidating a number of its smaller existing warehouses throughout the U.S. into two large warehouses in Richfield, Wisconsin and Auburn, Alabama, with a total area of 1.1 million square feet.

“By consolidating our current footprint into two large distribution centers, we’re increasing efficiencies to more effectively serve our customers,”

Bill Harlow stated in the company PR release at the time.

The drive for efficiency has guided Harlow’s decisions for 42 years at Briggs & Stratton.  His career started in August 1978, and in 2020, Harlow is responsible for over 1.5 million square feet of warehouses and distribution centers in the U.S. and Europe (Netherlands).

About 10 years ago, the company started to experiment with an alternative charging pattern of these “wet-cell” batteries to increase uptime. Instead of a standard practice of 8 hours of

operations and 8 hours of charging followed by 8 hours of cooling, Harlow’s team was charging lead-acid batteries frequently to keep them in the 40-70 percent SOC (state of charge) corridor. Harlow thought this was not enough.

There was still maintenance to take care of. With an average of 20 minutes per day spent on watering and changing the lead-acid batteries during shifts, the inefficiencies were piling up quickly for the 150 people operating over 50 trucks. The uptime increase has become a real issue for the company with the two shift operations.

So, Harlow decided to test the long-standing practice of using lead-acid batteries as a power source for the company’s fleet of electric forklifts.

Harlow had been closely following the developments in li-ion technology. One of the company’s commercial brands, Vanguard, has a line of lithium-based power solutions. Harlow asked his longtime trade partner Dwayne Lawhorn from YES Equipment to help estimate the available options for the two new distribution centers.

How OneCharge Lithium Batteries Helped

The initial comparison included all available alternatives of power sources: fuel cells praised for their safety, li-ion batteries for longevity, “wet cell” batteries and LPG (propane) for lower initial costs. Both battery types and LPG went into the total cost of ownership calculations.

“The cost analysis made the decision straightforward,”

said Lawhorn. The estimate was based on the 15 years of operations of 54 trucks, alternatively powered by LPG, lead-acid and OneCharge lithium batteries, and factored in the lease, daily maintenance and fuel/electricity costs. The li-ion option was by far the most attractive: it demonstrated a savings of $2,800 per truck compared to lead-acid and $8,100 compared to LPG. Accumulated over the full period for all 54 units, the savings add up to a $2.2 million vs. lead-acid and $6.6 million vs. LPG. And this analysis did not even take into account the air ventilation makeup, battery room expenses, potential hazards with acid spills and potential safety costs for LPG tank changeouts!

Once the deal was sealed, there was no problem fitting all of the new Class I and III lift trucks with the optimal li-ion batteries. Lawhorn and Jerry Mastroianni, sales manager from OneCharge, developed the battery specs to choose from the OneCharge product line of over 550 models.

Results, Return on Investment and Future Plans

One and half years after the start of the operations at new distribution centers powered by li-ion batteries, Briggs & Stratton has seen no issues with the equipment, and Harlow is happy with the performance boost. No leaking acid, none of the downtime associated with lead-acid batteries and

“what’s nice about lithium batteries is that there is no memory effect! You can randomly charge it at 90 percent or at 10 percent,”

Harlow said.

This is true “opportunity” charging. If you can’t opportunity charge a lead-acid battery outside of the 40-70 percent SOC range, this actually is a strict pattern of a “memory effect”.

Bill reports a 5 percent overall efficiency increase, and for a large company, this is a big deal. There are a few lead-acid-powered trucks left until the current lease term is over, and the plan is to transition to li-ion only at Briggs & Stratton.

Efficient li-ion batteries are replacing the old lead-acid technology across industries and applications. Tried-and-tested lithium solutions are no longer the newcomers, and we will see an accelerating adoption of li-ion batteries by all players in material handling over the next few years.

The post OneCharge Lithium-ion Batteries help a leading U.S. manufacturer stay at the top of the game appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

Thorsten Seehars, CEO of Grammer AG, notes about the agreement concluded:

“This strategic relationship with Hyster-Yale is a further confirmation of Grammer’s attractive product portfolio and leading global footprint. We are thus able to equip the new forklift platform of Hyster-Yale with our innovative, locally produced seating solutions – both in the United States and Europe. This newly established relationship strengthens our position in the market for seats and seating systems in Europe and the United States.”

Global Footprint and Top Quality

The next generation of counterbalance forklifts from Hyster-Yale will be equipped with innovative seating solutions from Grammer, which stand out thanks to their high degree of comfort and special ergonomic features. The seats will be produced locally at Grammer locations in both regions. This regional organization and the associated flexibility – all while ensuring compliance with highest quality standards at the Grammer facilities – were key factors in the decision made by Hyster-Yale.

Established Supplier for Global Producers

Over the coming years, this new relationship will allow Grammer to continue the expansion of its market position in North America in this segment. Part of Grammer’s growth strategy is to supply customers with products and innovations of consistent quality – even across national borders. In doing so, the new organization enables us to coordinate even better throughout the division, which operates around the globe, with the corresponding customer management, while the local presence and flexibility are ensured by the regionally managed production facilities. As part of this collaboration, uniform quality standards and the sharing of best practices across all regions are the responsibility of the global functions of the Grammer Group.

Source: Grammer

The post Grammer becomes Strategic Supplier of Global Forklift Platforms for Hyster-Yale Group, Inc. appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

Yizheng Port Co., Ltd., a provider of goods warehousing services, is about to commence a new port project. The company has chosen Kalmar Forklifts for the development of the new project in order to meet safety demands and environmental regulations. The machines will be used to handle bulk goods such as steel coils at Yizheng Port Co., Ltd.’s bulk cargo terminal.

Head of Yizheng Port Co., Ltd., says:

“As a well-known global brand, Kalmar’s solutions are recognized for their reliability and high quality. We have chosen Kalmar based on a thorough evaluation of their machine quality and after-sales service.”

Alex Tang, Sales Director, Kalmar China, says:

“We are very grateful to Yizheng Port Co., Ltd. for their trust in and support of Kalmar. I believe that the excellent quality and stable performance of Kalmar machines can help our customers expand their businesses and increase their production capacity.”

Since 1949, Kalmar has been the preferred supplier for quality-aware forklift truck drivers and owners. The trucks are renowned and appreciated for their outstanding efficiency, safety, reliability, and low operating costs. Kalmar Essential Forklifts are robust, reliable, and suitable for the most demanding handling conditions, and they are ideal for lifting containers, steel, and wood. Kalmar Heavy Forklifts provides superior power and performance while remaining agile and flexible in operation, meaning they can efficiently and safely meet the most demanding goods handling requirements.

Source: Kalmar 

The post Kalmar delivers four medium and heavy forklifts to support Yizheng Port Co. appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

AUSA has introduced the world to its five new machines, completing the manufacturer’s extensive catalogue of compact all-terrain vehicles. The presentation, which was made in an innovative digital format, was used to publicly launch all of the vehicles that were expected to be on show at the various international trade fairs that were cancelled due to the global pandemic.

DR601AHG. The new reversible dumper

The DR601AHG reversible dumper has a 13,200 lb payload and comfortable hydrostatic transmission. Thanks to the innovative reversible design, the seat can rotate 180 degrees and all components are instantly adjusted to suit the driver’s new position: steering wheel, joystick, pedals, safety cameras, etc. The driver can also comfortably and safely get on and off both sides of the dumper, so speed and flexibility are significantly increased.

In terms of technology, various systems have been included to make it a more efficient dumper: it has the ECO Mode function, where the engine speed is automatically controlled to ensure lower fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

It is fitted with the Hill Holder system, a start-assist and safety system that engages the dumper’s brake when you take your foot off the accelerator at zero speed. This significantly increases safety, especially when operating on slopes.

It can also be equipped with Smart Stop: a plug-in system that automatically shuts down the engine when it is not in use and the optimal time and safety requirements are met.

The new DR601AHG dumper is equipped with a powerful 74.3 hp Deutz engine that complies with the strict Stage V emissions standards and it has an engine torque of 340@1500.

D300AHG. An experienced new dumper

An articulated dumper with a 6,600 lb payload, a side-tipping skip and hydrostatic transmission. One of the main strengths of this model is that its design is based on the 9,900 lb dumper. The same chassis, hydrostatic transmission and engine cooling. All installed on a dumper with a lower payload to achieve outstanding reliability and durability.

It is equipped with a small but agile 24.8 hp four-cylinder Kubota engine that complies with the Stage V standards and has an engine torque of 92.6@1700.

The skip’s shape ensures maximum frontal visibility and it can optionally be fitted with our Full Visibility System, consisting of cameras and proximity sensors.

All of these features make it the most efficient and safest 6,600 lb dumper available on the market.

New all-terrain forklift range

After launching the C251H and C351H all-terrain forklifts, with 5,000 lb and 7,100 lb payloads respectively, AUSA is continuing to update all of its models with the C501H, the unit with the highest payload (11,000 lb). As with the other models in the range, the C501H was given a completely technology-based design.

With an aggressive and technologically advanced design, the new forklifts feature a digital screen on the dashboard, just like a top-of-the-line car, providing the driver with all of the machine’s information; they can interact with the different screens via the same joystick that moves the mast. Thanks to its advanced software, it features a self-diagnosis system and is able to incorporate telematic systems.

Efficiency is also one of its main strengths. Thanks to the ECO Mode system and Smart Stop, it can reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

In terms of safety, the operator’s visibility has increased by 30% and the Hill Holder system has been incorporated, which engages the brake automatically so the machine can stop easily on any slope.

New telescopic handlers

One of the other highlights of the event was the presentation of the new T204H and T235H telescopic handlers. Although they still have the same name as their previous models, they have been redesigned to offer a better user experience.

The T204H has a 4,400 lb payload and a maximum lift of 13.8 ft. In turn, the T235H can carry up to 5,000 lb and has a maximum lift of 16.4 ft. Both models have the same platform and features. These include the Kubota engine with 32.5 kW of power.

From the interior digital display, the operator will be able to control any part of the dumper and interact with and access the diagnostics menu and all maintenance parameters easily, quickly and efficiently.

It is a highly versatile machine that can easily adapt to any terrain thanks to its 4x4x4 drive and the three steering modes: front-wheel, all-wheel and crab mode. A perfect combination that makes machine movements and approaches easier, especially on terrains with little room for maneuver. With its hydraulic functions and quick connect couplings for accessories and implements, you will be able to increase its possibilities and applications exponentially.

Thanks to the exceptionally designed cab that gives the operator a spacious and functional cab. The design of the cab and the placement of the boom give the operator a 360° view, making the work environment safe for all involved.

Source: AUSA

The post AUSA Presents Five New Products, Including Two New Telehandlers appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

High-tech

The innovative digital display installed right next to the steering wheel shows all of the machine’s information. The operator can check the speed, RPM, engine temperature, sensors, hour meter, etc., on the display in real time, as well as any incident alarm. In addition, the operator can interact with the system easily by using the cab joystick buttons.

The excellent electronic management of the new range of forklifts offers endless possibilities. These include the ECO Mode system, which automatically regulates the engine RPM, and SmartStop, which stops the engine when the machine is not being used. Both greatly reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, also improving the machine’s TCO.

In addition, the well-known FullGrip transmission has been redesigned to offer a higher performance efficiency, since the 4×4 transmission can be activated from a push-button on the joystick. For greater prevention, when the machine detects an incident in its operation, it activates the safety function, adapting the RPM to prevent any damage.

Visibility and comfort

The cab has also been fully redesigned, increasing the space inside and improving ergonomics for the operator. The new space increases visibility by 30% as compared to the current versions, improving the safety of the operator and of his environment. In addition, the noise emissions have been reduced and are the lowest in the market.

Finally, ease of maintenance is another of its areas to be highlighted whereby the design has been best applied. With its front tilting cab and the upper cover on the rear counterweight, the accessibility of all of the machine’s components is one of the points that makes it stand out on the market.

Source: Ausa

The post AUSA presents its new all-terrain forklift platform appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.