Fork Lift Trucks Product Focus
Clark shows electric potential
Korean forklift manufacturer Clark is entering a new load class for its electric-powered equipment with the GEX 40-50 with pneumatic or superlastic rubber tyres.
T
his 80V four-wheel forklift with its 4, 4.5 and 5 tonne load capacities represents a significant complement to the successful GEX range (1.6 - 3 tonnes). The conceptual design of the GEX, which features two drive motors, 100% AC technol- ogy and maintenance-free oil-immersed disk brakes, is identical to Clark’s industry- proven three- and four-wheel models in the 48 and 80V segment. Clark says this guarantees excellent performance, optimal manoeuvrability and safe load handling. The new Clark forklift for loading and un- loading, warehouse work, production appli- cations and tasks in the recycling sector was unveiled at CeMAT 2011 in Hanover. After successful tests during the last few months, the production of the new truck has now started.
Developed by Clark’s international project team, the new GEX’s two parallel front drive motors each with 9.2kW power and 80V three-phase current technology ensure excel- lent acceleration and high driving power. The twin AC motors are maintenance-free, thus reducing operating costs to a minimum. The drive performance on the GEX 40-50 is dependent on the steering angle. The speed and direction of the wheels are controlled in such a way that severe tyre wear is avoided. This type of steering also enables a gentle yet precise startup, even when the steering is fully locked. The manoeuvrability of the GEX 40- 50 is positively surprising given its load class.
OPTIMAL PROTECTION
Electric dreams: The new electric Clark GEX 40-50 four-wheeler
16 July 2012 Storage Handling Distribution
All the motors are fully enclosed so they are protected against dust, water and dirt particles; motor temperature monitoring curbs the power whenever tempera- tures approach design limits. All the control elements are also enclosed and are therefore protected against ambient factors. For further protec- tion, they are raised high above the ground in the counterweight. Clark has also incorporated its foot-operated parking brake, which was previously only used in its combustion engined industrial vehicles. A total of three mutually independent brake systems (electrical brake, ser- vice brake, parking brake) ensure practically-oriented safety levels and increase the turnaround efficiency through improved utilisation of the battery capacity. As in all Clark electric
www.shdlogistics.com
forklifts, the new GEX series also uses DIN batteries. The service and parking brakes are oil-immersed disk brakes, eliminating the need to replace the brake pads and reduc- ing total cost of ownership. For particularly safe handling on sloping terrain and loading platforms, the standard ramp function enables vehicle control to be maintained at all times. The foot-operated parking brake is not the only technology which Clark has trans- ferred to the GEX 40-50. Components proven through heavy-duty usage in Clark’s combustion-engined equipment include the rigid chassis, stable high-visibility upright and powerful lifting hydraulics. Moreover, the independent, electrically-powered hydraulic pump with AC technology only pumps the oil volume required for the relevant ac- tion, making it highly energy efficient.
SAFETY AND ERGONOMICS
The driver can reach the ergonomically de- signed work area with plenty of room via a large, low-positioned perforated metal step. A handle on the drivers overhead guard col- umn on the entry side makes it easier to climb up and down. The rubber floor covering in the footwell ensures a firm foot grip. The tilting steering column and an easily adjust- able comfort seat with tremendous legroom can be adjusted to suit any driver. The pedal system is arranged in the same way as an automobile. The operating levers with intuitive activation direction move smoothly and are located at a height that allows perfect grip. Equipment options such as cabs, mini- levers and lights complete the picture. n
www.clarkmheu.com
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52