New Mitsubishi electrics put the focus on ‘driveability’

The single most important factor in increasing the productivity of a forklift truck is ‘driveability’.  This principle – proved by over two decades of independent research – has driven product development at Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks for many years.  And it’s the driving philosophy behind EDIA EM – the company’s latest 3 and 4 wheel, 48 volt, 1.3 to 2.0 tonne electric counterbalance series.

In developing EDIA EM – the ‘Electric Diamond’ – Mitsubishi designers have aimed to make its operation highly intuitive and give the driver a strong sense of confidence and control.

Driver-friendly features include FeatherTouch electric steering, which requires only half the effort of a conventional system and provides ‘force feedback’ to aid precision.  Comfort is enhanced by the remarkably smooth, quiet steer motor.  In fact, the average noise level for the truck as a whole, in a standard industry test, is less than 66 dB(A) for the 3 wheel and 67 dB(A) for the 4 wheel.  That’s about the level of normal conversation.

Mitsubishi uses the term ‘ErgoCentric’ for its approach to meeting drivers’ needs.  This is reflected in, for example, a particularly large, flat and uncluttered floor space and clear all-round visibility, as well as the conveniently deep, wide step and exceptionally large ‘entry window’.

The company points to its attention to detail in the design and positioning of each control, such as the hydraulic levers which are said to bring a feeling of precise movement.  Buyers can also opt for a fingertip hydraulic control unit, based on the company’s award-winning adjustable armrest concept.

In some ways EDIA actually ‘thinks’ for the driver.  Having pioneered hydraulic and travel interlock technology in its Integrated Presence System (IPS), Mitsubishi is equipping EDIA with the upgraded IPS2.  This prevents all movement if the driver is not seated and gives seat belt and parking brake reminders.

For extra security, IPS2 automatically applies an electronic parking brake when the driver leaves the seat.  And when the truck is being driven, a hill hold feature prevents accidental rolling – even on steep ramps.

The new Controlled Cornering System (CCS) optimises travel speed for each turning angle.  EDIA is also fully programmable, allowing performance parameters to be adjusted precisely to meet the needs of each operator and task.  Importantly, a range of simple settings can easily be selected by the driver via the new, multi-function, colour display unit.

For forklift managers, the most attractive qualities of EDIA will include its low maintenance needs and high energy efficiency.  Mitsubishi is also keen to promote its new lateral battery exchange option, which makes the process quicker and safer than ever.

With lifting capacities from 1.3 to 2.0 tonnes, market-leading residual capacities, a variety of battery sizes, and compatibility with customers’ existing DIN and BS batteries, there is a model to suit every application and budget.

Wet, dirty or salty workplaces are no problem, thanks to wet disc brakes.  Designed for outdoor as well as indoor use, EDIA meets the industry’s IPX4 waterproofing standard – resistant not only to wind-blown rain but to water splashing from all directions.  Meanwhile, all-weather protection for the driver can be added by fitting VersaCab panel cabins, which feature the company’s award-winning hi-vis roof.

Advised by materials handling specialists Bristol Forklifts, FLI purchased the new multi-directional Combilift C6000 GT lift truck. With a 6 tonne capacity and lift height of up to 10 metres, the sideloader has been designed to operate principally in steel service centres and outdoors in storage yards and loading areas. FLI, convinced that it was ideal for the job, are now the proud owners of the first C6000 GT truck to be delivered into the UK.

Based at the Waterwells Business Park in Gloucester, the workshop team at FLI are very impressed with the handling and manoeuvrability of the new truck. A narrow aisle configuration and ease of operation of the C6000 GT make it ideal for working in confined areas, moving material between storage and processing or for moving work-in-process through confined areas of cutting, bending, welding or finishing in a metalworking factory.

The C6000 GT features hydrostatic drive and brakes for precise speed control in confined spaces and high torque for semi-rough terrain, ramps and docks.

Bristol Forklift’s Director Ian Mounce said, “The length and weight of the steel, combined with restricted areas in which to manoeuvre meant that this was too tough a challenge for conventional forklifts. So we suggested that FLI purchase the new four-way sideloader, just launched by Combi-Lifts – which is specifically designed for handling long loads in confined areas – and this has done the job well.

Andy James, deputy manager at Francis and Lewis International commented, “Bristol Forklifts offered us a solution to what we expected to be a difficult problem. The truck is proving to be reliable and robust, clocking up considerable working hours with minimum need for maintenance. We initially intended the Combilift to be used solely for the new brace manufacturing facility, but have quickly realised that it can be of universal use throughout the site. The Combilift is an innovative solution to materials handling and in the long run provides a good economic return.”

They have been responsive and helpful.

The masts, weighing nearly 2.5 tonnes and 21 metres in length, were transported by road from Newport on Thursday 1st March. The problem was then how to get them through the dock yard to the ship.

Bristol Forklift’s Director Ian Mounce said, “The length of the masts, combined with the very tight access to the dockside meant that this was too tough a challenge for conventional forklifts. So we offered the team at SS Great Britain one of the new four-way Combi-Lifts – which is specifically designed for handling long loads in confined areas – and this has done the job well, manoeuvring the masts around two tight corners and along the dockside with relative ease.”

Frances Bell from the SS Great Britain commented, “Bristol Forklifts offered us a solution to what we expected to be a difficult problem. They have been responsive and helpful, understanding the constraints we’re up against.”

The new half-masts will replace the existing wooden ones which have come to the end of their life.

The terminal, which opened in April 2005, is designed to take lorries, particularly those carrying steel from the North East, off the roads. In the last year over 2 million lorry miles have been removed from Britain’s motorways, offering both economic and environmental benefits to businesses and local communities.

Bristol Forklifts, based in Patchway, initially supplied Clugston with a refurbished 7 tonne truck but as the volume and size of steel increased Clugston subsequently required a 16 tonne truck and most recently a 25 tonne truck.

These sizes of trucks are commonplace in the North of Britain, where heavy industry demands larger materials handling equipment, but less so in the South. Clugston asked Bristol Forklifts, based at Patchway, to help.

Kevin Davis at Clugston commented, “we needed to find a forklift supplier in the Bristol area who was flexible enough to not only source the fairly specialised equipment but refurbish it and continue to maintain and service it for us. The reliability of this equipment is critical as we have a train coming in every day, sometimes with steel which is up to 20 metres in length, and we need to off-load it promptly. Bristol Forklifts have been very responsive, working with us to ensure we can meet the rigorous demands of this task. In the first year we handled over 70,000 tonnes of steel so it was critical that we had reliable materials handling equipment as well as a dependable local supplier.”
Bristol Forklifts have just reported a 40% increase in sales for the fourth consecutive year since they started trading in 2002. Currently Bristol Forklifts are selling up to 150 new and refurbished trucks a year and have over 300 trucks in their hire fleet.