Warehouse - United Kingdom Warehousing Association

32 Forklift TrucksPALLET TRUCKSHeavy duty model added toplatform power pallet seriesMitsubishi ForkliftTrucks has introduced aheavy duty, fixed platformversion of its PREMIApower pallet truck.The 2.5 tonnePBF25N2 is designed tocope with the mostdemanding conditions ofall. It is built for non-stop,intensive use, carryingheavier loads over longerdistances and at higherspeeds.Mike Jones, generalmanager of MitsubishiForklift Trucks UKexplains: “As in all of ourPREMIA trucks, its vitalcomponents are enclosedand protected againstwater, dirt, damage andwear.“This new, heavy-dutymodel takes this even furtherby adding extrashielding and protectionfor the most importantcomponent of all: theoperator.“This truck’s fully integratedfixed platform featuresan ergonomic newside-stance operatingposition which reducesoperator strain by optimisingthe excellent forwardand rear vision with minimalupper body and neckmovement.”The built-in protectiveside walls, back rest andhigh-grip mat ensure asafe and comfortablework environment.Mike continues:“Unusually, tiller arm controlhas been replaced bya Formula-1-style Maxiussteering wheel. Its uniqueoffset positioning allowthe operator to haveequal forward and reversvision without placingstrain on his neck. Itshighly ergonomic designbrings all of the leversand buttons within the driver’seasy reach, allowingfor single-handed steeringand speed control witheither hand.”Advanced electric steering,linked to the drivecontrol system, ensuresprecision and responsivenessat all speeds. With achassis just 720 mm wide,the PBF25N2 is compactenough for situations suchas loading and unloadingof lorries.A high-performanceAC drive system generatesrapid acceleration to atop speed of 12 km/h.Standard control featuresinclude automatic speedreduction in curves, progressivesteering andload-dependent variablespeed limits. Keyless PINcode access matches performanceparameters toeach individual operatorbut provides a commonsecurity code for use inemergencies.Instant adaptation totasks and conditions ispossible thanks to aunique two-position performancemode switch.Mike explains: “Operatorsmay wish to select thesafety/economy modewhen manoeuvring in verysmall spaces, or whenhandling delicate loads,and then revert to highproductivitymode whengreater speed isrequired.”The truck’s durable,sealed, low-maintenancesystems include an oilfilled,shock-resistanttransmission and a fullyfloating drive unit, whichreduce vibration and providea smooth, quiet,comfortable ride.In addition to the twoload wheels and the centraldrive wheel, there aretwo linked castor wheelsto maximise stability andprevent wheel damage onramps. The forks arerobust and agile, for easypallet entry, and a total liftheight of 220mm as standardallows for stillageand cage handling andavoids grounding problemseven on steepinclines or with damagedpallets.The closed batterycompartment is designedto prevent impact damageand to accommodate 375Ah or – for longer shifts –500 Ah batteries. A BDIand an hour meter areamong the features of amultifunctional displaywhich keeps operatorsand service engineers fullyinformed.www.mitsubishi-forklift.co.ukMay 2013www.ukwa.org.uk