win customers around the world
Fuel consumption down by 10%, operating costs reduced by 15%
Kalmar new medium-weight forklift trucks (FLTs) have exceeded all expectations and taken the market by storm. The trucks, which have a capacity of between 9 and 18 tonnes, were created for intensive handling in tough environments. Less frequent servicing and unparalleled availability mean that the machines boast unbeatable overall economy. Operating costs are 15% lower than in other models while the Optirev system optimises engine revolutions and reduces fuel consumption by 10%.
Since the medium-weight FLTs’ launch in autumn 2002, sales have been far greater than an-ticipated. Orders in the first six months of 2004 have outstripped the same period last year by some 25% and a significant number of the drivers providing feedback have described the machine as “fantastic.
In Germany, the medium-weight trucks are responsible for intensive handling at steelworks, sawmills and docks, and in stevedoring operations. The machines’ robust construction is of real benefit in these particular industries. A number of sawmills in the Nordic countries have also discovered the advantages of the medium FLT, including its low centre of gravity, which makes for unparalleled stability.
Lower fuel consumption and quieter lifting with Optirev
Machines equipped with Optirev, which allows the engine to work at optimum revolutions, record a 10% reduction in fuel consumption.
During lifting the machine is also quieter, since the engine works at 1,400 revolutions/min, as oposed to the traditional 2,200. This allows for excellent operating economy, as high revolutions are not required for efficient lifting. The machines also require servicing every 500 hours – half as often as previous models – thus reducing operating costs by as much as 15%.
More efficient lifting with Optispeed
Optispeed, which provides electronic optimisation of the machine lifting speed, provides more efficient handling. Lifting without a load is now up to 25% faster. With a load, the speed is as high as the engine power permits in relation to the weight of the load. This means drivers can drive more smoothly, as they do not need to depress the accelerator pedal to achieve maximum lifting speed.
Drivers’ machines
A well-developed driver environment, which is characteristic of Kalmar equipment, and a stable, flexible driving sensation make the medium-weight trucks true drivers’ machines. Because the machines are equipped with Optidrive, they can be driven precisely using controlled skidding, which is reminiscent of hydrostatic operations.
Exactly what the users need
Kalmar medium-weight trucks are now being appreciated in more and more markets. New customers in countries such as Turkey, South Africa and Australia have discovered their nu-merous advantages, while in North America the machines have revolutionised materials han-dling.
Notes to editors:
Press information can be found on Kalmar website www.kalmarind.com. Simply click on News Room to be taken to a list of recent press releases or on Press Pictures to be taken to the Kalmar photo gallery.
The caption for the photograph reads:
“Thanks to the Optispeed system, which provides electronic optimisation of the machine lifting speed, Kalmar medium-weight FLTs offer customers more efficient handling.
Kalmar is a global provider of heavy duty materials handling equipment and services to ports, intermodal traffic, terminals and demanding industrial customers. Kalmar focuses on supplying handling solutions that enable customers to operate with a high level of efficiency and reliability. Every fourth container or trailer transfer at terminals around the world is handled by a Kalmar machine.
Kalmar provides a large range of value added services such as maintenance contracts and fleet management. Manufacturing plants are situated in Sweden (as is the head office), in Finland, the Netherlands, Estonia, Malaysia, China and the USA.
For futher information:
Lotta Sundström