Clark introduces lithium-ion technology
Clark introduces lithium-ion technology
Clark has relaunched the GEX and GTX series. The three- and four-wheel electric forklifts incorporate 48-volt technology with load capacities of 1,6 to 2 tonnes and are now also available with a lithium-ion (Li-Ion) battery.
Customers with intensive applications in particular benefit from the properties of the Li-Ion battery, such as longevity, quick and intermediate charging capability, and freedom from maintenance. The manoeuvrable Clark GEX and GTX electric forklifts with the Li-Ion battery are an indispensable component for applications where it is important to deliver superior performance reliably and cost-efficiently. This is especially true for multi-shift operations in distribution or industry, where high availability is important. The electric forklifts ensure high handling performance with low operating costs, and are also extremely well-suited to the food, beverage, chemical, and pharmaceutical industries, where clean operation is essential.
“The Clark lithium-ion batteries are efficient energy bundles that impress with their high availability,” explains Rolf Eiten, president and CEO of Clark Europe. “When developing our lithium-ion solution, it was important to us that the customer can not only benefit from all the advantages of this technology, but that in combination with an already proven Clark electric forklift series, they receive a logistics solution at the usual price-performance ratio, which also pays off for smaller and medium-sized operations.”
POWERFUL, WEAR-FREE MOTORS
Two traction motors in the parallel front drive, each with 4,4 kW power and 48-volt three-phase technology, ensure rapid vehicle acceleration and travel speeds of up to 16 km/h. The AC motors are designed to be wear-free and very robust, while the Zapi Dual AC control system is equipped with CAN bus technology. Three driving modes are available for energy-efficient use of the truck. Safe use on ramps is guaranteed by the standard ramp function, which prevents unintentional acceleration or rolling back of the truck and ensures that the operator always has the vehicle under control.
The GTX/GEX electric trucks have lift heights of up to 7 075 mm. The range is available with two wheelbases: 1 312 mm for the GTX16/GEX16 and 1 420 mm for both the GTX18/GEX18 and the GTX20s and GEX20s.
CLARK LI-ION POWER – HIGH AVAILABILITY WITH LOW OPERATING COSTS
The Clark Li-Ion solution consists of the Li-Ion battery including a battery management system (BMS) and a high-frequency charger. The battery capacity is 460 Ah for all models in the GTX/GEX series, offering the same battery power for the vehicles with a shorter wheelbase and those with a longer wheelbase. The 48-volt (160 A) charger only requires a power connection (CEE 16 A plug) and fully recharges the battery in as little as 2,5 hours. The charging status of the Li-Ion battery is shown on the truck display. The BMS has a safety cut-out, ensuring safe use of the battery.
The Li-Ion battery can be temporarily charged extremely quickly at any time without damaging the battery or shortening its life. Approximately six to 7% of the charge quantity can be achieved in 10 minutes, meaning that the trucks can be charged regularly during breaks. Decentralised charging points situated directly at the place of use will ensure that fast and safe charging can take place at any time. Li-Ion trucks can thus be used around the clock without the need to change batteries, reducing downtime related to battery replacement. In addition, the operator does not have to keep any exchangeable batteries or infrastructure for battery replacement.
Another advantage of the Li-Ion battery is the fact that the battery scores with a constant voltage during the entire operation. Full power is always available ⎼even when the battery is 85% discharged. In short, Clark Li-Ion batteries bundle a lot of energy in a small space. They have an extremely long service life and are optimal for intensive use. Operators can consequently increase their productivity by using Li-Ion batteries, while simultaneously saving on maintenance, infrastructure, and replacement battery costs.
SAFE AND DURABLE
Because Clark always focuses on safety, Clark Li-Ion batteries are based on lithium iron phosphate technology (LiFePO4). With LiFePO4 batteries, no oxygen is released during the chemical reaction within the cells. This means that use of the battery is extremely safe because there is no risk of spontaneous combustion or explosion of the battery.
Trucks with LiFePO4 batteries perform efficiently even at very low and high ambient temperatures. With 2 500 guaranteed charging cycles, the service life of the Li-Ion battery is at least twice as long as the service life of a lead-acid battery. Even after this period, the battery can still be utilised for further uses for over 10 years. In addition, LiFePO4 batteries are more environmentally-friendly than, for example, lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxides (NMC batteries), because the latter require problematic raw materials like cobalt. Moreover, NMC batteries can burn if they are used outside certain operating parameters.
“The investment in a Li-Ion truck is not only worthwhile for intensive applications, but also for all drivers who want to operate a maintenance-free, long-lasting, and fast-charging battery with a high safety standard,” says Eiten.
ERGONOMIC OPERATOR WORKPLACE
In addition to high availability and high performance, the GTX/GEX series has plenty more to offer the operator in terms of comfort. The extremely spacious operator workplace provides a generous footwell and plenty of leg and headroom, while a choice of adjustable comfort seats with air or mechanical suspension and the tilt of the steering column can be individually adjusted to suit the operator. The truck can be operated either by adjustable mini-levers integrated into the armrest, or by ergonomically arranged hydraulic levers on the truck bonnet. A change of direction is made via the steering column, the armrest, or a double pedal.
The multi-coloured, high-contrast display provides information on all important driving parameters, and storage options for documents and mobile phones round off the workplace. Thanks to the vehicle’s nested mast profiles, the operator benefits from fantastic visibility of the forks and the load through the mast.
MANOEUVRABLE AND EFFORTLESS TO OPERATE
The truck’s power steering minimises steering wheel turns and ensures that the operator only requires low steering forces when manoeuvring. With a steering angle of 101°, the GEX16-20s four-wheel forklift turns on the spot almost like a three-wheel forklift. The inner front wheel runs in the opposite direction when the steering angle is high, meaning that the rear wheel is not pushed over the ground. This significantly lowers tyre wear compared to other trucks. The GTX16-20s three-wheel truck has double tyres on the steering axle as standard, and with a steering angle of 90°, the three-wheel trucks turn on the spot.
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