Doosan has launched a new range of 1.5 to 2.0 tonne electric forklifts, which it hopes will boost its market share.
“We are proud to unveil our 7-Series electric trucks which are a leap forward for the market,” said CEO Tim Waples.
“Traditionally, some companies weighing up whether to invest in electric or diesel trucks opted for diesel as it promised advantages in performance and all-weather reliability. Our new 7-Series range means there is no longer a compromise on performance and their running costs are lower as they use electricity rather than diesel. On top of that, they have zero emissions which is an increasingly significant factor in buyers’ decision-making processes.”
A newly-designed steer axle means the four-wheel B18X-7 now turns to 86 degrees, reducing the forklift’s turning radius by 160mm to 1795mm allowing operation in narrower confines than before.
The trucks have a side lift-in lift-out battery change system to enable batteries to be switched quickly and safely using a hand pallet truck.
Some 37 per cent of counterbalance trucks sold in the UK last year were electric – a trend that is increasing due to an increased focus on emissions from companies buying forklifts, according to BITA’s sales statistics.