Gulf Construction Online - ‘Green diamond’ leads the way

Forklifts

The FD25 Grendia ES and the hybrid model (below).

‘Green diamond’ leads the way

With the launch of the first hybrid forklift and the next-generation Grendia models at this year’s bauma event, Mitsubishi has reconfirmed its focus on protecting the environment.

01 June 2010

MITSUBISHI Heavy Industries (MHI) unveiled what is considered to be the world’s first lithium-ion-battery/diesel-engine forklift truck at this year’s bauma, the world’s largest construction equipment exhibition held in Munich, Germany, in April.

The new addition will expand the already comprehensive range of Mitsubishi counterbalance and warehouse truck models.
“Forklift truck applications typically involve many short acceleration and deceleration cycles, with a high energy demand, which is why the use of hybrid technology in forklifts can be so beneficial. In this case, Mitsubishi has achieved significant increases in fuel efficiency over traditional IC engine trucks of similar capacity,” says a spokesman for Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks.
With a unique forklift powertrain design, comprising a high-capacity lithium-ion battery, a compact, low-emission diesel engine, two induction motors and an inverter, Mitsubishi has cut engine displacement by one-third and significantly reduced carbon dioxide emissions.
Despite their small engine size, these high-specification hybrid models have been designed to deliver powerful performance – along with the famous Mitsubishi reliability.

The truck has already been in production in Japan, where it was launched as the first-ever four-to-five-tonne capacity hybrid forklift and is expected to be released for the European market next year.
“In a move reaffirming the manufacturer’s commitment to producing environment-friendly, innovative and highly-efficient trucks, the company will focus specifically on meeting European customer needs when introducing these hybrids to the European market,” the spokesman says.
Meanwhile, Mitsubishi has also launched Grendia, which is described as the “eagerly awaited next generation of 1.5 to 5.5-tonne IC engine counterbalance products”. Building on the technological achievements and reputation for reliability of its popular predecessors, it comes with a new design, new specifications and a new name.
Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks general manager Mike Jones explains: “The name means ‘green diamond’. Green symbolises our commitment to protecting the environment, while diamonds signify the high quality, reliability and sound investment that this family of trucks has to offer.”
Grendia offers forklift users a choice of rigorously-tested diesel and LPG engines that promise non-stop productivity. Operators will particularly enjoy the fully floating powertrain with two-speed forward and one-speed reverse transmission, which delivers impressive power and gradeability with minimum noise and vibration, he adds.
The new Grendia series takes into account every operator need. By taking a unique ‘ErgoCentric’ approach to forklift truck design, Mitsubishi designers have achieved easy on-off access, comfortable seats, user-friendly controls, a practical layout, clear all-round visibility, smooth operation and a pleasant working environment, Jones says.
Customers can choose from 14 Grendia ES models between 1.5 and 3.5 tonnes (replacing the previous FD/FG15-35N or ‘N series’) and 10 Grendia EX models between 4.0 and 5.5 tonnes (replacing and extending the previous FD/FG40-50K series).
As before, many advanced features are specified as standard. For example, the latest Mitsubishi developments in instrumentation, diagnostics, operator identification and electronic failsafe equipment are all within the basic price of the truck.
“Grendia makes great economic sense, especially when you look at the overall costs.” says Jones. “For a start, these trucks are built to last. Everything from the frame, body and mast to the smallest bearing is designed to resist damage. Throughout the truck, Mitsubishi designers have looked for ways to avoid wear and lower the cost of maintaining systems. Using maintenance-free gears instead of belts in the powertrain is just one of many successful developments in that search.
“Then we have the RapidAccess features, throughout the truck, to speed up daily checks and servicing – again helping to save costs and avoid loss of productivity. What’s more, to reduce operating costs in the short term and avoid nasty surprises in the longer term, Mitsubishi offers a unique five-year warranty that covers every major component – eliminating unplanned bills and guaranteeing peace of mind.”
“By reducing component replacement, while maximising fuel efficiency and minimising emissions, Grendia benefits the planet as well as the operator and the employer. This makes Grendia truly a ‘green diamond’,” he concludes.