Going for the double

The Fork Lift Truck Association, the UK’s leading authority on fork lift truck operations, has recognised not one, but two, Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks products in its annual Awards for Excellence shortlist.

As a Finalist in the Innovation and Ergonomics categories for two of its newest products, EDiA EX 80 volt electric and the SENSiA reach truck cold store cabin, Mitsubishi will compete among many of the industry’s leading names for a highly prized Archie statuette.

The manufacturer is not a stranger to accolades like this. Its product design has earned it several red dot design awards for its warehouse and electric ranges and it was the first company to win an Archie in each of the four FLTA product awards categories (Environment, Ergonomics, Safety and Innovation).  

This year’s Finalists were decided by the FLTA Technical Committee, which assess entrants against the Awards’ strict criteria.  

In the Innovation category, the Mitsubishi EDiA EX has been recognised for its unique steering geometry that delivers “four-wheel-drive” in even the most demanding of turns. 

Where a typical forklift may achieve 90 degree turning by putting exceptionally high pressure on the tyres and rims, the latest EDiA EX 80V, is equipped with counter-rotating drive wheels and unique 100 degree turn rear axle, mean it can effortlessly turn on a tighter lock than its rivals.

Its dual drive allows the truck to smoothly turn within its own dimensions, maximising manoeuvrability, reducing wear and, ultimately, improving safety.

Sitting proudly alongside EDiA EX on the FLTA’s prestigious shortlist is the SENSiA cold store reach truck. A finalist in the Ergonomics category, it features the world’s largest and most efficient cabin. 

Uniquely, the design features an outwardly curved door profile which delivers spacious accommodation for drivers of all sizes. 

Generously insulated against noise and vibration, every aspect of the design has focused on ensuring operator space is clear and uncluttered, while keeping controls in easy reach to reduce the risk of driver fatigue. 

Further driver protection is offered by SENSiA’s revolutionary rest on its fingertip control console.  By support the operator’s palm – minimising strain on the elbow –

it helps eliminate a common source of repetitive strain injury associated with intensive reach truck operations. 

In addition, the cold store cabin benefits from a unique hi-vis polycarbonate roof that provides excellent upward views while safeguarding operators against falling debris of all sizes.