Matchbox challenge

One of the highlights of last year’s IMHX show was the forklift demo area, with experts offering a hands-on look at work the trucks can do. John Lighten, driver trainer at Acclaim Handling demonstrated the Hyundai forklifts.

John showed a number of the new safety features on the BTR-9 and BT-9 electric counterbalance trucks, also showing off their impressive maneuverability. The trucks feature good cab visibility, Blue Spot technology, a speed limiter, automatic slow cornering and regenerative braking. The trucks also feature orange seatbelts, so mangers can quickly verify that operators are wearing them.

Perhaps the highlight of the demo, was when John used a reversing forklift to close an open matchbox - without squashing it obviously - showing the sensitivity of the truck’s controls.

Safety is a major priority with Hyundai’s new range and the machines are manufactured with an anti-roll back system and a regenerative braking system with intelligent speed control – this means the machine will automatically slow down when changing direction. Also the speed is reduced when descending a ramp which ensures the safety of the operator and warehouse personnel.

The 35DA-9 has a lift capacity of 3.5 tonne with a load centre of 500 mm. New optional features on this machine include the newly designed fingertip system which combines the ease of the mini-levers with the directional switch mounted on the console. Also new is the Rear View Camera (option). The view from the camera will automatically be on the display when the reverse direction is selected. The 35DA-9 is also fitted with full LED lights as standard.

A new electric hand brake system is combined with an anti-roll back function on machines from 2.2-3.5 tonne – this is linked to the OPSS (Operator presence sensing system). This means that if the machine is inclined more than three-degrees and the machine comes to a stop, the handbrake is automatically activated to prevent the machine rolling back. To release this function, the driver pushes the accelerator to regain normal movement without wheel spin.

Hyundai also used the show to debut the 16BRJ-9 electric reach truck. The LCD colour monitor with 3.5-inch graphic smart display allows the operator to easily and efficiently control the machine. The monitor provides information about speed and accelerator level, steer angle and travel direction, battery discharge indicator, hour metre and working mode. The optional load indicator displays the load weight in the monitor. The optional indicator displays the height of fork in the monitor. The operator can select various performance modes to meet all working conditions.