In May 2017, UniCarriers added ten new models of the TX series to its counterbalance family. Theo Egberts from Andersom Testing has now investigated whether the electric vehicles really deliver what they promise. The renowned forklift truck expert carries out the IFOY tests on the nominated trucks annually.
performance and offers a pleasant workplace
The TX3 range includes 3-wheel forklifts with lifting capacities from 1.25 to 2 tonnes, while the TX4 line offers four-wheel trucks with 1.6, 1.8 and 2 tonnes capacities. The TX3 line is available in three chassis lengths, and TX4 in two. The TX3-18L (long wheel-base) test truck offers a 48V / 750 Ah battery instead of the 625 Ah used for the standard chassis.
Optimum visibility
UniCarriers proudly announce the new TX line and emphasise this claiming ‘the most economical and quietest in its class’. Special features include the ProVision system for optimal visibility and the Stability Support System S3 for extra safety.
With the ProVision, UniCarriers works on vision optimization. The front roof edge is chamfered in the line of sight, as is the connecting beams in the overhead guard. The dashboard is kept extra low and the side shift is integrated. This improves the view on the fork tips and reduces the blind spot. The pillars of the overhead guard are slimmer and provide maximum visibility outside the TX3. However, we experience the greatest gain with the two viewing windows in the bulkhead. The sturdy plexiglas offers excellent visibility of the front corners of the load, so forks can be positioned accurately.
More ergonomics
The entrance has also been improved. The trucks are equipped with an extra step, providing easier and safer access. The foot space on the footplate is spacious. We would like to see a smarter solution for the locking of the battery cover, the ‘conventional closure’ is sometimes felt in the right lower leg. The brake pedal may also be slightly lower so it would be easier to swing from acceleration to the brake pedal. The Grammer MSG65 seat sits fine and the armrest with integrated fingertip-handles is perfectly adjustable and solid. With the thumb, the switch for the travel direction can be adjusted.
Electric steering
With the Stability Support System (S3), the TX ensures safety. The system continually measures the steering angle, the load and the speed, so that the stability of the truck remains steady. The Dynamic Cornering Control ensures a lower speed in curves but keeps the truck just a little bit too long in straight-ahead mode when driving straight, which means we lose some flexibility and time. It is nice to see that the TX standard has a weighing indication and warns when threatened to overload. Also, standard is the new steer-by-wire system with steering wheel synchronization. With this, the steering wheel is always in the same position when driving straight ahead, which is pleasant. The column is infinitely adjustable in angle of inclination, but not in height. Also standard is a rear assist grip with horn on the rear roof post for extra secure grip when reversing. The TX also has a built-in consumption meter, the new display shows additional information about energy consumption.
Most economical?
The question remains about the lowest energy consumption and noise level. The TX3 has become very quiet, but not quieter than other modern trucks. When reversing; the warning beeper is an explicit presence. According to UniCarriers, energy consumption is very low, but we do not see these values in the measurements of our practiceoriented test. Thanks to the electric steering and the improved energy recovery, the TX3-18L is more efficient than its predecessor and we achieve a slightly more favourable value than average consumption in this class. The measured productivity is slightly less favourable than average. To conclude we experience the P position as the finest driving and working mode and this makes the TX3-18L a nice, stable and predictable truck. The truck is solid, offers an easy battery change and is modern. In our opinion, the best feature is the strong improved view of the ProVision system and the electrical steering. The few minuses are surmountable and might be adjusted by UniCarriers in due course.
Conclusion
With the TX3-18L UniCarriers brings a worthy successor for the TX3-18. The newcomer is more refined, more economical and offers some unique aspects that may become the norm for the industry.
UNICARRIERS UK
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