We are proud to announce TCM have been nominated in two categories at the FLTA Awards for Excellence 2020.
There are only 4 product categories within the Awards ceremony, where the FB Series 48 volt electric counterbalance is nominated in Innovation and Ergonomics.
Our design criteria was to take our Reach Truck technology – Floating Arm Rest with Mini Steering Wheel & Multi Functional Ergologic Joystick, into our 3 & 4 wheel electric counterbalance, to bring unrivalled operator comfort and efficiency, enabling a mix of warehouse and counterbalance trucks to operate side by side with common controls.
The product features developed for the FB/FTB, are truly ground breaking, and an industry first.
What other truck in the industry can boast the same innovative Floating Arm Rest & Mini Steering Wheel with Multi Functional Ergologic Joystick as used in its reach trucks.
Our Strategy: to find the resting position of each joint
We aligned with TfK (Transport Research Institute) and opened a research project with a team of major Reach Truck users. The research team needed a trusted forklift supplier who could contribute their knowledge and resources.
Over a 5 year period prototypes were built, tested and analysed with the aim to establish the design for the world’s most ergonomic Reach Truck (latterly counterbalance).
The outcome was presented in the Scientific report, TFK 1993:6 The resting position of each joint. The position in which there is the least tension or pressure on nerves, tendons, muscles and bones.
The Research Results: What we discovered
•The position in which muscles are at their resting length – neither contracted nor stretched.
•The position where muscles can develop maximum force most efficiently. The main aspect of ergonomic design is to allow worker’s joints to remain in neutral position as much as possible.
•The driver should be orientated in either the driving direction or working direction.
•Hand controls should be manoeuvred with support for the arms.
•So, over many years of enjoyed success with our Reach Truck product, we have now made this available in our 3 & 4 wheel electric counterbalance, to complement our Reach Truck range allowing multiple mix of trucks with the same operator controls
Floating Arm Rest, Multi Functional Ergologic Joystick: for the Ultimate in operator comfort and efficiency
This addition to the product does away with the conventional steering wheel (Yes, no steering wheel), normally placed directly in front of the operator incorporating a Mini Steering Wheel to the side, creating unrivalled visibility, with the new design opening the floor space to improve what is normally a very limited area for pedal operation.
It also allows the operator to have all round visibility especially when loading and un-loading. It is also proven through numerous tests (Source: Science report 1993:6 TFK), it is the most ergonomic & efficient driving position, enabling a neutral body posture, for the operator.
The Mini Steering Wheel is operated using the palm of the hand, creating less arm stress.
Multi Functional Ergologic Joystick: for the Ultimate in operator comfort
The Multi Functional Ergologic Joystick similarly encourages a neutral body posture and features a 35mm diameter power grip, resulting in less stress to the shoulder, neck, and hand.
Its operator-centric multi-functional controls are easily accessible to ensure muscles are used according to their maximum force position, creating less fatigue.
Our aim as a manufacture is to provide the most ergonomic truck, that has the operator at the heart of its decision making.
•The operator compartment should be possible to adjust individually to every driver (Due to difference in body size).
•Less stress on shoulder and wrist using Ergologic
•Big muscles used for highly repetitive control movements
•Precision muscles and grip used for less frequent but precise movements
•Faster handling due to easy access of controls in one single unit
•Simultaneous use of easy access controls
•The most efficient driving position enabling a neutral body posture utilising Floating Arm Rest and Mini Steering Wheel.
All round visibility is significantly improved, providing a faster, and more efficient truck due to improved operation.
Better ergonomics and improved material handling efficiency from TCM Europe.
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