… and why the latest, low-emission Mitsubishi GRENDiA could be exactly what’s needed in many businesses.
They aren’t for everyone. They’ve suffered bad press. But diesel forklifts are the perfect workhorses in a whole host of industries where the demand is for power, durability, and 100% availability.
Stewart Gosling of RDD, UK distributor for Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks explains where they come into their own… and why.
“There are many demanding industries like builders’ merchants, block and brick manufacturers, emergency fencing suppliers and others, where customers buy diesel trucks outright and then run them for ten, fifteen or even twenty years” says Gosling.
“Amortising them over such a long timescale means they offer exceptional value for money, with outright purchase a very attractive option. As for running costs, diesel really comes into its own in these applications. Recent hikes in the cost of electricity have closed the gap between diesel and electric very significantly and with equipment today expected to work harder and longer a typical electric forklift would need to be supplied with two or three batteries.
According to Gosling, diesel also overcomes power-supply issues in situations where electricity companies can’t or won’t upgrade the supply to more remote industrial premises. This causes problems with charging batteries, especially with the latest lithium-ion solutions that require 60amp/hour supplies, which many businesses cannot support.
“There’s also the obvious but undeniable advantage fact that diesel trucks never need to go on charge so they can be operated through the longest shifts and always be 100% available” continues Mr Gosling.
Not all diesel forklifts are created equal
“But buyers should beware” he adds, “Not all diesel trucks are created equal and the differences have become more significant since the introduction of Euro Stage V regulations on emissions.
“Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks is exceptional in that the company has invested heavily in a state-of-the art update of its near-legendary industrial engine for its newest diesel range. The result is a low-maintenance, high torque, 3.3 ltr cambelt-free engine that not only meets Euro Stage V regulations but sets the standard for clean operation and outstanding fuel-efficiency.
“Its robust construction is in marked contrast to leading competitor models that employ lightweight and underpowered automotive engines with potentially vulnerable rubber cam belts. As a result, they frequently can’t do the job required of them and suffer far more downtime.”
More features for your money
Highly featured, the latest Mitsubishi GRENDiA diesel forklifts come with fully sealed belly guard and wheel arches to protect the engine, transmission and cooling system from damage caused by material being sucked up from the ground. It also dramatically reduces dust emitted during operations for clean performance.
Key features include advanced common rail technology, diesel particulate filters and oxidation catalysts along with exhaust gas recirculation valve to reduce noise, and cut fuel consumption as well as emissions: future-proofing operations.
Every model also incorporates electronic fuel injection to ensure full power safety speed limiting with an advanced engine management controller delivering simultaneous, multiple engine and electronic functions to further reduce emissions and fuel consumption.
Safety features include driver pin code access protection as standard along with unparalleled 360° visibility for load and fork tips to reduce damage and deliver faster cycle times. Noise level at the operator’s ear is very low at just 78dBAand low vibration from the powertrain enhances driver comfort and minimise fatigue.
Mitsubishi GRENDiA diesel forklifts are available in capacities from 2.0 to 5.5 tonnes with the larger TREXiA range covering capacities from 6 to 10 tonnes.
Find out more
For more information on what the GRENDiA family can do for your operations, call the Greenline 0845 371 3048, contact info@mitsubishi-forklift.co.uk or visit www.mitsubishi-forklift.co.uk.
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