Kalmar launches new electric forklift truck for heavyweight industrial applications and Big Wheel forklift for challenging environments

CARGOTEC CORPORATION, PRESS RELEASE, 20 MAY 2014 AT 11.00 (EEST)

Kalmar, part of Cargotec, launches a new environmentally friendly electric forklift truck with a lifting capacity of 5-9 tonnes at CeMAT exhibition in Hannover, Germany on 20 May 2014. The counterbalanced ECG50-90 forklift boasts features that significantly reduce the cost of ownership whilst improving safety and environmental performance.

Electric forklift trucks were traditionally used for lightweight applications. Now Kalmar rewrites the electric forklift landscape with a heavy-duty electric forklift truck.

Lower total costs of operation

"At Kalmar, we have put in all our decades-long experience as a provider of heavy trucks when designing this electric machine. The result is an electric truck with a high performance that matches our powerful diesel trucks, while being quiet and completely free from emissions and vibrations," says  Thomas Malmborg, Vice President, Forklift Trucks.  

"The truck can be used for heavy industrial tasks without compromising productivity or the pleasure of driving. Yet the true benefits of going electric become apparent when you begin to experience the forklift's low operational costs, mainly in the form of lower energy costs and reduced maintenance requirements. The initial investment is intended to be paid off within two years, which will show on the customers' bottom line.

"According to calculations, is it possible to reduce operating costs by up to 75 percent every year from energy savings alone compared to an equivalent diesel truck. With higher lifetime availability and lower maintenance costs, it's a winning concept in the long run," Malmborg says.

The eletric forklift truck features several energy-saving driving modes, and together with the changes made to the electrical and hydraulic systems, up to 15 percent lower energy consumption can be reached compared to Kalmar's previous electric forklift model.

Service personnel can finish their job quickly thanks to simplified maintenance and a market-leading diagnostic system. One type of battery hatch fits all needs and is easily handled by the operator. The protective hatch is included as standard and enables easy service of the battery.

Environmental choice

Quiet and free of emissions, the new Kalmar electric forklift is perfect for indoor use and for handling sensitive goods such as food, beverages and paper.

Peter Ivarsson, Sales Support Director from Kalmar Forklift Trucks says: "In the marketplace, going electric is increasingly an environmental choice, and with diesel prices rising, the electric forklift has become a more and more attractive alternative. Safety is always a top priority and it's extremely important for us at Kalmar that this new truck leads the way in safety. It will meet, and exceed, any safety regulations in the market."

The new forklift has a number of features to improve the safety of both drivers and people in the machine's surroundings. A high-intensive blue light is projected on the floor to alert people that the machine is approaching, reducing the risk of accidents.

The forklift's  EGO cabin, a standard for Kalmar G-generation machines, boasts major upgrades to ergonomics and visibility inspiring greater driver productivity, efficiency and safety. The position of the steering wheel is displayed to prevent accidents and reduce tyre wear. The rotatable seat is an excellent option when driving involves a lot of reversing - a time saving feature which also protects the driver's neck and shoulders.

Big Wheel for challenging environments

In addition to the new electric forklift, Kalmar  introduces a new diesel-powered DCG140-6 Big Wheel forklift model designed for  environments where reliability, traction, ground clearance and stability are called for.

Peter Ivarsson comments: "The Big Wheel has been specially developed to meet the tough requirements of the North American sawmill market, but it has great potential to solving customers' access problems in many areas of the world. The Big Wheel is going to be a real eye catcher - there's never been anything like it."

The machine comes with larger tyres for increased traction on muddy and uneven terrain, as well as higher clearance of 500mm (19.6").  The counterweight has been lowered to ensure excellent stability and the lifting mast is heavy duty.  For wood handling, there are several options available to enhance safety and  ease of handling and maintenance.

Three Kalmar forklift trucks on display at CeMAT

The new Kalmar ECG50-90 electric forklift will be displayed on Kalmar's stand No. D22 in Hall 27 at CeMAT exhibition in Hannover, Germany until 23 May. Also on display will be the new Kalmar Big Wheel DCG140-6  forklift truck as well as a Kalmar DCG120-6 forklift featuring a Volvo IV engine final installation  to meet the latest emission standards.

Further information for the press:

Thomas Malmborg, Vice President, Forklift trucks, Kalmar, tel. +46 372 37 8353, thomas.malmborg@kalmarglobal.com


Maija Eklöf, Vice President, Marketing and Communications, Kalmar, tel. +358 20 777 4096, maija.eklof@kalmarglobal.com

Kalmar offers the widest range of cargo handling solutions and services to ports, terminals, distribution centres and to heavy industry. Kalmar is the industry forerunner in terminal automation and in energy efficient container handling, with one in four container movements around the globe being handled by a Kalmar solution. Through its extensive product portfolio, global service network and ability to enable a seamless integration of different terminal processes, Kalmar improves the efficiency of every move. www.kalmarglobal.com

Kalmar is part of Cargotec. Cargotec's sales totalled EUR 3.2 billion in 2013 and it employs approximately 11,000 people. Cargotec's class B shares are quoted on NASDAQ OMX Helsinki under symbol CGCBV. www.cargotec.com