With the GEX and GTX series, Clark has launched counterbalance trucks with Li-ion batteries on the market for the first time and further expanded its product portfolio in the field of Li-ion technology.

"The Clark lithium-ion batteries are efficient bundles of energy that impress with their high availability," explains Rolf Eiten, President & CEO Clark Europe. "When developing our lithium-ion solution, it was important to us that the customer can not only benefit from all the advantages of this technology, but also receive a logistics solution at the usual price-performance ratio in combination with an already proven Clark electric forklift truck series, which also pays off for small and medium-sized companies."

Two traction motors in the parallel front drive, each with an output of 4.4 kW and 48-volt three-phase AC technology, ensure that the vehicles accelerate and travel at speeds of up to 16 km/h. The Zapi Dual AC control system is equipped with CAN bus technology. Three driving modes are available for energy-efficient use of the vehicle. Wear-free, regenerative braking with the engine brake and automatic speed reduction when cornering are also individually programmable. Use on ramps is guaranteed by the standard ramp function, which prevents the truck from unintentionally accelerating or rolling backwards and ensures that the operator always has the vehicle under control.

The GTX/GEX electric forklift trucks have lifting heights of up to 7,075 mm. The series is available with two wheelbases. The GTX16/GEX16 has a wheelbase of 1,312 mm. The GTX18/GEX18 as well as the GTX20s and GEX20s each have a wheelbase of 1420 mm.

The Clark Li-Ion solution consists of the Li-Ion battery including battery management system (BMS) and a high-frequency charger. The battery capacity for all models in the GTX/GEX series is 460 Ah. This means that both the vehicles with a smaller wheelbase and those with a larger wheelbase have the same battery capacity. The charger with 48 volts (160 A) requires a high-voltage connection (CEE 16 A plug) and recharges the battery in just over 2.5 hours. The charging status of the Li-ion battery is shown on the vehicle display. During the charging process, the charger display shows the charging status. The BMS has a safety cut-out.

"Investing in a Li-ion vehicle is not only worthwhile for intensive applications, but also for all companies that want to operate a maintenance-free, long-lasting and fast-charging battery with a high safety standard," says Rolf Eiten.