Hyundai’s new range of AC-Powered Fork
October 15th 2008

Hyundai has introduced a full range of newly developed AC (Alternating Current) battery powered forklifts in the spring of 2008. These new forklifts, with lift capacities ranging between 1.5 and 5 t, deliver benefits such as higher performance output, reduced maintenance time and lower energy consumption.

These models bring a new dimension to the expanding Hyundai product range, conceived essentially for high-production indoor applications, where low emissions are key. For this reason, battery capacity has been designed to allow one charge to cope with an entire shift, thus enabling the operator to fully utilise the working potential of the forklift.

Robustness, simplicity and useful high-tech applications go hand in hand in the new Hyundai forklifts. ZAPI electronic control systems are one of the high-tech applications employed. These efficient and almost completely silent 8 KHz controllers allow for quiet, smooth operation, provide protection from high and low voltages and overheating and alert the operator when faults occur. This control system offers three performance modes: “High” for particularly heavy loads, “Normal” for standard use and “Economic” for energy-saving operation. A “Turtle” mode is also available for extremely slow operation. The ZAPI controllers offer an anti-rollback system, providing safe operation and exceptional ramp start capabilities.

The driver can view critical operational data on an LCD monitor. This includes operator errors, system errors, battery charge status, speed (a selection of meters or kilometres per hour), the operating mode selected, self-diagnosis, and a driver password to protect against unauthorised operation.

The AC-powered forklifts will be an addition to the “7” Series, the forklift range which was updated last year and for which Hyundai design engineers have paid particular attention to operator comfort. The driver seat and steering console with instrumentation are simple to adjust and are thus easily adapted to suit the requirements of the respective operator. All control instruments are reached easily from all angles, which not only makes working safer, but also prevents premature tiring of the driver, improving operator productivity.

Hyundai has retained its robust design principle, based on the greatest possible load capacity and durability of all component parts. Even under the toughest working conditions, transmission and axles work safely and quietly. Thought has also been given to maintenance.

This preserves the operational readiness of the machinery and should thus be possible within the minimum of time and expenditure. All checkpoints are easily accessible, which means regular checks can be carried out swiftly, guaranteeing machine availability and service durability at all times.

More articles from Hyundai Heavy Ind. Europe N.V.: