Most warehousing operations will use one of two main battery types to power their forklifts: lithium-ion batteries and lead acid batteries. Of these two options, which is the most affordable forklift battery?

The latest addition to our range of electric counterbalance forklifts is here.

Our TCM FHB25-35(L)-F2 is a 4 wheel 80V lift truck that has been specifically designed to deliver driving pleasure and increase productivity. Efficiency, comfort and safety are the key elements of this forklift, to ensure your drivers have the best possible vehicle at their fingertips.

With multiple applications, a range of additional options, and a low total cost of ownership (TCO), our newest truck is incredibly versatile and cost-effective.

Keep reading to find out more about the specific features and how your operations can benefit from adding an FHB25-35(L)-F2 to your fleet.

Agile, Intelligent and Automatically Aided

The FHB25-35(L)-F2 is our most agile and intelligent counterbalance truck yet. Built-in systems will automatically match the truck’s high-powered driving and load handling performance to its changing needs – maintaining fast, but smooth and safe, motion.

As the speed is optimised for each situation, the travel, lifting and lowering actions are neither dangerously fast nor unnecessarily slow, and can even provide an extra burst of torque to avoid loss of speed – which comes in particularly useful when going up ramps and inclines.

A stability support system is built directly into the FHB25-35(L)-F2, with a simulated differential lock maximising the truck’s grip on slippery surfaces by locking front wheels to increase traction. This keeps the mast, fork and travel movements smooth – minimising any delays or instability due to swaying. This can be activated automatically at small steering angles or manually via an optional pedal function.

These features can make life far easier for your drivers, raising their productivity and maximising the rate at which operations can be safely carried out.

Totally Under Control

As the FHB25-35(L)-F2 was built with the operator in mind, the controls were designed to be as responsive and ergonomic as possible.

Having full control of the vehicle is vital for operators, as it saves time, reduces fatigue and improves their performance and productivity. The FHB25-35(L)-F2 does this by enabling precise, quick and confident operation for its drivers, even in tight spaces.

The truck is fitted with an ergonomic steering wheel that has a tilt-adjustable column for a comfortable driving position with no need to lean forward, and spring-force-optimised fingertip hydraulic controls on an adjustable, comfortable armrest. This ensures ergonomically perfect hand positioning, anatomical support and free movement.

There is also a dual joystick option, which separates functions, such as clamp opening, to avoid accidental moves. This is especially useful if fingertip levers are too small for operation with gloves. Similarly, the position and angles of the pedals are designed to reduce fatigue for drivers of any height or foot size.

Operator visibility is incredibly important, which is why the truck provides clear all-round vision and an advanced all-wheel steering system for agile manoeuvring, of both the truck and its loads, with minimal effort or strain.

An easy-to-read colour display keeps drivers fully informed, and visibility is further optimised so that drivers can easily see their loads, as well as any racking or obstacles in the area, allowing for accurate positioning of the forks and the truck itself.

Comfortable and Safe

Drivers need to be able to maintain high levels of job satisfaction and performance, so the FHB25-35(L)-F2 includes state-of-the-art comfort and safety features for them to feel secure in their role.

A comfortable, quiet and conveniently equipped operator compartment, combined with the truck’s high safety specifications, provide a confident, stress-free and enjoyable operation for whoever is behind the wheel.

The spacious operator compartment features a comfortable and adjustable seat, a large, flat, uncluttered floor, and plenty of foot and head room.

The cabin itself can be weatherproofed, with a transparent roof, steel or PVC doors, windscreen, two sliding windows on each side, rear window, front/rear wipers/washers, heater, and a deluxe cabin.

Additional safety features include a long grab handle and non-slip step for easy, smooth entry and exit, and standard working lights, such as front and rear LEDs and an automatic reversing light, all of which are protected within the overhead guard structure.

Optional safety lights can also be added to the truck, including red lines, highlighting exclusion boundaries around the truck, blue or red points (front and rear) warning pedestrians of the truck's approach, and amber strobes.

Related read: How Our Electric Counterbalance Range Ensures Operator Safety

Cost-Saving, Efficient and Productive

The highly efficient and durable build quality of the FHB25-35(L)-F2, along with its simple servicing requirements will minimise downtime, maintain productivity and lower the overall total cost of operation – even when undertaking intensive duties in tough conditions.

Despite the truck’s robust construction, maintenance is very simple and it is incredibly energy efficient, reducing the cost for repairs and worn part replacements. A sideways exchange option also speeds up the battery changes.

Use of the truck’s ECO mode can extend the runtime per battery charge, and a Li-ion (lithium-ion) option with quick-connect access point increases this even further.

There are many further benefits to powering a truck with Li-ion batteries, particularly for high energy applications and in round-the-clock or multi-shift working environments. They have a longer lifespan and longer runtime, as well as faster charging capabilities than other battery types.

The low maintenance requirements and the highly efficient and consistent performance of Li-ion batteries will minimise interruptions to productivity and preserve the truck’s residual value – bringing down the FHB25-35(L)-F2’s TCO and making this a very cost-effective solution.

Related read: Forklift Battery Types: Which Is the Most Economical

Choosing the Right Model For Your Operations

The FHB25-35(L)-F2 is available in several different models, with lifting capacities between 2500kg and 3500kg. So whether you are looking for your first electric forklift, you want to add to your current fleet, or if you want to upgrade from an existing truck, we have options that can suit your needs.

Our 2.5 tonne versions are available with either a standard or long wheelbase chassis, as are our 3.0 tonne trucks. Finally, our 3.5 tonne option is available in long wheelbase chassis form, making it ideal for even the most demanding work environments.

To find out more about how the TCM FHB25-35(L)-F2 can benefit your operations, just click here to contact a member of our team.

Get in touch with your local TCM dealer today to add our TCM FHB25-35(L)-F2 electric counterbalance truck to your fleet.

TCM is excited to announce the development of its newest electric forklift truck, the FHB40-55.

Designed to provide material handling operations with the highest standards in comfort, efficiency and safety, this electric 4 wheel counterbalance truck offers all the power and handling of a traditional engine truck but with zero emissions and a low total cost of ownership.

Read on to discover all about its key design features and how your operations could benefit.

Interested in finding out more about the FHB40-55? Contact our team today.

Market-leading operator comfort

This new counterbalance truck is designed to be comfortable for operators and easy to use, even on the longest of shifts. As well as making the trucks more pleasant to operate, this can improve operator health and safety, reducing working days lost due to physical strain.

Ergonomic controls and seating allow operators to take control with minimal effort. The mini steering wheel provides precise control and means that visibility is better than in most forklifts.

The truck’s hydraulic levers are positioned for maximum comfort, and electronic finger-tip control means that operators can carry out every operation they need to, without needing to lift their hand — even if they’re wearing gloves.

This truck is also incredibly quiet. In fact, it runs almost silently and has the quietest hydraulic pump on the market. The noise pollution produced by many forklifts can make it difficult to think clearly and work efficiently. Not only does this lead to lower productivity levels, it can raise sickness levels and staff turnover. In this new truck, the near-silent operation means that your operators can work effectively without being affected by noise-related fatigue or stress.

The FHB is suitable for both indoor and outdoor operation. It has internal climate control to allow operators to easily adjust to their environment, with integrated air conditioning and instant heat. There is excellent ventilation, with windows that open easily when needed. And it’s showerproof to allow seamless outdoor working — whatever the weather.

Related read: 3 Ways to Balance Forklift Operator Comfort with Efficiency

Enhanced safety and security

The TCM FHB40-55 electric truck has an obstacle-free design that gives operators a clear, all-round view of their surroundings from the cabin, even when enclosed. There’s no need to lean dangerously to see what’s ahead — operators have full visibility without straining or stretching. The inside of the operator compartment is also deliberately made out of dark materials, which helps to reduce reflections on the windows that can impede vision.

Advanced driver assistance calculates and adjusts speeds automatically. The hill hold function prevents the truck from rolling backwards when on a ramp, and load sensing monitors the truck’s lift, tilt, speed and load weights to make automatic performance adjustments.

The lighting in the FHB is also particularly good, meaning that this forklift can be easily and safely used in any conditions, including low light and bad weather. The truck has mast, overhead guard and rear-mounted lights that illuminate the load and its surroundings, rather than the truck itself, allowing the operator to easily see what they’re working on at all times.

Safety lights activate automatically as needed depending on the direction of travel. They also define safe boundaries around the truck for nearby workers. And the driving lights allow flexible operation, with a low beam, front, stop and tail lights, optional beacon and indicators.

Related read: How our electric counterbalance range ensures operator safety

Built for power and efficiency

The TCM FHB40-55 electric truck is designed for energy efficiency — vital to lowering your total cost of ownership — while offering all the power of a large-engined vehicle. In this respect, the FHB40-55 handles much more like a large-engined diesel forklift to operate but with a quietness and efficiency that equivalent engine models cannot match.

The power boost accelerator can be activated for an instant power boost, such as when travelling uphill or for particularly heavy loads. The torque boost automatically adjusts the truck’s motor torque, improving performance by allowing it to maintain speed on ramps and inclines.

On top of this, the FHB40-55 comes with a choice of lead acid or lithium-ion batteries, so you can decide which battery type works best for your operation.

Easy for operators to use

The FHB40-55’s ease of use will be welcomed by operators and warehouse managers alike. Its clearly visible displays provide all the information operators need without distraction, including lifting and loading messages, alarms, and instructions, while its intuitive design means operators will be able to get the most out of the vehicles in as little time as possible.

The FHB40-55 also makes shift or operator changes easy, with quick release locks and 180-degree opening doors. For those with lead acid batteries, your battery changes and water level checks will be faster. Lithium-ion battery users will benefit from being able to charge their trucks without the need to open any of the doors.

Choose the right options for your operations

Whether you’re just starting down your electrification journey or you are looking to upgrade your existing electric fleet, the TCM FHB40-55 has much to offer.

Available in 6 different models, including a compact chassis model that’s ideal for tight spaces, and a high-performance model for intensive work, we’re confident you can find an FHB to meet your operational requirements. There are four capacities available: 4.0, 4.5, 5.0 and 5.5 tonnes.

Interested in finding out more about this FHB40-55? Click the button below to contact our team.

Also, please note that some features mentioned may be options. Please consult your dealer representative for full details.

This is the first in a series of four articles from Hoppecke UK this month, which focus on batteries and the areas you need to consider if opting for battery powered equipment.