Forklift truck forsakes hydraulics

With its new E-truck forklift truck concept, SKF has successfully tied the electronics and mechanical worlds together.

With its new E-truck forklift truck concept, SKF has successfully tied the electronics and mechanical worlds together.

The E-truck is an all-electric, hydraulic-free forklift truck which sees conventional motor and hydraulic systems replaced by electric components.

SKF actuators and sensorised bearings are combined for the E-truck's mast height control unit which facilitates automatic positioning of the mast.

By pressing a button, or flipping a switch, the mast automatically positions itself to the desired height.

This enables the forks on the truck to reach their desired height as efficiently as possible, no matter who is operating the vehicle.

In taking the guesswork out of the process, less experienced operators are able to work at maximum efficiency, resulting in increased productivity.

The control unit integrates a bearing with sensor electronics, to detect the height, speed and acceleration of the mast.

As the mast is raised and lowered, the control unit sends a continuous signal to the controller which is interpreted into precise measurements that can be displayed on a digital readout.

With either a preprogrammed mast height system, or simple digital readout system, the forklift 'knows' the height of the load and can trigger other safety systems.

For example, the safety system could be programmed to limit speed or turning radius, depending on the height of the load.

The other main feature of the E-truck is the all-electric steering system.

Not only are there no hydraulics to contend with, but the steering column itself is eliminated, which can dramatically improve comfort and safety for the operator.

Four components make up this closed-looped steering system: a mechanical/electronic (mechatronic) steering module, a controller, a feedback sensor integrated into the axle and a steering actuator.

Each component 'talks' to the next using CANbus protocols.

The system can be programmed so that the steering wheel makes anywhere between two and six turns, lock-to-lock.

The system can also be programmed, so that steering sensitivity changes with vehicle speed.

This speed/sensitivity feature makes it easier for the driver, especially when performing tight turns.

In such situations, when being driven slowly the steering wheel doesn't have to be turned as much as when the vehicle is being driven fast.

The E-truck also eliminates the maintenance time and possible fluid leakages associated with hydraulic systems.

Furthermore, being all-electric, it dispenses with the need to store combustible fuel.

Although only now in its prototype stages, further development of the E-truck is expected to see it become a common feature around factories and distribution centres in the not too distant future.

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