Palfinger launches ‘side-seat’ truck-mounted forklifts
The latest Palfinger FLS (side-seat) truck-mounted forklift range is now available in the UK and Ireland.
“With 2.5-ton capacity, these machines have been completely redesigned following an extensive research and development project, involving operators and dealers from throughout Europe,” said Palfinger.
“The modern styling, which includes moulded, rust-proof panels, is now available with a side-seat option to complement its already established centre seat models, which is certain to appeal to UK and Irish customers who have traditionally used machines with this configuration.
“The all-wheel drive design of the Palfinger means it can deliver products over rough terrain including building sites and farmyards, if required.
“The differential lock feature enhances the machines’ ability to travel through muddy sites and steep hills to deposit the products exactly where they are required. This eliminates double handing of the products which can be securely placed inside of buildings, protecting them from the elements.”
The FLC 25 is the lightest truck-mounted forklift in its class, says Palfinger, which means it can also be mounted on the back of multiple trucks or trailers, with the minimum loss of overall payload. It also has the options of a scissor (pantograph) reach system or telescopic forks, depending on customer preference or the type of product being delivered.
Retractable wheel arms are also available which further extends the forward reach of the machine and provides the optimum solution for ‘one-side’ offloading (if necessary), in terms of capacity and efficiency. This can be extremely useful in tight delivery locations or along roadsides, the firm says, where it is difficult to access both sides of the truck or trailer.
“This Palfinger design means the FLS 25 weighs up to 700kgs less than other systems currently on the market for ‘one-side’ offloading,” it continued.
“The low ‘dead weight’ of the forklift also means that the overall product payload is maximised and has much less adverse effect on traction for the truck or trailer, especially when empty or on bad roads in wintertime.
“The side-seat (with integrated driver protection) can rotate 25 degrees outwards to facilitate easy entry and exit from the cab. The driving position of the seat is rotated 5 degrees inwards which reduces strain on the operator’s neck when travelling in reverse.
“The mast, which has an integrated side-shift, has been completely redesigned to optimise visibility. These features, together with the spacious footwell and comfortable pedal positions, have been designed to eliminate driver fatigue.”
This latest range of truck-mounted forklifts from Palfinger is interchangeable with all existing mounting kits, and customised mounting solutions can also be provided by the engineering team at Palfinger’s UK importer Bill Bennett Engineering, which has been involved in the truck-mounted forklift industry for almost 40 years.
The FLS range has also been designed for easy access to all service and greasing points, to minimise downtime and reduce overall cost of ownership. The machines are delivered and supported in Ireland by Palfinger Ireland, one of Palfinger’s longest established crane dealers.
Both Bennett Engineering and Palfinger Ireland have invested in demonstration fleets to enable potential customers to experience the features and benefits of the new Palfinger truck-mounted forklifts first-hand.
“The feedback regarding the first units which have already been delivered to end users is very positive, with operators particularly liking the ‘ground control’ switches which eliminates the need to keep getting up and down from the machine, when mounting or dismounting it from the back of the truck,” said the company.
The new FLS range from Palfinger includes four-way models for handing long loads such as timber, steel and pipes – and an electrically powered version is also available for customers who want to invest in environmentally friendly solutions or need to make quiet nighttime deliveries in urban areas.
