UniCarriers enhances ergonomics in its counterbalance trucks
UniCarriers is subjecting the control functions on its counterbalance trucks to an ergonomic redesign. The TX will be the first model available with the time-tested Ergologic joystick from May 2018. This joystick complements the existing control options – fingertip controls, mono lever controls and mechanical levers – to provide a fourth alternative for hydraulic control. Ergologic is designed to the highest Ergonomic standards and will be offered on all vehicles in the Counter Balance portfolio in the future. Drivers can use the joystick to operate all hydraulic functions of the forklift with minimal effort. UniCarriers thus significantly improves ergonomic design in its Counter Balance trucks.
The joystick has already been a standard feature on ergonomic reach trucks in UniCarriers’ TERGO® series. The forklift manufacturer is now gradually introducing its Ergologic joystick to its counterbalance truck range as part of ergonomic remodelling. The driver of UC counterbalance trucks will now enjoy the same ergonomics standard as in the TERGO® reach truck family.
The multifunctional joystick provides the driver with a comfortable control unit featuring all the functions of a conventional operating lever. These include lifting, lowering, tilting and moving the forks sideways. Extra functions are available on levers as tilting horizontal. The movements the user makes with the joystick mirror the forklift's actual movements, making operation highly intuitive and logical.
Greater performance thanks to improved ergonomics
The Ergologic's design has been optimised based on scientific findings regarding ergonomic work posture, starting from the Neutral Body Posture (NBP) which the human body naturally assumes in microgravity. Adopting any other posture while floating requires muscular effort. NASA conducted research on NBP using Skylab, America’s first space station, and later published specifications for it. The Ergologic joystick allows operators to work in a neutral body posture, using their arm, hand and fingers in a relaxed position. As a result, strain is minimised on joints, muscles and tendons. All levers and switches can be operated with minimum finger movement. Frequent operation as lifting, is assigned to the strong muscles in the arm. As a result, users can perform repeated work steps over a longer period without fatigue. The risk of sick leave due to RSI (Repetitive Strain Injuries) is significantly reduced. Since Ergologic combines key controls in one single operating unit, it is extremely easy to perform multiple hydraulic functions. This reduces material handling times while also lowering operating costs for employers.
Date: 13 March 2018
Length: 2,678 characters, including spaces
Image: Ergologic joystick for TX
About UniCarriers
UniCarriers is a globally active developer and manufacturer of industrial trucks. Its versatile, customisable transport solutions for logistics and warehouses are produced at its production facilities in Sweden, Spain, Japan, China and the US. Its products are sold at specialist retailers or directly to end customers by an experienced team of sales experts. Its main customers are in the automotive, construction, food, logistics and pharmaceuticals sectors, heavy industry and the processing industry.
UniCarriers Holdings Corporation was created in 2011 through a merger between the Nissan Forklift, TCM and Atlet brands. Based in Tokyo, the company has branches in Europe, America and Asia. The European headquarters is located in Mölnlycke, near Gothenburg, Sweden. In the business year 2016, the company group had 5,813 employees worldwide and generated sales worth 1.5 billion euros. UniCarriers has formed part of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries since March 2016. With its subsidiaries Mitsubishi Nichiyu Forklift and UniCarriers, Mitsubishi is the world's third largest forklift manufacturer.
Company contact
Tobias Laxa • UniCarriers Europe AB
Metallvägen 9-11 • 435 82 Mölnlycke • Sweden
Telephone: +49 (0)170 371 0779
E-Mail: tobias.laxa@unicarrierseurope.com
Website: www.unicarrierseurope.com/de
Media contact
Stefanie Schoebel • additiv pr GmbH & Co. KG
Media relations for logistics, steel, industrial goods and IT
Herzog-Adolf-Strasse 3 • 56410 Montabaur • Germany
Telephone: +49 (0)2602 950 99 20 • Fax: +49 (0)2602 950 99 17
Email: sts@additiv-pr.de
Website: www.additiv-pr.de
