In May 2017, UniCarriers added ten new models of the TX series to its counterbalance family. Theo Egberts from Andersom Testing has now investigated whether the electric vehicles really deliver what they promise. The renowned forklift truck expert carries out the IFOY tests on the nominated trucks annually. The TX was scored on the basis of the same standardised criteria.
Text and photos from the following report by Theo Egberts, Andersom Testing.
With an impressive range of 10 new models, UniCarriers brings the new TX series on the market. The TX3 range includes 3-wheel forklifts with lifting capacities from 1.3 until 2 tons, while the TX4 line offers four-wheel trucks with 1.6, 1.8 and 2 tons capacities. Just like their predecessors, under the name Nissan, the trucks are produced in the Spanish Pamplona factory. The TX3 line is available in three chassis lengths, the TX4 is available in two lengths. The TX3-18L test truck is a long version and offers a 48V / 750 Ah battery instead of the 625 Ah used for the standard chassis.
Optimum visibility
UniCarriers is proud with this new line and emphasises this with claims as 'the most economical and quietest in its class' and special features as the ProVision system for optimal visibility and the Stability Support System S3 for extra safety.
We do indeed see many of the predicted benefits on our test truck. With the ProVision, UniCarriers works on vision optimization.
The front roof edge is chamfered in the line of sight, as also the connecting beams in the overhead guard.
The dashboard is kept extra low and the side shift is integrated. This improves the view on the fork tips and reduces the blind spot with ± 10 cm.
The pillars of the overhead guard are slimmer and this gives a better view than before on the outside world around the TX3.
However, we experience the greatest gain with the two viewing windows in the bulkhead. The sturdy plexiglas offers a very good view on the front corners of the load so you can accurately position the forks and pick up the load.Such windows could just become the standard in the forklift world.
More ergonomics
The TX series is not only more ergonomic than its predecessor in terms of visibility, also the entrance has been improved.
The trucks are equipped with an extra step and that works really easier and provides a safer getting on and off the truck. The foot space on the footplate is spacious and free of obstacles.
We would like to see a smarter solution for the locking of the battery cover, the 'conventional closure' is sometimes felt in the right lower leg. The brake pedal may also be slightly lower so It would be easier to swing from the acceleration pedal to the brake pedal.
The Grammer MSG65 seat sits fine and the armrest with integrated fingertip-handles is perfectly adjustable and solid. With the thumb the switch for the travel direction (forward / backward) can be adjusted, with the little or ring finger you can easily indicate the direction (right / left).
Optional is a push button to set the forks automatically in horizontal position. Those who prefer mechanical levers, they are available, the choice between the two drive options can be made without additional costs.
Electric steering
With the Stability Support System (S3), the TX ensures safety. The system continually measures the steering angle, the load and the speed so that the stability of the truck remains steady. The so-called Dynamic Cornering Control ensures a lower speed in curves, but keeps the truck just a little bit too long in straight-ahead mode when driving straight, which means that we loses some flexibility and time. It is nice to see that the TX standard has a weighing indication and warns when threatened to overload.
Also standard is the new steer-by-wire system with steering wheel synchronization. With this system, the steering wheel is always in the same position when driving straight ahead and that is very pleasant. The steering process is controlled and predictable. Thanks to the electric steering system, the steering column remains slim ensuring more legroom. The column is infinitely adjustable in angle of inclination, but not in height. The column is available in two heights, we experience the higher version on our test truck as just a little too high. Also standard is a rear assist grip with horn on the rear roof post for extra secure grip when reversing. The TX also has a built-in consumption meter, the new display shows the additional information about the energy consumption of the truck.
Most economical?
Remains the question about the lowest energy consumption and the noise level. The TX3 has indeed become very quiet, but not quieter than other modern trucks. However, this is out of the question when reversing; the warning beeper is explicit presence. According to UniCarriers, energy consumption is very low, but we do not see these values in the measurements of our practice-oriented test approach. Thanks to the electric steering and the improved energy recovery, the TX3-18L is more efficient than its predecessor and we achieve a slightly more favourable value than the average consumption in this class.
The measured productivity is slightly less favourable than average. We owe this, among other things, to the delayed acceleration after taking sharp turns and the 'second of thought' when lifting. Remaining us to conclude that we experience the P position as the finest driving and working mode (H is quite brute, E too careful) and this makes the TX3-18L a nice, stable and predictable truck. The truck is pleasantly solid, offers an easy battery change from the side and is modern. In our opinion, the best feature is the strong improved view of the ProVision system and the electrical steering. The few minuses are surmountable and might be adjusted by UniCarriers in due course.
Conclusion
With the TX3-18L UniCarriers brings a worthy successor for the TX3-18 which we tested in 2013. The newcomer is more refined, more economical and offers some unique aspects that may become the norm for the internal transport industry.
Plus and minus
+ Strong improved visibility
+ Electric steering with synchronization
+ Rich standard equipment
- Dynamic Cornering Control keeps speed low for a long time
- Battery cover lock
- Reaction speed mini levers when lifting (this is adjustable, during the test it was set to the soft setting)
Date: 23 February 2018
Length: 6,084 characters, including spaces
Images: 6
Captions
Image 1 and 2: The TX-series of UniCarriers has become more modern, delivers better performance and offers a pleasant workplace.
Image 3: Batteries can be hoisted traditionally, but also can be changed quickly and safely via the side door. The door construction is solid without being rude.
Image 4: Unique in the market: the viewing windows for optimum control of the load position.
Image 5: The bright and informative display provides information of all necessary operating statuses and gives an indication of the load weight.
Image 6: The solid armrest is spaciously, adjustable and features a new series of mini levers and a travel direction switch. The choice for conventional mechanical or mini-levers is without additional charges.
Graphic: Energy consumption.
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
