Lead-acid batteries have lengthy been the mainstay of forklift design, however now Manitou’s all-new ME Raise vary is taking full benefit of the capabilities of lithium chemistry, delivering decrease energy consumption, simpler upkeep and lowered downtime, all inside a narrower chassis
Making its Bauma Munich debut this yr was Manitou’s new ME Raise forklift vary. The OEM capitalised on the rising electrification pattern on the present with a five-model lithium-ion lineup. With load capacities spanning 1.6 to three tonnes, Manitou successfully demonstrated how superior battery know-how can ship the operational efficiency required for para-industrial and paragricultural purposes comparable to dealing with bricks, processed wooden, viticulture or potato cultivation.
“By way of electrification in off-highway, the present scenario is certainly a transition that means that completely different applied sciences coexist. Inner combustion engine volumes proceed to be sturdy, nonetheless lead-acid volumes have decreased and that is steadily being changed by lithium. As a lithium-native machine, ME Raise is likely one of the key steps for growing lithium competencies. Inside the first months of gross sales, the vary has been overwhelmingly welcomed,” says Jordan Thénier, world product supervisor industrial forklift, Manitou Group.
Versatile energy options
The ME Raise vary’s 76.8V lithium-ion battery system represents an revolutionary method to power storage, offering improved operational flexibility in comparison with conventional lead-acid options. This flexibility is additional enhanced with the twin battery pack configuration choice, as Thénier explains: “Having the ability to get the best battery pack is essential for answering the wants and necessities of our prospects and their numerous purposes. That’s the reason, on every mannequin, our prospects can select two batteries with common autonomy or massive autonomy starting from 18kWh to 47kWh. Relying on the chosen machine and battery couple, the autonomies begin from 3h30 to 7h20 (100%-20% SoC).”
With as much as 5,000 cost cycles, Manitou’s charging technique addresses one of many main considerations OEMs face when transitioning to electrical machines – operational downtime. The ME Raise vary helps three exterior charger configurations, 8kW, 10kW, and 20kW, with charging occasions starting from 50 minutes to five.5 hours relying on software necessities and battery capability. “Our LiFePO4 batteries have been tailored particularly to our forklifts, they’ve an extended lifespan together with low consumption, simpler upkeep and lowered downtime. What’s extra, they’re protected with no fuel emissions when charging or thermal runaway,” Thénier particulars. “We offer an on-board charger and three exterior chargers, starting from 8kW to 20kW, with completely different electrical arrange necessities.”
The elimination of a devoted charging room additionally removes a major infrastructure barrier. “We’ve designed our ME Raise vary with flexibility on the forefront. Operators can cost the machine each time they need for nonetheless lengthy they need, whether or not it’s two minutes or two hours,” provides Thénier.
“Inner combustion engine volumes proceed to be sturdy, nonetheless lead-acid volumes have decreased and that is being changed by lithium”
Design benefits
The compact nature of lithium-ion know-how allows main mechanical design benefits. The battery pack’s three-fold dimension discount in comparison with standard lead-acid methods permits for a extra compact chassis design, leading to 30cm narrower aisle operation functionality – a profit in space-constrained environments.
The ME Raise vary additionally gives each three and four-wheel configurations, offering operators with further flexibility to specify optimum options for software necessities. Furthermore, its most lifting top of 6.5 metres ensures compatibility with commonplace warehouse and industrial storage methods whereas sustaining the manoeuvrability of the machine’s compact design.
Improved efficiency
The built-in traction system delivers strong motive energy throughout difficult operational situations, addressing a standard concern about electrical forklift efficiency in demanding industrial purposes. The devoted hydraulic pump motor enhances lifting speeds, whereas noise discount represents one other benefit, with all ME Raise fashions working under 70 dB(A). This efficiency degree helps deployment in noise-sensitive environments and considerably enhances operator consolation throughout prolonged durations of operation.
Operator focus
The protection of operators and their setting stays a precedence for Manitou. The ME Raise vary advantages from the most recent requirements, providing enhanced safety for the operator when navigating curves or throughout lifting operations, with cabs which might be proof against falling hundreds. To see and be seen, ME Raise vans are totally outfitted with LED lighting and dealing lights. Non-compulsory blue lights, further work lights and purple warning strains will also be added across the machine for pedestrian security. A centralised LCD show which is predicated on present fashions, such because the MT 625e telehandler, permits the operator to simply entry important machine data in a single place.
All ME Raise machines are IPX4 rated and subsequently rainproof, guaranteeing dependable operation throughout numerous climate situations. The easyto-activate electrical parking brake ensures that the machine stays secure on ramps and slopes, stopping unintentional or unintentional motion. Acoustic insulation is significantly improved, with a noise discount of 6 dB(A) in comparison with earlier sequence. The brand new vary additionally gives larger consolation due to the addition of a suspended seat and non-obligatory heated cab.
“From the panoramic roof window, electrical parking brake, stop-in-slope, velocity discount in curve and Grammer seat, to the straightforward step, rear deal with with horn, adjustable steering column and roomy cabin, the pillars of the ME Raise, applied from the start of improvement to manufacturing, are security, consolation and built-in options,” Thénier says.
“Operators can cost the machine each time they need for nonetheless lengthy they need, whether or not it’s two minutes or two hours”
Driving electrical ahead
Wanting forward, Thénier highlights how the launch of the ME Raise forklift vary will pave the way in which for future electrical machines from Manitou. “Deployment of our new electrification ranges is likely one of the principal priorities for Manitou Group following the current announcement of our new strategic roadmap,” he says. “We additionally consider that retrofit has a fantastic potential, that’s why we’re at present testing a telehandler on a job web site. Each mannequin is now developed with a possible for electrification. Developments will happen in keeping with the maturity of the completely different geographical areas and buyer wants. For positive, the profitable launch of the ME Raise will assist future machines.”
This text first appeared within the August difficulty of iVT
