Description

With the CBX4, Clark has released the very first people and burden carrier vehicle with an all-purpose concept for internal transportation purposes within large production facilities and for operations with extensive premises.
As an intra-logistics supplier which focuses on forklifts and warehousing products in its model series CBX/FBX/TRX and GOAT, Clark is now branching out to offer transportation solutions for people and stock via electric carriers using AC technology.
The fully-equipped CBX4 with its cab and trailer-hitch and an access control system which runs via a smartphone app, is the ideal vehicle in the fleet for maintenance operations, factory tours, internal express tours and small parts logistics, but is also perfect for special cleaning services.
The vehicle design with a canopy roof makes it suitable for use both indoors and outdoors, screening out ambient noise. The additional trailer option means sufficient cargo space is always available, especially for services which are extremely material-intensive. The trailer hitch aid also simplifies transportation using the trailer.
Only authorised persons are able to access the vehicle thanks to the access control system which uses a smartphone app. The vehicle management system makes it possible to check which driver has operated the vehicle and where the vehicle was switched off and parked. Additional safety mechanisms such as an automatic switch-off function when the driver leaves the vehicle are possible.

Innovations

By extending its existing model series, Clark is now a one-stop shop offering logistics solutions including forklifts, storage technology and people and burden carriers for the first time. This increases the quality of service whilst reducing costs for the end buyer.
Clark burden and people carriers are fitted as standard with extensive and high quality basic equipment. With a three-phase AC drive, seat switches, a digital display, an emergency stop switch, an integrated battery charger and a lighting package, Clark offers more in series than the comparable devices on the market. Superior braking performance is also guaranteed by the rear disc brakes, which lower maintenance costs and as a result, cut the TCO even further.
The quiet, emission-free operation does not disturb any adjacent logistics processes. The equipment shown for the Clark CBX model series (aluminium cargo box) for a four-seat vehicle features the clever combination of cargo box, cab, trailer hitch and access control system via a smartphone app.
Access control is managed by an innovative Bluetooth system. A vehicle can only be started if an authorised driver activates it via his smartphone. As a result, malicious damage can be tracked and minimised. The operation of several vehicles by different “super users” is also possible, thus vehicles can be switched off and parked without the risk of subsequent unauthorised use taking place.

Market relevance

The main objectives of development were safety, a low TCO and an attractive vehicle concept and design.
All Clark people and burden carriers have a high safety standard which is guaranteed by the seat switches, the emergency stop switch and exceptional braking performance, which all comes as standard. These components are absolutely essential, especially for application areas with high safety requirements and strict safety regulations, for example airports and hospitals.
The development teams brought their focus back to the low total cost of ownership, which is always a main feature of Clark vehicles. The operating costs of these carriers has been kept very low thanks to the installation of AC motors and disc brakes, which involve lower maintenance costs than drum brakes. As the AC drive motors always facilitate full performance irrespective of the battery charge state, the battery service life can also be utilised optimally. Vehicles with mileage of approximately 50 km offer more than enough autonomy for every user.
Last but not least, for factory tours or operation in logistics operations in stadiums or at trade fairs, the appearance of the bodywork styles can be a deciding factor. Consequently, much attention was given during the development process to making the design of Clark people and burden carriers as eye-catching and appealing as possible. The equipment options available, such as aluminium wheel rims, drinks holders and many more will fulfil most wishes.

Customer benefits

The benefits of the basic vehicle described above and the advantageous optional extras offer every customer the possibility of extending the transportation of stock or persons within the company by the addition of these Clark carriers. The powerful vehicles, which run at up to 25 km/h as standard,(removed equipment), fit in perfectly wherever industrial trucks are already in operation. Thanks to their enhanced safety standard, these vehicles are also ideal for areas where safety is a top priority.
Larger operators wishing to run several vehicles will find the access control via smartphone is an additional major benefit. The listing and reservation of vehicles would also be possible where requested by the customer. For cross-departmental use of the carriers in particular, this functionality would bring the customer added value. However, it will also help to prevent third party use and access by unauthorised persons. This access system represents a huge relief on a day to day basis wherever personnel would normally need to walk long distances for key management. Every vehicle available on-site can be unlocked and activated, thereby dispensing with the need to copy keys.
Customers with bulky items to transport which exceed the dimensions of a standard cargo box will benefit from a possible trailer operation and will derive a major plus from the automatic hitch aid.