IFOY Audit
Finalists undergo the three-stage IFOY Audit as part of the IFOY Audit, which takes place during the TEST CAMP INTRALOGISTICS. This consists of the scientific IFOY Innovation Check, the IFOY Test and the jury test.
S-Series / S20-35
CLARK Europe GmbH
“Smart, strong and safe are the key features of the CLARK S-Series. The newly developed forklift generation impresses with smart technologies for safe and efficient goods handling. Proven system components have been combined with active safety systems. The result: a new forklift generation has been created that combines state-of-the-art features with an unprecedented price-performance ratio. The S-Series offers low TCO and much more comfort.
Product name and company
S-Series / S20-35 – CLARK Europe GmbH
Category
Counter Balanced Truck
Description
The S-Series consists of S20-35 diesel and LPG trucks with superelastic or pneumatic tyres, and S20C-32C LPG trucks with rubber tyres. The trucks are available in capacities from 2 to 3.5 t with a load centre of 500 mm and are the first choice wherever high turnover output and availability are crucial – such as in hard multi-shift applications in industry, trade and distribution.
In addition to standard uprights, as well as Hilo and Triplex upright, Clark now also offers quad masts for the European market for the first time. These are required, for example, when it comes to loading and unloading containers and simultaneous storage and retrieval from the high bay. The S-Series is available with an extensive range of options for a variety of different applications. In addition to a fully equipped cab with two-part side door and sliding windows, air conditioning with a cooling capacity of 4.3 kW and dehumidifier (on selected models), a heater with proportionally controllable heating valve, a heated rear window and front and rear wipers, the trucks can be equipped with a rear view camera, a safety light for visual warning during forward and reverse travel, an acoustic rear-view alarm, a range of seats with armrests or side restraints as well as various attachments.
Innovations
The improved ergonomics start with the entry: The distance from the step to the driver’s seat has been reduced: The driver can easily reach the driver’s seat with one step using the large grab handle. The footwell has been enlarged by 50 mm. The steering column is much slimmer. Travel direction change is integrated in the hydraulic lever: The driver can change travel direction without having to reach. If required, a gear can only be engaged if the driver has put on the safety belt. The new splash-proof 5-inch TFT colour display provides information about all important truck parameters. Warnings are issued in 26 languages. The display is used for on-board diagnostics and has a password-protected access in case of service. To save fuel, the truck can be programmed so that when the driver leaves the seat, the engine automatically shuts off after a set time interval. An optional camera system delivers an automotive style image when reversing, so that the driver has an optimal view of the travel route. The upright is equipped with an upright damping system. The electric parking brake increases safety on ramps and enables roll-back protection. A 12V power connector is standard, with an additional USB charging port available on request. The built-in radio in the cab can be paired with a mobile device and used as a hands-free device.
Market relevance
The market for combustion engine counterbalance trucks has increased significantly in recent years – contrary to all trends towards electric forklifts – and has grown to around 75,000 units in Europe. Compared to the market size of “only” 69,000 units in 2016, this shows that European companies are also convinced of the advantages of this vehicle class. As a globally operating company, Clark has to meet customer requirements worldwide – i.e. not just Europe but also America, Asia, Africa and the Middle East. Here combustion engine trucks are still the first choice. Current market figures demonstrate this clearly: CLARK has achieved the strongest sales worldwide in the 2 to 3.5 ton combustion engine truck segment. That is why Clark serves customers in these markets with newly developed, modern truck classes. With the S-Series, CLARK has launched a combustion engine series that meets the specific needs of customers worldwide. The new forklift generation was developed in close collaboration with the Clark competence centres in the Americas, Asia, Australia and Europe and thoroughly tested in numerous field tests worldwide. Feedback from drivers and operators has flowed into the development of the truck.
Customer benefits
The S-Series is equipped with a Tier 5 Ford LPG engine, which provides excellent acceleration, high thrust and fuel economy. The decoupling of the engine, transmission and drive axle has reduced vibrations and noise to a minimum. The trucks have virtually maintenance-free multi-disc brakes with oil cooling and are available with additional brake cooling as a “heavy-duty” version. All maintenance-relevant components are easy to reach. Safety features, such as the automotive style rear view camera, are available at only a moderate surcharge. The trucks are equipped with an automatic tilt stop for upright vertical setting, the so-called Vertical Mast System (VMS), for safe load handling. Here, a tilt sensor brings the upright quickly and accurately to a vertical position (for both forward and backward tilt). A load weight indicator ensures that the driver always has sight of the weight of the load. The speed can be adjusted to the application at hand using the speed limit control. If the truck is mainly used for short journeys in halls, the speed can be throttled to 6 km/h. If the truck needs to travel longer distances, for example outdoors, the maximum travel speed of up to 21 km/h increases efficiency. The alarms and the lighting of the truck can also be individually adapted to the application site.
Other information
| This is a | Vollständig neues Modell |
| Date of market launch | 01/15/2018 |
| Competitive products | k. A. |
| Special equipment IFOY test device | The test truck is a CLARK LPG LPG S25 with a load capacity of 2.5 tonnes. The truck is equipped as follows: Engine/fuel type: LPG engine FORD A12-153 (2.5L) incl. 3-way catalyst |
Technical data
| Drive type | Elektro |
| Lifting weight max. | 2500 kg |
| Truck weight | 3774 kg |
| Driving speed without load | 18,2 km/h |
| Lifting speed without load | 0.58 m/s |
| Lifting height max. | 4800 mm |
Test report
With the new S-Series Clark presents a solid and easily accessible conventional truck with some modern facets and unique selling points (usp’s). The new range runs from 2 to 3.5 tons of lifting capacity and the trucks are available with diesel and LPG engines. During the IFOY Test Days, the 2.5-ton LPG version, type S25L, is tested.
The test truck is equipped with various options, including a special cabin, a fork positioner, an extra complete lighting package, the ergonomic gas bottle holder and an armrest with mini levers, weight indication and automatic horizontal adjustment of the mast.
The S25L shows solid, robust yet compact and invites you to work with it. Remarkable is the decision to raise the first step from 340 to 420 millimeters. However, this makes the second step leading to the floor plate even better. The step is also larger and deeper and equipped with a solid non-slip grid. The space in the cabin is generous. The footplate is completely free of obstacles and the hood is neatly rounded.
The specially built Clark seat offers a comfortable sitting position and features a perfectly adjustable and solid armrest with integrated, easily adjustable and predictable working mini levers for mast control and a thumb switch for driving direction. With a special tilt angle stop button, the mast can be set perfectly vertically – both forwards and backwards tilting. Compared to its predecessor, the dashboad has been lowered, the steering column has become slimmer, the steering wheel has been reduced and visibility through the mast has been improved.
All new, and a usp of the Clark S25L is the 5″ colour display. Not only does it display all the operating information, it is also the screen of the (optional) rear view camera. The display provides the possibility to set speed limits, and to read service messages or any messages in case of an incorrect starting order.
The cabin, which Clark has placed on its latest truck, is another usp. It is solid yet very ‘open’ thanks to slim profiles. Both doors are built in two parts; the rear 1/3 part can be fixed so the swing out of the front part is not that big. This is beneficial for accessibility in tight spaces. The front door section can also be folded open completely, so that an open door can be used, if the ambient temperature permits.
The cabin has a newly designed heating system with integrated (optional) air conditioning, two spacious storage compartments and a large cup holder. In the storage box under the armrest are two USB ports and a 12Volt connection. The cabin lighting, neat insulating cover and the Bluetooth/USB radio included.
Under the hood is the easily accessible Ford LPG engine that meets the strictest stage V emission standards. Clark uses split transmission to make working smooth and low-vibration. Engine and transmission are disconnected from each other. New in the drive system is the front axle with wet oil bath brakes, automatic parking brake, hill start assist and the rear axle with improved suspension that increases stability in curves. In terms of performance, the Clark S25L remains on the modest side of all the averages in this class. A major reason for this is the extra weight of the fully equipped test truck combined with an average set performance level.
IFOY test verdict
The Clark S25L is easy to operate and offers plenty of space for the driver. With its special display, remarkable cabin and a list of affordable options, it’s a truck to suit every taste and application worldwide.
| Hard f+A1:E30acts | Test Truck IFOY Test | Average other trucks | Value 1 to 10 | |
| Productivity Max mode | 313 | 335 | Pallets p. 8 hrs | 6.5 |
| Productivity Eco mode | n.a. | n.a. | Pallets p. 8 hrs | |
| Energy level Max mode | 21.62 | 19.15 | Ltr p 100 Plts | 6.5 |
| Energy level Eco mode | n.a. | n.a. | ||
| Driving speed with load | 17.48 | 19.22 | km/hr | |
| Lifting speed with load | 52.34 | 56.81 | cm/sec | |
| Sprint speed | 6.8 | 6.98 | time for 27,2 meters | |
| Averages soft facts | ||||
| First impression | 7.80 | |||
| Load Safety | 8.00 | |||
| Entry to truck | 8.29 | |||
| Seat & Sit position | 7.67 | |||
| Legg Space | 8.00 | |||
| Activate truck | 8.00 | |||
| Hydraulics | 7.50 | |||
| Steering | 7.29 | |||
| Sight | 7.25 | |||
| Driving acceleration | 8.00 | |||
| Driving braking | 6.67 | |||
| Driving & Turning | 8.00 | |||
| Parking truck | 7.57 | |||
| Safety elements | 8.13 | |||
| General after test | 7.75 | |||
| Sustainability | 8.00 | |||
| Totals | ||||
| Total average soft facts | 7.74 | |||
| Total productivity | 6.50 | |||
| Total Energy consumption | 6.50 | |||
IFOY Innovation Check
Market Relevance
Counterbalanced trucks powered by combustion engines in the class between 2.0 and 3.5 tons are used very frequently. The equipment presented or the entire series is therefore highly relevant to the market.
Customer Benefit
An ergonomically designed truck, low maintenance and a powerful forklift truck for intensive use: This is exactly what a customer wants from a forklift truck with an combustion engine. The Clark S25 addresses these needs with many improvements and equipment options. Above all, a cab with many extras makes everyday work more pleasant and makes the truck suitable for outdoor use. There are no customer benefits that clearly exceed those of competitor products.
Degree of Novelty
An ergonomic cab with an easy entry is nowadays expected from a modern forklift truck. This also applies to a narrow steering column that does not obstruct the forward view and offers enough legroom. In recent years, more and more emphasis has been placed on information functions in such vehicles. However, the information system does not represent an outstanding revolutionary innovation. The camera system offers additional security and for this reason has been established on the passenger car market for years. The automatic parking brake and the multi-disc brakes running in the oil are also standard equipment for other manufacturers of such vehicles. The same applies to the vertical positioning of the lift mast. Such features are already well known in the forklift market. The new Clark forklift truck is a continuous development without a revolution on the market.
Functionality / Type of Implementation
The Clark S25 has a very robust design, the cabin rather reminds of a car with many well thought-out features. The customer has many extras, which can be put together individually. The easy access to the components during maintenance will make the everyday life of the technicians significantly easier.
| Functionality / type of implementation | ++ |
| Novelty / Innovation | Ø |
| Customer benefits | Ø |
| Market relevance | ++ |
| ++ very good / + good / Ø balanced / – less / — not available | |
Videos
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Image/video credits: CLARK Europe GmbH
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Statutes
In den Statuten sind die Grundwerte und die Standards des IFOY AWARD festgelegt, nach denen die Organisation handelt. Dazu gehören unter anderem Gremien, Wahlomodus, Bewertungskriterien sowie der Code of Conduct.
Committees
The International Intralogistics and Forklift Truck of the Year has three bodies: Jury, sponsors, and advisory board.