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.
TX3 3-wheel counterbalance truck
UniCarriers Europe
The new TX Counterbalance is characterized by Low Energy Consumption, excellent Ergonomics and high handling Efficiency. This makes it one of the most economical electric counterbalance truck ranges on the market.
It boosts many safety and ergonomic features to new interesting standard levels. The body of the TX has been tailored to the driver with precision and offers top class ergonomic design and comfort. The design of the mast, overhead guard and the transparent instrument panel is developed according to the UniCarriers ProVision Concept and optimizes the all-round visibility.
Product name and company
TX3 3-wheel counterbalance truck – UniCarriers Europe
Category
Counter Balanced Truck
Description
With the new TX series, UniCarriers offers a multifunctional range for indoor and outdoor use. The three and four wheel electric counterbalance trucks from 1.3t to 2.0t are typical for multipurpose applications.
The new TX series fits perfectly into the wide range of applications required and offers an increase of productivity with low energy consumption, high comfort and low maintenance.
The ProVision concept, developed by UniCarriers, has been used in the design of the chassis, overhead guard and mast, giving the driver the benefit of a 360° view. The low instrument panel and the two windows located in the front panel, allowing additional visibility, are unique in the market to date. The ProVision solutions adopted on the TX series optimise the driver’s view of the fork tips and the important edges and corners of the load. The result is the ability to handle goods in an exceptionally precise and safe manner. In addition, the novel design reduces the blind spot by around 10 per cent. The new Triplex mast, the slim overhead guard columns and the roof’s chamfered front edge also provide an optimal field of vision.
The entry steps are low, the cabin room is spacious with lots of ergonomic benefits, providing the operator a true place of work. The truck driver can now enjoy an elevated level of comfort during a full work day, and there’s plenty of legroom for tall drivers too.
Innovations
To meet the requirements and bring true customer value, UniCarriers was forced to invent new concepts in key areas such as visibility, energy consumption and ergonomics, and apply them in the design of the new range.
To improve operator experience, the new TX welcomes the driver with perfect ergonomics.
Entering the truck is easy, the instep is supported by a low first step, a cleaver shaped overhead guard providing head clearance, a slim steering wheel column giving extra space for the legs.
An operator in the TX feel safe, operating the truck with precise movements and feelings at rest thanks to the brand new fully electric power steering system.
There are two different smart solutions to manoeuvre the TX series. The standard one: a full electric steering system with a conventional steering wheel. It is assisted by a proportional force feedback solution which helps the driver to keep the truck in a straight line at high speeds and makes cornering intuitive.
The Option: a unique solution: the proven UniCarriers ergonomics solution – a floating arm rest with mini steering wheel. This allow effortless manoeuvring during long shifts, and put minimal strain on the arms, neck and shoulders.
Finally, the safety of operation has been increased with the introduction of a fully electric service and parking brake. The brake is applied automatically at stops and allows the truck to be completely stopped on a ramp with release of the brake by an easy restart function. Maintenance, driveability and efficiency has been improved with the removal of the mechanical brake.
Market relevance
Safety is without any doubt the most important implication for all customers and since the electrical counterbalance truck is so versatile and can be used in both manufacturing and in the distribution industry, the innovations linked to safety are key. To support safety through improved all-round 360° visibility UniCarriers developed the ProVision concept. The most revolutionary innovation in this concept is the see through front panel with two windows that provide direct visibility of pallet edges. Test conducted by independent companies has shown that this could set a new standard in the forklift world.
The second key area for customers is productivity and as a premium supplier of productive materials handling equipment we develop our products for fleet owners for whom a safe, time saving operation is key, but safety and productivity must go hand in hand, and load handling is a risk element that must be safe and productive. Thus, the new TX comes with brand new hydraulic controls.
The mechanical levers, the modular armrest with fingertip levers, mono levers or Ergologic joystick are all focused on ergonomics without any compromises.
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. 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
Customer benefits
The TX is a multi-application truck and is relevant to customers in following areas:
Safe operation, always and all situations.
The benefits of the ProVision concept have been described earlier.
Energy efficiency to optimise truck utilisation.
UniCarriers offers the most energy efficient ECB in its category (test cycle according to VDI 2198, 60 cycles). Customers can work longer with one battery and spend less money on kWh per pallet movement.
And most important, as the cost of operators is the biggest part of the TCO, we have developed a full line of innovative ergonomics solutions to bring benefits of a healthy, productive driver.
On this topic we are pleased to present the latest ergonomics innovation, the floating armrest with mini steering wheel, now available for TX.
As the only supplier of this solution for reach trucks and sit on stackers, we have decided to raise the bar for what can be described as an ergonomic workplace in a forklift truck and are now ready to introduce our unique solution for this range of counterbalance products.
The unique user experience of driving a ECB with floating armrest and mini steering wheel will reinvent the way we operate counterbalance trucks in this segment.
What we offer is an opportunity for the driver to access a fully Neutral Body Posture (NBP).
Both arms of the operator will rest on the seat armrests and offer maximum comfort with minimum strain on joints, muscles and tendons.
Due to the extensive experience from the use of floating armrest with mini steering wheel in Reach Truck operations we present a precise driver experience, both at low and high speed. To ensure maximum safety, a safety bar has been added to the overhead guard to protect the driver in case of a front impact.
Other information
| This is a | Vollständig neues Modell |
| Date of market launch | 07/26/2017 |
| Competitive products | Jungheinrich EFG 213 – 220 Still RX 20 1.4t – 2.0t Linde E16 – E20 Evo |
| Special equipment IFOY test device | The IFOY test truck is a typical UniCarriers customer unit. Below are the optional components:
*TX is built on a chassis that allows the operator to change the battery with a hand pallet truck or an electric pallet truck without the need for additional equipment. As an option, a classic roller conveyor solution is available for perfect integration into any standard battery changing system. |
Technical data
| Drive type | Elektro |
| Lifting weight max. | 1600 kg |
| Truck weight | 3120 kg |
| Driving speed without load | 16 km/h |
| Lifting speed without load | 0.58 m/s |
| Lifting height max. | 4750 mm |
Test report
With the new TX line UniCarriers brings a series of ten new models on the market. The TX3 range includes 3-wheelers from 1.3 to 2 tonnes of lift capacity, while the TX4 line offers 1.6, 1.8 and 2 tonne 4-wheel trucks. More sophisticated and economical than their predecessors, the forklift trucks offer unique features that can become a benchmark in the material handling industry.
For example, the ProVision system optimises driver visibility more than ever before. The front roof edge is bevelled in the line of sight, as are connecting beams in the load rack. The dashboard has been kept extra low and an integrated sideshift has been introduced. This improves the view of the fork tips and reduces the blind spot by approximately 10 centimetres.
The test truck is also equipped with a mini steering wheel (from the reach truck) on the left armrest. As the steering column is missing, the view to the front is very good. The two viewing windows in the bulkhead also offer extra visibility and are unique in the market. Not only is the TX3 more ergonomic than its predecessor because of the improved visibility, the entrance has also been improved. The truck has been given an extra step, making getting on and off the truck easier and safer. The battery cover lock is old-fashioned and can sometimes be felt in the lower leg. The height of the brake pedal may be slightly lower according to the test team. The TX3 test truck also has a rich standard equipment, including weighing indicator plus overload warning.
The sitting on the Grammer MSG65 seat is fine, but the mini steering wheel integrated in the armrest clearly deserves getting used to. Just like the joystick control (also from the reach truck) on the IFOY test truck. A drive with the version with mid size conventional steering wheel and with the fingertip levers also integrated in the armrest results in a more reliable driving behaviour and noticeably better test scores.
With the Stability Support System (S3), the TX monitors safety. The system continuously measures steering angle, load and speed to maintain truck stability. The Dynamic Cornering Control reduces driving speed when cornering, but keeps the truck in slower mode for just a little too long when driving straight ahead, resulting in a loss of flexibility and time during the test drive.
During the IFOY test, this energy consumption proves to be more economical than that of the predecessor of the nominated truck. The IFOY test truck – a TX3-16, with a load capacity of 1,600 kilograms and a standard 48V/625Ah battery – scores values that are slightly better than the market average. The gain is partly due to electric steering and improved energy recovery. The measured productivity is slightly less favourable than the average. The test team blames this, among other things, on the delayed acceleration after taking sharp turns and the ‘thought process’ when lifting. Furthermore, the test team experiences mode P as the finest driving and working mode (H is rather brutal, E too cautious). In driving mode P and with the traditional controls, the TX3 is a finely operating, stable and predictable truck that looks modern and allows for easy lateral battery change.
IFOY test verdict
The most special is the greatly improved visibility of the ProVision system and the electric steering, both via the mini and the regular steering wheel. In addition, the TX3 with its extra viewing windows has a unique feature in the market. Those who choose the mini steering wheel and the multifunctional joystick have to count on extra getting used to it. The more traditional steering wheel and the mini levers provide greater predictability and better performance within the IFOY test.
| Hard facts | Test Truck IFOY Test | Average other trucks | Value 1 to 10 | |
| Productivity Max mode | 315 (353) | 377 | Pallets p. 8 hrs | 6 |
| Productivity Eco mode | 288 (320) | 355 | Pallets p. 8 hrs | 6 |
| Energy level Max mode | 9,6 (9,24) | 10.75 | kWh 100 plts | 7.5 |
| Energy level Eco mode | 8,64 (8,16) | 8.9 | kWh 100 plts | 7 |
| Driving speed with load | 14.06 | km/hr | ||
| Lifting speed with load | 42.4 | cm/sec | ||
| Sprint speed | 9.1 | 8.6 | time for 27,2 meters | |
| Averages soft facts | ||||
| First impression | 7.60 | |||
| Load Safety | 7.00 | |||
| Entry to truck | 7.14 | |||
| Seat & Sit position | 7.33 | |||
| Legg Space | 7.50 | |||
| Activate truck | 8.50 | |||
| Hydraulics | 7.50 | |||
| Steering | 7.14 | |||
| Sight | 8.25 | |||
| Driving acceleration | 7.60 | |||
| Driving braking | 8.00 | |||
| Driving & Turning | 6.33 | |||
| Parking truck | 7.57 | |||
| Safety elements | 7.75 | |||
| General after test | 7.13 | |||
| Sustainability | 8.00 | |||
| Totals | ||||
| Total average soft facts | 7.52 | |||
| Total productivity | 6.00 | |||
| Total Energy consumption | 7.25 | |||
IFOY Innovation Check
Market Relevance
The TX3 electric forklift truck from UniCarriers Europe belongs to the most relevant segment of the forklift market. The family includes trucks with a lifting capacity between 1.3 and 2.0 tons and a lifting height of up to 4.75 metres. The market relevance is very high. However, the trend towards lithium-ion batteries has now begun. At the time of the evaluation, the company UniCarriers does not yet provide any versions with a lithium-ion battery.
Customer Benefit
The optional free-swinging armrest with mini steering wheel gives the operator additional control and can have a positive impact on health during continuous operation. Easy access is very important for a forklift truck. The automatic electric brake makes it easier to operate the truck, especially on ramps, increasing safety. A window in the front area helps loading and can prevent damage to people and goods. Low energy consumption has a high customer benefit. It is up to the end user to decide whether a reduction in total consumption to a value that is around 2.5 percent lower than that of competing products is a reason for purchase. In addition, the comparison was apparently not carried out with modern lithium-ion forklifts, which significantly reduce energy costs due to better recuperation and, above all, higher charging efficiency. In addition, the intermediate charging capability of competing vehicles will contribute more to increasing productivity.
Degree of Novelty
The most important innovation of this vehicle is the free-swinging armrest with a mini steering wheel. Whether this will be accepted by many drivers who have become accustomed to conventional operation remains to be seen. The mini steering wheel improves posture, but can cause difficulties during intensive use. Such operation is common in other industrial trucks, but is new in forklift trucks. Front windows will contribute to safety and are also an innovation. A spacious and ergonomic cab, an automatic parking brake and an easy access are standard equipment for many manufacturers and are more a consistent development than a market innovation.
Functionality / Type of Implementation
The forklift truck is very well constructed and offers a very comfortable handling. But especially the mini steering wheel needs to get used to. The better view of the pallet is achieved through the window in the front area. The good visibility is also ensured by details that have been well thought out.
| Functionality / type of implementation | ++ |
| Novelty / Innovation | + |
| Customer benefits | + |
| Market relevance | ++ |
| ++ very good / + good / Ø balanced / – less / — not available | |
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Image/video credits: UniCarriers Europe
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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.