Heavy lifting solutions provider Criterion Equipment’s versatile range of forklift manufacturer Toyo Carriers Manufacturing (TCM) forklift trucks comprises robust machines for handling goods in all sectors, including heavy-duty applications, says Criterion Equipment MD Brenton Kemp.

He explains that Criterion Equipment is the exclusive distributor in Southern Africa of the TCM range.

Further the TCM heavy-duty FD160-2, FD180-2, FD200-2 and FD230-2 machines, with capacities up to 23 t, have been designed for high power, easy manoeuvrability and enhanced safety.

“We have many of the TCM heavy-duty forklifts currently in use in various industries around the country, that cope safely and efficiently with loads between 16 t and 18 t,” he says.

Typical applications of the TCM heavy-duty range are in mining and related functions, as well as in general port yards and for moving heavy equipment and tooling during manufacturing.

“These flexible machines have also been well received locally for use in heavy-duty logistics applications, container yards and in warehousing and storage facilities,” he points out.

Notably, the advantages of using a heavy-duty forklift to handle heavy loads, rather than the investment in overhead or mobile cranes, include the efficient total cost of ownership over the economic useful life of the forklift and greater flexibility in terms of application and ease of mobility.

“An important benefit of using forklifts over other equipment is these machines are easily transportable to other locations,” he enthuses.

Kemp explains that the most popular units in the TCM heavy-duty forklift range – the FD160-2 and FD180-2 – have a 90 cm load centre, a maximum fork height of 3 m and a mask tilt angle of 6º forward and 12⁰ backward.

The high power, internal combustion 6BG1T diesel engine meets emission levels required in Tier 2 emission control standards.

The FD180-2 machines have a drawbar pull of 119 kN at full load and gradeability with load at 1.6 km/h of 20% slope.

TCM heavy-duty-forklifts have a three-speed automatic powershift transmission for easy control of the machine. Features include a finger touch shift lever, interchangeable easy drive selections between power modes, a dial switch to control the safest travel speed and a combined type switch lever for turning and light signals.

Fully hydrostatic power steering enables precise control of the machine.

Safety has been critical in the design of this series.

Notable features for improved visibility include a cabin with a newly designed counterweight and no front or rear pillars, as well as a soft touch electric parking brake for added security.

Other advanced features include a newly designed fuel tank with increased capacity from 300