Precise, powerful, safe lithium-ion high-lift forklifts

Following the successful launch of electric low-lift pallet trucks, industrial truck specialist Clark is bringing to market a completely new range of electric high-lift pallet trucks featuring state-of-the-art lithium-ion (Li-Ion) technology. The six new models offer load capacities from 1200 to 1600kg for the safe transport of pallets, as well as efficient storage and retrieval operations in industry, retail and logistics. Flexible designs and practical equipment options, allow the models to be tailored to different customer requirements.

Depending on requirements, five manoeuvrable walk-behind models are available, as well as a model variant with a fold-out driver’s platform for longer transport distances. For use on uneven surfaces or on ramps, Clark also offers the high-lift trucks with an initial lift function. This provides additional ground clearance and enables efficient double-deck transport for the simultaneous loading and transport of two loads. For controlled access and protection against unauthorised use, a modern PIN code activation system is available as an option, depending on the model. All models in the new series are fitted with proportional lift as standard. This enables sensitive lifting and lowering of loads. This protects delicate goods and facilitates precise positioning at any lift height – particularly when positioning tall loads accurately between shelf beams.

The Clark BST12E

The manoeuvrable BST12E high-lift truck, with a load capacity of 1200kg, is an entry-level model ideal for light, occasional stacking and transport tasks. Due to its compact design and small turning radius, it can be manoeuvred safely even in confined spaces, while its slim design ensures excellent visibility of the load and fork tines. The particularly quiet drive system ensures a comfortable working environment in noise-sensitive areas.

Ergonomics and safety are enhanced by the intuitive controls for both left and right-handed operators, an electromagnetic parking brake for secure holding on ramps, and a side-shifted tiller that increases the safety distance from the vehicle. Furthermore, the truck impresses with its maintenance-friendly overall design: easily accessible components reduce service times, and an integrated deep-discharge protection system protects the lithium-ion battery, ensuring long-term value retention.

The Clark BST12 and BST12i

The BST12 and BST12i walk-behind high-lift trucks are designed for daily use in warehouses, production facilities and goods distribution centres, and are ideal for precise work in confined spaces. Whilst the BST12 is optimised for standard pallet transport and delicate storage and retrieval processes, the BST12i features an initial lift. This increases ground clearance for safe navigation of ramps and uneven floors and enables double-deck transport of two pallets – boosting throughput – with a total load capacity of up to 1200kg. The compact dimensions of both models guarantee the operator an excellent view of the forks and load. Safe, ergonomic handling is ensured by the low, side-set tiller, which maximises the distance from the vehicle and is equally suitable for left- and right-handed operators. A creep speed function allows manoeuvring with the tiller raised at reduced speed in areas where space is limited. Optimal operating comfort is ensured by the tiller with an integrated TFT colour display, which clearly shows all essential vehicle information.

A robust chassis with a 4-point suspension, a low centre of gravity and adjustable support wheels ensures high driving stability and consistent ground contact. The enclosed drive motor, which is protected against dust and splash water, also enables quiet, low-maintenance operation. High availability in daily use is ensured by the standard, maintenance-free 24V lithium-ion battery (60Ah), which allows for flexible top-ups. The vehicle can be easily charged at any 230V socket using the integrated charger. An electronic deep-discharge protection system protects the battery from damage and ensures a long service life for the cells.

The Clark WSE16 and WSE16i

The robust WSE16 and WSE16i high-lift forklift models are designed for demanding industrial applications and high handling capacity. These powerhouses offer fast work cycles, precise manoeuvrability and lift heights ranging from 2500mm to 5600mm, making them suitable for a wide range of applications in warehousing, production and logistics. Even the standard mast configurations up to 3500mm come with full free lift as standard, allowing the load to be raised without altering the truck’s overall height – an invaluable advantage when passing through low gates or working in areas with low ceiling heights. For maximum flexibility at high lifting heights, triplex mast options are available for lifting heights of up to 5600mm, which are also equipped with full free lift. Whilst the WSE16 is optimised for standard storage and retrieval processes, the WSE16i offers greater ground clearance on ramps thanks to its initial lift and allows for the double-deck transport of two pallets simultaneously.

The trucks are controlled via an ergonomic tiller, which, in conjunction with the standard proportional lift, enables sensitive lifting and lowering as well as precise positioning of goods. A multifunctional colour display provides information on the truck’s status, battery and operating hours. Variable fork lengths ranging from 1070mm to 1600mm are available to suit the specific application profile. A document holder is included as standard; further features, such as a scanner holder or a blue warning light, are also available.

Thanks to the creep speed function, the high-lift truck can be manoeuvred in a controlled manner through the narrowest of aisles at reduced travel speed, even with the tiller raised vertically. The safety tiller, positioned at the bottom left, ensures the optimum distance between the operator and the vehicle. The safety package includes a modern AC control system with a regenerative braking system, a stable 4-point support, an electromagnetic parking brake, an automatic lift cut-off and overload protection.

In terms of cost-effectiveness, these models feature CAN bus technology for rapid fault diagnosis. The one-piece service hood provides technicians with immediate access to the enclosed motor and brake unit. The vertically mounted drive motor ensures a small turning radius and, like the brake unit, is enclosed in a water- and dust-resistant housing. Maintenance-free lithium-ion batteries ensure availability during multi-shift operation, with customers able to choose between 24V/150Ah (50A charger) or 24V/230Ah (100A charger) versions.

The Clark RSE16

As the flagship of the new series, Clark presents the RSE16 electric high-lift truck, which has been specially developed for comfortable ride-on operation over longer transport distances. The RSE16 ensures a high level of operator comfort thanks to its optimally cushioned operator platform with a low step height of 175mm, which effectively minimises vibrations and makes it easier to get on and off. Sturdy side safety bars provide additional support and can be locked into two different heights for ergonomic adjustment. The operator can adjust these bars directly from the platform. This ensures a secure grip and high stability when cornering. A proportional hydraulic system ensures that all lifting and lowering movements are carried out with the utmost precision, enabling loads to be positioned with centimetre accuracy. For safe manoeuvring in the tightest of spaces, this intuitively operated vehicle also features a creep speed function for pedestrian-operated mode, as well as a multifunctional colour display showing the vehicle’s status.

To ensure high handling capacity, a choice is available between standard mast configurations with lift heights ranging from 2500mm to 3500mm, and triplex mast configurations for lift heights of up to 5600mm. These are fitted as standard with a free lift function for low clearance passages or ceiling heights. The combination of a sturdy mast design, compact geometry and a low centre of gravity ensures smooth handling, whilst the efficient AC drive motor minimises the turning radius. A comprehensive safety package comprising an electromagnetic parking brake, an automatic braking system, a safety approach switch and a lift cut-off reliably protects the operator.

The low-maintenance AC drive technology, CAN bus technology with fault diagnosis, and a one-piece service hood for quick access to components reduce servicing times to a minimum. The enclosed, dust- and water-protected motor and brake unit also guarantees a long service life. For demanding multi-shift operation, maintenance-free lithium-ion batteries with 24V/230Ah or 24V/300Ah, including an external 100A charger, are available. Variable fork lengths ranging from 1070mm to 1600mm, along with practical options, round off the RSE16’s features: whilst a document holder is already part of the standard specification, scanner and stretch film holders are available as optional extras.