South Africa-based bulk materials handling equipment distributor BLT South Africa (BLT SA) has added a new series of forklift trucks to its range of Taylor materials handling equipment. The TX4 series articulated four-wheel-drive forklift trucks are designed to transport materials in harsh mining environments, says BLT SA marketing director Charity Gumede.

She adds that the company is the exclusive African distributor of the products, originally manufactured by US-based heavy materials handling equipment manufacturer Taylor Machine Works.

“Unlike other comparable articulated forklifts, this series is not a front-loader chassis with a fork attachment, but a robust articulated materials handler, completely designed and engineered in the US to meet the highest standards.

TX4 all-terrain forklifts, which can be fitted with specially designed attachments for various materials handling tasks, are low-maintenance and ensure optimum safety, efficient operations and extended service life in arduous conditions,” she explains.

Additional benefits of the TX4 series include a heavy-duty bolted planetary drive axle; large, all-terrain tyres for good traction in harsh environments; and fully adjustable pin-mounted forks, forged from heat-treated steel, which allow for operational flexibility.

The series is available in three models: the TX4-250 and TX4-300 units, which feature a 165 hp engine at 2 000 rpm for heavy-duty industrial applications, and the TX4-360, which features a 190 hp engine at 2 200 rpm. These machines maintain their rated capacity, even in the full steer position.

“The forklifts also have optional heavy-duty mast and carriage configurations which can be adjusted to suit specific materials handling needs. They also feature a nested channel construction for clear visibility of the fork and other attachments. The machines have a 16º forward and backward mast tilting capacity,” Gumede elaborates.

The TX4 series boasts a heavy-duty four-speed powershift transmission with a high-capacity 12-plate clutch system for enhanced durability. These trucks also feature full directional modulation for soft directional changes and operator-controlled air inching for precise vehicle positioning in any environment.

A high-capacity transmission oil cooler is part of the bolted three-section cooling system. The cooler has wide fin spacing, which reduces dirt build-up and provides engine cooling for dependable operation in all conditions. The trucks also contain a dual-element air cleaner with a restriction indicator system, offering engine protection as well as a remote mounted filter to reduce oil spills.

Each truck comes with an optional environment-friendly exhaust purifier system. Its fuel tank also has a heavy-gauge steel wall, with an integral strainer and lockable fuel cap, explains Gumede.

“For improved safety and visibility, the air snorkel and shielded exhaust are mounted on the corners of the cab for a clear view, which is open for its operator. Other safety features include overhead rear work lights, forward- and reverse-activated alarms, as well as safety rails and anti-slip steps,” she details, adding that the installation of pedestrian cameras and monitors is optional.

For easy maintenance, the TX4 series has a forward-tilting cab and a pivoting chassis for access to internal components. Brakes are easily serviceable without the need for axle disassembly. Reset circuit breakers are used throughout the truck instead of conventional fuses.