In the GTS series, HMC four-cylinder industrial engines (48.7 kW) now provide powerful acceleration with reduced fuel consumption. The engine and transmission are mounted separately from the drive axle (split transmission). This further reduces vibrations and oscillations in the driver's seat.
The GTS series comprises diesel and LPG forklifts with lifting capacities from 2 to 3.3 t and lifting heights of up to 7315 mm. As is typical for Clark, this series is built according to the "built to last" principle and therefore features a robust construction with high-quality and durable components. Standard wet multi-disc brakes, a separate gearbox, a stable, vibration-free steering axle, and an ergonomic operator's station make this series not only robust and reliable, but also comfortable. It is ideal for intensive, multi-shift operations in goods distribution, production, or warehousing. The manufacturer anticipates extremely low maintenance costs over the entire lifecycle. The new, low-maintenance timing chain also contributes to this.
To optimally adapt performance to individual applications, the maximum speed can be set via an optional speed limiter. Compared to vehicles with drum brakes, the effort required to operate the encapsulated and oil-cooled multi-disc brakes is estimated to be up to half. Furthermore, they are said to be virtually maintenance-free compared to drum brakes. Another advantage of the wet multi-disc brakes is that operating the vehicle in dusty or wet environments does not impair braking performance.
The pedals are arranged in a manner typical of automobiles and are intuitively operated. The vehicle is controlled via conveniently positioned hydraulic levers mounted on the hood. Up to five hydraulic functions can be implemented directly from the factory. The hydrostatic power steering enables light and safe steering with minimal steering wheel rotation.
Furthermore, the low-profile front wall and the nested mast profiles provide the driver with excellent visibility. These, along with the robust 6-roller fork carriage, offer high strength even under heavy loads and come standard with damping. During lifting operations, the transition between the individual mast profiles is seamless.
Photos: Clark
To guarantee a high level of safety under varying operating conditions, numerous safety features are available for the vehicles, such as a highly visible orange seatbelt, automatic neutral positioning of the direction of travel if the seatbelt buckle is not closed with sequence monitoring, blue LED warning lights, and the CLARK SafeView@360 camera system, which gives the driver a complete view around the forklift. Hydraulic accumulators are also designed to prevent the load from rocking on uneven surfaces.
To tailor the vehicles to individual applications, Clark offers a wide range of optional equipment, such as wide-track, dual, or non-marking tires, integrated or mounted sideshifters, fork positioners, lockable fuel caps, additional hydraulic functions, quick-change systems, rearview mirrors, strobe lights, and various seats and cab configurations. On the full-cab version, the split driver's doors can be opened 180° and secured to the vehicle frame, allowing for operation with the doors open even in summer.
