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Kollmorgen and Flight Systems Industrial Products Announce Aftermarket Servicing Agreement on Drives and Controls for Electric Fork Lift Trucks
Kollmorgen, a leading global manufacturer of drives and controls for electric fork lift trucks, and FSIP, a leading provider of remanufacturing services for electric vehicle control systems, have agreed to an Aftermarket Service Agreement, effective immediately. Under terms of the Agreement, FSIP will be the exclusive remanufacturer of Kollmorgen drives and controls for the North America electric fork lift truck market. Kollmorgen is most widely recognized under the company’s previous branding of Danaher Motion, as a supplier of drives and controls to OEMs of electric fork lift trucks.
“Partnering with FSIP helps us better support and bring additional value to our OEM customer’s aftermarket businesses in North America,” says Brian Lubin, Business Unit Director, Kollmorgen Electric Vehicle Systems. “These customers will have ready access to a lower-cost, high-quality remanufactured drive and control solution through FSIP, and directly supported by Kollmorgen through revision control and testing. Additionally, the Agreement will extend the availability of legacy Kollmorgen drive and control products.”
“This Agreement aligns with our strategic focus of nurturing alliances with industry-leading manufacturers of electric vehicle components and systems, and doing so allows us to provide our customers with the most recent upgrades to the control hardware and software,” explains Barry Bowman, President of FSIP. “As the intellectual property of today’s electric vehicle controls become more complex, these alliances enable us to truly remanufacture the control and not just ‘repair it’ or ‘swap it out’ as may be the case with other repair facilities. It also provides the market with an alternative to ‘new,’ while maintaining the integrity of the control as a remanufactured product.”
Between now and May 2010, Kollmorgen and FSIP will be sharing data, test capabilities and other important drive and control functions. The companies anticipate that the full launch of remanufactured Kollmorgen drives and controls for electric vehicles will begin in May.
About Kollmorgen: Kollmorgen is a leading provider of motion systems and components for machine builders around the globe, with over 60 years of motion control design and application expertise.
Through world-class knowledge in motion, industry-leading quality and deep expertise in linking and integrating standard and custom products, Kollmorgen delivers breakthrough solutions unmatched in performance, reliability and ease-of-use, giving electric vehicle and other machine builders an irrefutable marketplace advantage.
For more information visit www.kollmorgen.com, email contactus@kollmorgen.com or call 1-540-633-3545.
About FSIP: FSIP has been a leading remanufacturer of industrial controls for over 40 years. With more than 5,000 part numbers available, the company annually remanufactures over 45,000 controls used on electric and gas-powered vehicles, primarily forklifts, aerial lifts, personnel carriers and golf carts, along with scrubber/sweepers, walkies, tuggers, wire guidance systems, scooters, mining cars and electric boats.
These controls include SCR, transistorized, separately excited, AC, traction and pump controls, DC/DC converters, accelerators, dash displays, control handles, battery discharge indicators, vehicle control units utilizing CAN bus, accessory cards and ECUs for combustion engines.
For more information visit www.fsip.biz or call 1-717-254-3747.
Komatsu America Corp. Announces
Tier 4 Diesel Engine Technology
Komatsu America Corp. is pleased to announce the introduction of its new diesel engine that features the next generation of engine technology designed to meet US EPA non-road Tier 4 interim emission regulations.
Based on Komatsu proprietary technologies developed over many years, the new diesel engine reduces exhaust gas particulate matter (PM) by more than 90% and oxides of nitrogen (NOx) by more than 45%--when compared to current Tier 3 levels--while still consuming less fuel[1] .
Komatsu’s Tier 4 engine technology includes:
- Newly designed variable geometry turbocharger
- Newly designed DPF (diesel particulate filter)
- Heavy duty HPCR (high-pressure common rail) fuel injection system
- Larger more robust cooled EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) system
- Redesigned combustion chamber at top of piston
- Harmonized engine and machine interface by electronic control system
Komatsu has integrated this Tier 4 technology into construction and mining engines ranging in size from 3.3- to 46-liter [2]. Through Komatsu’s in-house development and production of engines, hydraulic units, control systems and major components, the company has attained exceptional machine performance under a variety of operating conditions. Komatsu customers have come to expect outstanding quality and performance, and these Tier 4 powered machines are designed to meet customer expectations while improving the environment and fuel consumption.
1. Variable Geometry Turbo System
A newly designed variable geometry turbocharger features Komatsu proprietary technology that varies the air-flow and delivers optimum air quantity to the engine combustion chamber under all speed and load conditions. The result is cleaner exhaust gas and improved fuel economy while maintaining power and performance.
2. Diesel Particulate Filter
Komatsu has designed and developed a high efficiency diesel particulate filter that captures more than 90% of PM. Passive and active regeneration is initiated automatically by the engine controller as needed to burn the particulates while the engine is running allowing uninterrupted machine operation. A special oxidation catalyst with fuel injection system eliminates the need for a traditional fuel burner thereby reducing maintenance costs and increasing reliability.
3. Heavy Duty HPCR(High-Pressure Common Rail) System
Computer controlled heavy duty HPCR system delivers a precise quantity of pressurized fuel into the engine combustion chamber using multiple injections to achieve complete fuel burn and reduce exhaust emissions. Fuel injector life has been improved through the use of ultra-hard wear resistant materials such as diamond-like carbon.4. Heavy Duty Cooled EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) System
Cooled EGR, a technology well-proven in existing Komatsu engines, has increased capacity to further reduce NOx to Tier 4 levels. Larger more robust components ensure reliable performance during the demanding work conditions of construction equipment.
5. New Combustion System
The fuel/air combustion chamber located at the top of the engine piston has a new shape designed to improve combustion and further reduce NOx, PM, fuel consumption and noise.
6．Electronic Control System
The engine and machine work equipment function in harmony as the electronic control system performs high-speed processing of information from sensors throughout the machine. The result is reduced fuel consumption, noise, NOx and PM.
Komatsu America Corp. is a U.S. subsidiary of Komatsu Ltd. which is the world’s second largest manufacturer and supplier of construction, mining and compact construction equipment. Komatsu America also serves forklift and forestry markets. Through its distributor network, Komatsu offers a state-of-the-art parts and service program to support the equipment. Komatsu has proudly been providing high-quality reliable products for nearly a century. Visit the website at www.komatsuamerica.com for more information.
1 - All comparisons are to Tier 3 diesel engine emission regulations.
2 - Including some engine models which are jointly developed and manufactured by Cummins Inc.
M9 Cordset Unshielded for Low-Cost
Series 702 M9 Cordsets
Binder-USA is pleased to announce the release of an unshielded version of its Series 702 M9 cordsets. The unshielded feature provides a cost-effective alternative to the shielded M9 connectors. The connectors are ideally suited for commercial applications that do not require EMI shielding.
The M9 connectors have the option of 3, 5 or 8 gold-plated contacts in male and female versions. When mated and locked the connectors fulfill an IP-67 rating. Cordsets are offered with cable lengths of 2 and 5 meters. Series 712 field-attachable connectors and receptacles make a complete connecting system. The new connectors are available for purchase immediately.
Binder-USA, LP is a subsidiary of Franz Binder GmbH & Co., a German-based designer and manufacturer of circular connectors and cordsets for use in industrial environments including factory automation, process control, and medical technology applications. For more information related to Binder-USA's products and services, visit http://www.binder-usa.com or call 805.437.9925.
Curtis Expands Aftermarket Initiatives
Curtis Industries, LLC, the leading manufacturer of quality vehicle enclosures and accessories for golf cars, utility vehicles and compact tractors is pleased to announce the assignment of two company veterans to help drive the company’s sales, marketing and strategic growth. These are new positions the company is providing to improve and expand our value to our customers.
Jon Piuze is the new Director of Sales within Curtis’ aftermarket segment. Piuze has been with the company for five years primarily focusing on the golf car vehicle segment working with dealers throughout the U.S., Canada, Europe and Asia. In his new role, Piuze will be responsible for putting a new sales team in place throughout the United States and Canada to solicit aftermarket cab sales and will help to sell Curtis made enclosures marketed through and with OEM vehicle manufacturers. Curtis is making this significant investment to “put feet on the street” and satisfy dealer needs.
At the same time, David Breault will fill the new role of Director of Product Development and Marketing also within the company’s dealer network. Breault has been with the company for four years working on marketing initiatives and in a sales capacity in the aftermarket cab and Sno-Pro truck plow divisions of the company. In this new position, Breault will be responsible for the development of cabs, enclosures, and accessories for Curtis’ aftermarket division as well as executing Curtis’ marketing plans and strategies. Piuze and Breault have made hundreds of dealer visits and will continue to work with Thomas Dimauro, Vice President of Sales and Marketing.
In announcing these appointments, Dimauro emphasized Curtis’ commitment to work much more closely with its large existing dealer base as well as a desire for expansion by offering more enclosures for more vehicle brands. “We want to become the preferred supplier of choice dealers will look to when their customers want high quality cabs and enclosures to match their functional application.” Dimauro said. “Both Jon and David clearly understand the needs of both our dealers and the users of our products”, Dimauro added.
Dimauro pointed to the new Curtis lineup of value enclosures in the utility vehicle market as an example of the company’s product direction for golf car, compact and sub-compact tractor markets as well. “Our new PathPro™ products we introduced at the Dealer Expo this February in Indianapolis offer our customers a choice between high-feature and entry level product applications and are a direct result of the dealer and consumer input we’ve collected through dozens and dozens of conversations and personal visits with dealers and consumers.”
Curtis Industries, LLC is the leading manufacturer of cabs, enclosures and accessories for compact tractors, golf cars, and utility vehicles. The company markets its products exclusively through a large network of dealers in the United States and Canada as well as Japan, Korea and Western Europe. The company operates from a modern 150,000 sq. ft. facility in Worcester, MA. For more information on Curtis products please visit www.curtisindustries.net or call 800.343.7676. .
New Crown SP 3500 Four-Point Series Stockpicker Enhances Operator Confidence, Stability and Performance for Challenging Applications
Crown Equipment Corporation, one of the world’s leading forklift manufacturers, today introduced the Crown SP 3500 Four-Point Series Stockpicker. The innovative stockpicker features several advanced technologies that enable it to enhance the operator confidence, stability and performance levels needed for lifting and picking large, bulky and heavy loads in narrow aisles.
The Crown SP 3500 Four-Point Series Stockpicker is specifically engineered to handle tough, non-standard loads at heights exceeding 30 feet, such as in furniture applications where 48-inch load centers, bulky loads and high lift heights are common. The orderpicker provides the largest stability footprint in the industry by handling the load on four wheels instead of three. Operators will notice how the Load Path Stability Design stabilizes the load and decreases sway by evenly distributing the force of the load from the platform through the mast and power unit, down the drive unit and caster to the ground.
Unlike other orderpickers that incorporate plastic into much of the power unit, the Crown SP 3500 Four-Point Series uses heavy-gauge steel in the skirt, doors and battery cover. This additional weight, combined with a heavy-duty mast, gives the truck substantial weight capacity advantages at height and further contributes to stability.
“Many orderpicking applications require operators to work on the platform at heights nearly three stories high,” said Maria Schwieterman, product manager, Crown. “For this reason, it is important that the lift trucks are designed specifically for these challenging applications. Modifying a three-wheel design is simply not good enough. For non-standard applications, no other stockpicker matches the lift height, capacity and narrow-aisle capabilities that the Crown SP 3500 Four-Point Series offers. This has a big impact on operator confidence; and, when the operator is confident with the truck, they can work faster and more efficiently.”
The forklift combines Crown AC motor technology with the Access 1 2 3® Comprehensive System Control. Crown’s AC motor technology is designed to provide smooth acceleration, seamless direction reversals and overall responsiveness that are necessary when maneuvering at heights. Crown’s exclusive Access 1 2 3 system control monitors key forklift systems and communicates real-time information. As conditions change, the truck uses this information to respond immediately with safe, optimized performance. In addition, the InfoPoint® System complements Access 1 2 3 technology to provide faster, simpler and higher quality diagnostics by following a logical, easy-to-understand troubleshooting process.
The Crown SP 3500 Four-Point Series incorporates the same mast construction, spacious platform, intuitive controls and display as the Crown SP 3500 Three-Point Series. It is available in three models: Crown SP 3570F, Crown SP 3580F Furniture Platform and Crown SP 3580F Cart Handling.
About Crown Equipment Corporation: Crown is one of the world’s largest lift truck manufacturers. Crown’s award-winning line of lift trucks maintains a reputation for exceptional product design, engineering and manufacturing. From the smallest hand pallet truck to the highest lifting turret truck, Crown seeks to provide users with safe, efficient and ergonomic lift trucks that lower total cost of ownership and maximize uptime. Headquartered in New Bremen, Ohio, Crown manufactures lift trucks that are sold throughout the world. For more information, visit www.crown.com.
New 1.5-Ton Bobcat Compact Excavator Digs Deeper, Reaches Farther, Lifts Higher
A redesigned work group allows the new Bobcat® 324 compact excavator to reach farther, dig deeper and dump higher.
The 324 excavator is a Conventional Tail Swing unit in the 1.5-ton operating class. Its boom cylinder is attached to the top of the boom instead of the bottom, giving it more protection from damage while digging. It also features a lighter-weight yet durable boom fabrication with cast pivot joints.
As a result, the 324 offers a maximum dig depth of 8 feet 6 inches, reach at ground level of 14 feet, and dump height clearance of 8 feet 8 inches — all of which are best in class.
The undercarriage on the 324 excavator hydraulically retracts to a width of just 38.6 inches for travel through gates and doorways, or alongside homes. It can then expand to 53.7 inches for greater performance. Overall height is just 85.5 inches.
A 13.9-horsepower, Tier 4 water-cooled diesel engine powers the 324, and two travel speed ranges are standard. Equipped with a hydraulic system similar to the larger Bobcat excavators, the 324 has impressive cycle times and breakout forces to complete jobs faster. The system’s torque-limiting piston pump is able to sense and react to hydraulic loads, for better utilization of the engine’s torque curve.
The standard dozer blade features two self-storing extensions that provide a working width of 54 inches. Auxiliary hydraulics with boom-mounted, flush-face quick couplers make changing attachments easy.
Boom swing on the 324 excavator is 80 degrees to the left and 60 degrees to the right. Bobcat’s exclusive in-track swing frame keeps the swing castings and cylinders within the width of the tracks when digging in an offset position, helping the operator dig flush against an obstacle.
A TOPS/ROPS canopy with comfort seat, retractable seat belt, cup holder and armrests is standard. An enclosed cab with heat is optional. Available attachments include grading and trenching buckets, an augur, a hydraulic breaker and a hydraulic clamp.
For the name of the nearest Bobcat dealer, visit www.bobcatdealer.com. For more information on Bobcat compact excavators, visit www.bobcat.com/excavators/.
QuickLook: 324 compact excavator:
- New cylinder-over-boom design protects boom cylinder from damage.
- Undercarriage hydraulically retracts to permit access through narrow gates and doorways.
- Hydraulic system senses and reacts to hydraulic loads for better utilization of engine torque.
- Two-speed travel is standard.
- Standard dozer blade features two self-storing extensions.
- Auxiliary hydraulics feature boom-mounted, flush-face quick couplers.
- Exclusive in-track swing frame keeps swing castings and cylinder within track width.
- Enclosed cab with heat is optional.
- Operating weight is 3,428 pounds.
- Tail swing over the side is 15.3 inches.
- Arm breakout force is 1,778 lbf. and bucket breakout force is 3,620 lbf.
FIAMM Bringing Alternative Energy Sodium Batteries to North America
FIAMM, one of the world’s largest battery manufacturers, and Switzerland-based MES-DEA, the leading global producer of sodium-nickel-chloride batteries, have partnered to create a new company called FZ Sonick that will manufacture and market alternative energy storage solutions throughout the world. This proven and highly reliable storage technology is available for immediate deployment. FIAMM’s North American headquarters are located in Waynesboro, Ga.
Currently, MES-DEA sells advanced battery technology under the ZEBRA brand for use in electric vehicles. A version of the ZEBRA batteries is scheduled to power the first electric vehicle fleet of the European postal service. The new company’s SONICK-branded sodium-nickel-chloride product portfolio will improve energy storage in wireless cell sites, telecom data centers, uninterruptible power supplies, wheelchairs, busses, trains, and electric utility SmartGrid applications, among others.
“After more than 10 years of steady testing and growth in the transportation sector, we are now ready to also focus on the stationary applications of this innovative energy storage technology,” said Cesare Sinigaglia, former general manager of MES-DEA and FZ Sonick’s new managing co-director.
The SONICK advanced battery technology delivers numerous benefits versus existing energy storage solutions, such as increased capacity, longer lifecycle, zero emissions, low-cost raw materials, enhanced safety, and high energy density that reduces the battery size and weight compared to lithium ion and lead acid batteries, according to Nicola Cosciani, FIAMM’s director of strategic development and FZ Sonick’s new managing co-director.
“A number of battery-dependent industries have been looking for an alternative energy storage solution that is both environmentally friendly and efficient,” said Cosciani. “Through this partnership, FIAMM is now able to offer a unique solution in the form of the SONICK batteries that are a clean and renewable energy. They are durable and reliable, and can be recycled completely because of their composition of salt and nickel.”
Further, the SONICK sodium-nickel-chloride technology enables a wider range of applications than sodium sulfur (NaS) technology, which has received notable attention as an emerging alternative energy source. According to the Electricity Storage Association, NGK Insulators, Ltd. of Japan is currently the only manufacturer and supplier of sodium-based batteries; however, General Electric (GE) announced in May 2009 its plans to manufacture sodium-based batteries at a plant that is scheduled to open in mid-2011.
According to Rick Fioravanti, director of storage applications and support, KEMA, Inc., "As electricity grids continue to evolve into smarter systems, energy storage is expected to play a key role across multiple areas of our future grids. Advancements in electricity storage throughout the last few years have allowed the technology to grow from a future concept to an accepted tool of today’s smart grid.” KEMA is a leading energy and utility consulting, testing and certification firm active in energy storage.
Based on projected market demand for energy storage solutions, FZ Sonick plans to increase annual production to 170 MW from the 90 MW level recently achieved by MES-DEA. The company is evaluating additional manufacturing capacity for this advanced battery technology in North America, Cosciani noted.
FZ Sonick will be headquartered in Stabio, Switzerland where MES-DEA currently operates its manufacturing facility with a staff of 190 employees. Research and development efforts will take place at FIAMM’s headquarters in Italy. As part of the financial terms of the partnership, FZ Sonick purchased all patents, intellectual property and manufacturing equipment that were previously owned by MES-DEA.
The addition of advanced battery technology complements FIAMM’s existing line of industrial lead-acid batteries traditionally used in telecoms, electric utilities, data centers and manufacturing sites.
About FIAMM: The FIAMM Group, constituted in 1942, produces and sells batteries for the starting of cars, industrial use (units of continuity, back-up of energy) and warning horns (electric horns and sirens). FIAMM, which is headquartered in Italy, operates manufacturing facilities in Italy, Czech Republic, China, Brazil and United States. The company projects 2010 sales to exceed $660 million. Globally, it serves the leading automotive, telecommunications and technology companies such as General Motors, Vodafone, AT&T, Verizon, and the U.S. Government. FIAMM Energy, located in Waynesboro, Ga., manufactures stored energy solutions for diversified power applications such as telecommunications, industrials, security and renewable energies, among others. The FIAMM Energy product line comprises sealed (VRLA) and vented (flooded) batteries available in a wide range of capacities and technologies to cater for all requirements. For more information, visit www.fiamm.com, www.fiammsonick.com, /www.fzsonick.com , or call 706-437-3220.
About MES-DEA: MES-DEA is a business unit of the CEBI Group, which has been active for decades in the automotive components sector, appliances and alternative energy components. The CEBI Group has more than 3,000 employees worldwide with an expected turnover in 2010 of $690 million. Major markets served by CEBI companies are Europe, China, United States, South America and Australia. It serves customers such as Whirlpool, Electrolux, Bosch, BMW, Ford, Chrysler and Visteon, among many others. For more information, visit http://www.cebi.com .
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