G4: A design evolution
December 1st 2006 Offering enhanced safety and comfort, as well as mechanical advances, Narrow Aisle has introduced the latest G4 version of its FLEXI articulated truck Narrow Aisle has introduced the latest version of its FLEXI articulated truck. The FLEXI Generation 4 – or G4 as the new model is known – is an electric-powered truck and boasts all of the design features that have established the FLEXI as Europe's biggest selling articulated forklift, while also including a number of significant advances that will prove attractive to both operators and specifiers. Safety features Enhanced safety features include an operator presence switch fitted in the seat to prevents use unless the driver is in the sitting position. This eliminates the risk of situations where an operator who only wants to move the truck forward a couple of metres is tempted to start the machine while standing alongside it and push the accelerator with their hand. By carrying out such an act, which is surprisingly common, the driver runs several risks – not least of which is catching their foot under the wheel of the truck. The presence switch system's sensors also prevent the mast from tilting, lifting or lowering unless the driver is sitting in the operating position The G4's fully adjustable lumbar support seat has been enhanced and is now cloth covered as standard for extra operator comfort. Arm rests are available as an option. A further safety advance on the G4 is the redesigned accelerator and brake layout. FEM, the governing body of the European materials handling industry, recommends that the brake and accelerator pedals on any forklift should be biased towards the right to ensure a familiar 'automotive' type control arrangement for the operator. The G4's automotive-style pedal layout complies with the directive and the accelerator and brake pedals are now wider and fitted with rubber cushions so the operator can use either foot to brake or accelerate safely and comfortably. When the brake of the G4 is applied, it switches off the traction so the truck comes to a smooth, controlled stop without excessive brake wear. The G4 features the newly developed Narrow Aisle Safe Start (NASSA) system, which allows the operator to restart the truck and move off up an incline without any possibility of roll back. If the truck is on an incline when it stops, the operator simply presses a button situated on the side of the steering column to reapply the traction for a few seconds and enable a smooth hill start to be made. The overall size of the operator's cabin has been increased to provide greater room, while a large access step and twin access handles make getting on and off the truck safer and less strenuous Within the cabin, the G4's controls are positioned as they would be on a conventional forklift truck. Each lever is clearly identified so the operator can quickly and easily familiarise him or herself with each hydraulic function. To make pallet entry and exit easier for the operator, the forks of the G4 have been redesigned and now feature a tapered profile. This is, claims the company, likely to have a significant impact on the truck's productivity during the course of a typical eight-hour shift. Mechanically, the G4 has also undergone some modifications. The truck's front wheel drive system – which, when the truck is fully laden, provides extra traction – is powered by a 9.6kW heavy duty motor for long service life, while the use of a high quality transverse axle gives continuous drive to both front wheels – essential when 90° stacking operations are taking place. With the growth in high bay warehouse development, the average lift height of the FLEXI has increased by 50% over the last three years. To ensure that the FLEXI continues to meet the highest standards of lift stability, the G4's articulation unit has been upgraded with an integrated rack and pinion hydraulic steering mechanism for smooth controlled stacking. The G4 retains many of the awardwinning features that have helped to establish the FLEXI as Europe's best selling articulated truck. The truck is powered by a heavy duty 48 volt battery. The battery is removed simply and efficiently at low level from the rear using a hand pallet truck or another forklift, eliminating the risk of the battery being dropped from height. Thanks to the low battery position, there are no moving parts below the battery compartment, so the battery does not have to be removed during routine maintenance and servicing operations. In fact, the only time the battery has to be taken out is when it is changed during multi-shift operations. Visibility & protection The G4's mast ensures safe and productive loading. It provides excellent visibility for the operator and, because it is mounted at wide centres, stability is ensured at all lift heights. The operator's view is further enhanced by the two-post cantilever design of the G4's overhead guard. The guard's CE approved design features angled roof bars which not only offer unrivalled load and stacking visibility when lifting but also excellent all-round operator protection. Peter Wooldridge, managing director of Narrow Aisle and a pioneer of the articulated truck concept, heads up the company's in-house design team. Peter comments: "We see the introduction of the G4 not as a revolution in articulated truck design but more the evolution of what is already a well established and highly successful product. The FLEXI continues to outsell its rivals because we constantly look to the future and the design developments we have made to the G4 will ensure that we maintain our market leading position." More articles from Narrow Aisle Limited: | 
