“We set very high requirements for the forklift trucks, because they are used in industrial environments for especially tough work”, explains test engineer Rob van den Brink.
“Our latest prototype can lift two stacked sea containers. Aspects such as ride characteristics, turning circles, stability and lifting capacity are studied in simulations during the design phase. The practical tests are of crucial importance in examining the behaviour of the forklifts in the physical working environment.
We look there at aspects such as useful life, reliability, i.e. the number of hours a truck can be used problem free, sturdiness and maintenance-friendliness.
The number of tests a truck and its components are subjected to is huge. We test axles, exhaust systems and tyre wear. We perform braking tests when laden and hose tests for the hydraulic system.
Laden forklifts are placed on tilting platforms in order to determine the longitudinal and lateral stability of the load and the counterweight on sloping surfaces. The mast, including the hydraulic system, undergoes endurance testing in a special test rig on site and, furthermore, trucks are subjected to loads in excess of their actual capacity.
Additional safety measures are taken in this instance, of course. We also look at the effect of environmental factors such as dust production and temperature, which can affect engine performance and the viscosity of the oil in the hydraulic system.”