“You can have results or excuses, not both.”
Arnold Schwarzenegger was on to something when he said that. Mr. Universe epitomized strength and power for decades, consistently emphasizing the importance of hard work and results.
In the material handling world, the Komatsu FH series forklifts embody those ideals. Their designs focus on the power, resilience, and good old-fashioned elbow grease required to get the job done. With this series, Komatsu took diesel forklifts to a new level of quality, making them perfect for heavy-duty, high-cycle operations.
Read on to learn why when the going gets tough, the tough choose the Komatsu FH series.
The key to consistent innovation is to take something that works and make it better.
That's precisely what Komatsu did when they introduced their FH series diesel forklifts. Komatsu construction equipment succeeds in large part due to the proven reliability of its drive and control components.
Komatsu took that outstanding design and built a forklift around it. The result was the FH series. This meticulously thought-out series has a lot to recommend it to any heavy-lifting, productivity-focused operation.
However, here are a few of the features that make it truly stand out.
It all starts with the transmission.
FH series forklifts feature an electronically-controlled hydrostatic transmission (HST). The HST replaces traditional transmissions, providing industry-leading power and eliminating the need for revving. As a byproduct, the HST provides superior fuel economy, even in high-throughput operations.
The Komatsu-designed and manufactured engine includes a variable engine output control function that adjusts power based on the current load weight. This, too, improves fuel efficiency.
Finally, the automatic engine shutdown system stops the engine when the forklift remains idle for a programmed period, preventing wasted fuel.
Despite this superior power, the FH’s diesel engine is surprisingly eco-friendly.
Komatsu's SAA4D95LE-5 turbo-charged four-cylinder diesel engine achieved U.S. EPA Tier 4 and EU Stage 3A certification. Both organizations reserve these certifications for low-emissions engines. Due to its design, the engine also reduces carbon dioxide emissions, contributing to better environmental protection.
As a result, Komatsu's FH series strikes a balance between heavy-duty lifting and environmental consciousness.
Power is great, but on many diesel forklifts, it can be a lot to handle.
Comfort is key to control.
A fatigued, uncomfortable operator is a distracted operator. The HST design provides precision control through the accelerator pedal, reducing inching petal use and providing better handling in tight quarters. Additionally, shifting is automatic and shock-free. This creates a smoother and less fatiguing ride for the driver.
Finally, the FH’s impressive design prevents inadvertent starts and reduces roll-back.
The FH engine requires neutral start-ups. The engine can only start if three criteria are met:
When the operator releases the accelerator, the HST stops the oil flow through the hydrostatic motor. Thus, even if the fork truck stops on a ramp without the brake pedal depressed, the design minimizes downhill creep.
The Komatsu FH series diesel forklifts hit the trifecta of control, comfort, and safety.
All the features in the world won’t do you a bit of good if the forklift breaks down.
High-cycle facilities put a lot of strain on their forklifts, creating an optimal environment for breakdowns. That’s why Komatsu holds FH series components to such exacting standards. The engine, hydraulic pump, hydraulic motor, axle, and controller are of the highest quality, making them incredibly durable.
Better yet, FH series forklifts are low maintenance.
The brake system features heavy-duty sealed wet multi-disc brakes. Similarly, the HST is a sealed system. This virtually eliminates maintenance for these two vital components, dramatically reducing the forklift’s overall maintenance requirement.
Less maintenance leads to a lower total cost of ownership and more uptime.
Operation optimization depends on accurate data from the field.
To meet this need, each FH series forklift comes standard with KOMTRAX. This proprietary remote equipment and fleet monitoring system allows fleet managers to maintain up-to-the-minute data. KOMTRAX is a user-friendly, web-based application that utilizes GPS tracking and mobile phone networking to keep you up-to-date on the location, activity, and performance of your forklifts.
The integrated data collection offered by KOMTRAX ensures you have the tools to tailor your fleet to your needs.
Each FH series diesel forklift offers all the features mentioned above.
However, no one forklift fits all operations. For heavy-duty, high-throughput operations, we generally recommend a few Komatsu models above the rest. These forklifts hit the sweet spot for many organizations, making them an excellent starting point for your search.
Those models are the Komatsu FH35-2/50-2 and FH100/160.
Of the group, the FH35-2 and FH50-2 are on the smaller end.
Komatsu also enhanced efficiency, operator comfort, and safety in these models.
Each comes with a full-suspension seat and ergonomic control layout to reduce fatigue. The new seatbelt indicator alerts the driver when the seat belt isn't properly fastened. Moreover, a large high-resolution LCD multi-functional color monitor provides the operator real-time updates on the forklift's condition.
To top it all off, the Komatsu 50 forklift uses 30% less fuel than similar machines.
For your huge loads, the FH100 and FH160 are tough to beat.
Additionally, these behemoths take the environment seriously.
Their ultra-clean diesel technology utilizes multiple catalytic and gas recirculation systems to reduce emissions. Filters trap oil mist and return it to the crankcase for combustion, reducing particulate emission by 90%. The FH100 and FH160 achieve all this without any loss of power.
When your operation needs the greatest strength, Komatsu has your back.
Even with all the strength of the FH series, getting the job done is a team lift.
No single forklift is likely to meet all your needs, and even if it could, there are innumerable options available. You need a partner who can help you identify your needs, cut through the noise of seemingly infinite options, and help you pick the perfect forklift for your operation.
That’s where The Lilly Company shines.
With over 100 years of experience, we have material handling down to a science. Our expert team has everything you need to make the right choice for your thriving operation—today and in the future. Let us lift you up.
Contact us online or visit one of our locations to learn more about Komatsu diesel forklifts:
Arkansas - Jonesboro
Alabama - Dothan, Irondale, Mobile, and Montgomery
Mississippi - Richland and Tupelo
Tennessee - Jackson and Memphis
Further Reading
We Rent It All, Even Heavy-Duty, High-Capacity Forklifts
When to Buy a New vs. Used Forklift
Reducing Forklift Total Cost of Ownership with Fleet Management