During the past 24 years of reviewing forklift trucks I've experienced bum-numbing drives with some diesel models. This is fine for porkers like me who desperately need flab reduction, not so good for slimmer drivers who have little backside cushioning.

But Mitsubishi has changed that with its FD70N. The combination of fully floating power train and suspension seat reduce transmitted vibration to the extent where it's sensed rather than felt. Though Mitsubishi's beautifully balanced 6 cylinder S6S engine has a lot to do with this.

Mitsubishi Grendia FD70N: An overview

The first thing you notice about the Japanese-made FD70N is its compact dimensions relative to load capacity.

The overall length to fork face is just 3,592mm. Yet the height to the overhead operator guard with mast lowered is 2,610mm, so the vehicle looks shorter than it actually is. Stability is not an issue as dual front wheels are fitted, bringing the maximum width to 2,173mm.

Sensibly Mitsubishi has fitted the same 8.25–15–12PR pneumatic tyres (solid optional) front and rear with vacuum-assisted self-adjusting drum brakes all-round. Drum brakes are straightforward to service and have a long service life.

Mitsubishi Grendia FD70N Power

The S6S has plenty of grunt down low, just where it's needed for moving the full 7-tonne rated load plus dry vehicle weight of 9.5 tonnes.

Having tested marine engines for almost 32 years, it would also make an excellent power plant for displacement cruisers or work boats to nine metres, but this review is not about boating.

Mitsubishi Grendia FD70N Controls

To left of the steering wheel with its rim knob are the mechanical handbrake and a bank of indicator lights (such as neutral position) and to the right an instrument panel containing warning lights for engine overheat and low oil pressure, parking brake and glow plug on and an hour meter and fuel gauge.

Standard are four levers in the normal position: fork raise and lower, mast tilt, fork side shift and an auxiliary control for a prong rotator with the hydraulics for this plumbed in.

Mitsubishi Grendia FD70N Performance

Driveability, ride quality and speed

After a brief glow plug warm-up the S6S engine started instantly with no black smoke appearing.

After getting used to the controls I tried the 2-speed powershift transmission, operated by a small lever to the left of the steering wheel.

With my foot firmly on the brake, I released the well-placed handbrake and selected forward, which engaged with barely a clunk. At about 10km/h it shifted positively into second gear and I accelerated to about 15km/h.

Mitsubishi claims top speeds of 22km/h laden and 28 unladen, but 15 was plenty fast enough in that car park. The brakes worked quickly with just gentle pressure, so standing on the brake pedal to stop the machine wasn't needed.

Having a relatively short wheelbase, the ride was a bit choppy over the undulating concrete surface but the suspension seat eliminated any shocks through my bum flab.

In reverse the demo unit changed up at about the same speed and by using the steering wheel knob and turned to look over my shoulder the vehicle could be positioned exactly where wanted.

The combination of short wheelbase, light hydraulic steering and tight turning radius were great for reaching cargo in tight spots. The engine torque kept the vehicle turning without needing any throttle opening, so my foot could be kept over the brake pedal.

Lifting

Because of the massive bottom end torque of the engine, on level ground I could inch the forks into the pallet without using the inching pedal, instead applying varying pressure on the main brake pedal.

In my opinion being able to keep my foot on the brake at all times was safer than using accelerator and inching pedal, though on up slopes this combination would be needed.

The lift and mast controls fell to hand and with the high seat position I could clearly see the forks for inching into the pallet.

A gentle raise, mast back slightly, then onto the accelerator for rapid lift or lower. The overhead guard rails and clear roof panel didn't affect my view of the cargo.

The Verdict

The FD70N won't make flabby forklift operators any fitter but I'm sure there are lesser diesel machines up to the task.

Mitsubishi has put a hell of a lot of effort into designing and engineering this machine. Its ergonomics will reduce operator fatigue and the easy servicing access will save a lot of wasted time.

The S6S engine and 2-speed powershift are way better than just a single speed torque converter and I really liked having two speeds in reverse as well as forward.

Originally published as "Smooth Operator" in ATN Magazine and Plant & Equipment Magazine. Andrew Norton's full review of the Mitsubishi FD70N can be seen at www.tradeplantequipment.com.au.

Complacency is regarded by many as safety's worst enemy. Although safety processes are always put in and we start off with the best intentions, confidence and routine inevitably set it, and that almost always leads to complacency. It is not unusual to see operators raising their load while turning their forklift or exceeding speed limits in order to meet deadlines. The pre-start checklist system is another procedure that is frequently skipped. Operators get deceived into a sense of complacency and genuinely believe that the equipment is safe to operate even when taking these shortcuts.

It's not only operators that are guilty of complacency. The above occurrences are quite common, but how often is this behaviour challenged by managers and supervisors? Until these incidents result in accidents, they go unnoticed in many workplaces, jeopardizing the safety of many employees. It is up to both operators and managers alike to battle complacency.

In regards to forklifts, WorkCover NSW states that:

•  Employers are responsible for providing proper information, training and supervision.

Employees have responsibilities too. WorkCover NSW states that they must:

•  Comply with reasonable instructions, training and information given to them, and follow safe work procedures to do work.

Operators need to be trained to understand the importance of forklift inspection and maintenance as well as safe and correct operation of the machinery. Managers and supervisors must provide site and equipment specific training to maintain and enhance operators' skills. As things get forgotten and bad habits and complacency form, an effective system of management and supervision needs to be in place to ensure operators receive regular familiarisation and refresher training.

The best way to fight complacency is regular reminders. Safety meetings before every shift are effective as they will allow bringing safety awareness to the forefront of everybody's mind right before they begin each and every shift.

Information for this article was sourced from www.forkliftaction.com and www.workcover.nsw.gov.au. 

Download the pdf here.

According to the Australian Workers Compensation Statistics 2011-12, the most common of these work related injuries are sprains and strains, accounting for 43% of all serious compensations claims. Between 2000 and 2012, 20% of these serious compensations claims were a direct result of back strains and injuries. In this same time period, 21% of all weeks lost from work were as a result of back injuries.

Safe Work Australia suggests that back injuries are most common in the transport and storage, and manufacturing industries. An effective way to reduce the high rates of back injuries in these industries is to minimise or stop the use of manual hand pallet jacks when moving heavy loads.

Manual pallet jacks can make significant physical demands on operators in confined areas, particularly when heavy loads have to be pulled or pushed using muscle power alone. If moving loads greater then 500kg, then trading in a hand pallet truck for a Mitsubishi battery powered version should strongly be considered.

It is the effort involved in starting and stopping a load that results in most back injuries. Mitsubishi's Forklift Briefing website states that the maximum figure for safely starting or stopping a load is an effort of 20kg for men and 15 kg for women. Testing of hand pallet jacks shows that starting a 500kg load from a stationary position takes an effort of 23.3kg. Increase the load to 2000kg, and the force required is 49.6kg, much greater than the official guidelines recommend. This is why many back injuries occur and many hours of work are lost at great cost to Australian businesses.

While initially more costly than hand pallet jacks electric power pallet movers are a much safer and a more cost effective solution in the long run. With the right equipment specification and operator training, electric power pallet movers will significantly reduce the risk of operator injury, reduce fatigue, improve operator performance and increase the efficiency of the operation.

Workers and machine operators are important assets to an organisation, so why not ensure their safety when handling heavy loads. Mitsubishi PREMIA power pallet movers offer a comprehensive solution to safe horizontal movement of heavy loads, while minimising the risk of back injury prevalent with the use of manual hand pallet jacks.

Acceleration, top speed and braking characteristics are fully programmable to suit each individual's needs. When the control handle is pulled all the way down or up, the truck automatically stops. Furthermore, when the emergency button is activated the truck immediately stops. For tight turning in confined spaces the Mitsubishi PREMIA power pallet movershave a unique "handle-up" operation feature making it ideal for use in containers and the back of trucks.

Avoid back injury and time lost from work. Mitsubishi power pallet movers are sure to make light work of transporting loads, in a safe and easy manner, and help your business avoid contributing to workplace injury statistics.

This article was also published by safetysolutions.net.au.

Forklift extension slippers are used as an economic means of extending the effective blade length of forks on a forklift truck. To be considered safe, extension slippers must be designed, manufactured and used in accordance with Australian Standard 2359. It is important to note that the purpose of forklift extension slippers is to temporarily lengthen the fork arms, for load stabilization only. Great care must be taken to ensure that the load is supported by the parent fork arms and not solely by the extension slippers.

According to Australian Standards, extension slippers shall be designed to prevent accidental disengagement from the parent fork and the yield strength of the extensions shall be tested using a safety factor as specified in ISO 2330:2002. Slippers for general usage should be no longer than 167% of the supporting forklift arms (i.e. 60% of the slipper length must be on fork arm). If the slippers are longer than 167%, then the usage of those slippers shall be restricted to their specified application.

In accordance with AS2359.15, manufacturers must supply the following information with each set of extension slippers:

• Mounting instructions
• Capacity rating and limitations of use
• Periodic examination for wear and damage

AS2359.15 states that the following information shall be marked durably and legibly on each set of extension slippers:

• Manufacturer's mark
• Serial number with year of manufacture
• The rated capacity and load centre distance for the fork-arm extension
• The required blade cross-section and minimum blade length for the parent fork arm

AS2359.1 states that the following information shall be marked durably and legibly on the forklift:

• The rated capacity of the forklift when fitted with the slippers is included on the forklift load rating plate

All attachments supplied by MLA Holdings, including extension slippers, are compliant with Australian Standards. MLA can help you understand the class, length, weight and carrying capacity of both the forklift and the extension slippers that you require. Information for this article was sourced from Australian Standard 2359.15.

Download the pdf here.

Bibra Lake's Grand Opening

MLA Holdings' new premises in Bibra Lake, Western Australia, have officially been opened. To acknowledge this important milestone for MLA a grand opening dinner was held on the 29th of August, 2014, at the new Bibra Lake premises, attended by MLA's owner, Directors, WA staff and key MLA customers. Ross Mackenzie, MLA's Western Australia State Manager was very pleased with the over-whelming success of the opening and stated; "The evening was enjoyed by all and it provided an opportunity to strengthen our partnerships with key customers and celebrate the growth of our WA branch..."

For the full article please download the pdf here.

MLA Partners with Chalmers Industries Pty Ltd

The delivery of a new SANY SRSC45C2 Reach Stacker to Chalmers' Yarraville site in Melbourne continues an already successful partnership between MLA and Chalmers Industries. MLA's relationship with Chalmers commenced in 2012 following the delivery of two Vulcan Reach Stackers and one Vulcan Empty Container Handler, all manufactured by Linde Heavy Truck Division. MLA Holdings is pleased to assist Chalmers Industries in achieving their goals as they seek to build on their proud reputation of being a reliable and consistent transportation organisation. With MLA's unrivalled after-sales service and impressive new range of heavy equipment, MLA is perfectly positioned to serve as Chalmers' long-term materials handling supplier in both their Victorian and Queensland operations...

For the full article please download the pdf here.

Famous for Reliability

Extraordinary equipment reliability is not common in the materials handling industry. The equipment must be well built at the start, and then maintained to ensure that it behaves exactly as it should. This is where MLA Holdings and Mitsubishi Forklifts excel. Here, extraordinary forklift reliability is not rare at all, it's actually assured. Reliability is built into every Mitsubishi forklift truck that rolls off the assembly line. In the showroom at MLA's NSW Head Office sits an original yellow 1972 Mitsubishi FG20. It's in perfect condition, however deservedly retired from its working duties some time ago...

For the full Article please download the pdf here.

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Some of the common unsafe practices employed during forklift use include but are not limited to:

• Allowing untrained, uncertified, unauthorised, or unskilled workers to operate a forklift. Proper training and certification is a requirement.

• Operating a forklift that requires repair. Forklift operators should avoid driving and using a malfunctioning forklift.

• Leaving forklifts running while they are not in use. This is usually a result of laziness and should be avoided at all times.

• Driving a forklift under the influence. Operators should never attempt to operate a forklift while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medications that may affect their ability to operate the forklift safely.

• Forklift racing and forklift jousting have become popular occurrences with bored and unsupervised employees. This is just plain dangerous and shows complete disregard for safety.

A forklift should not be used for anything other than its intended purpose. As many of these online videos show, engaging in these unsafe practices whilst operating a forklift has led to many serious and fatal accidents. Not only does it put people in danger it also tarnishes reputations, including those of employers and industries alike.

There are many tools and practices that you can implement at your workplace to eliminate the unsafe use of forklifts. Effective operator training, reporting near misses, setting up codes of conduct and effective site planning are a good nucleus to a broader safety strategy.

Inbuilt safety features on a forklift will restrict operators to an extent in what they can and can't do when operating a forklift. MLA's Mitsubishi Grendia series are all fitted with a speed limiter, an Integrated Presence System, optional password authentication to prevent unauthorised use of the forklift, and a sequential seat belt interlock, which is a requirement based on the Australian Standard for forklifts, AS2359.

Information for this article was sourced from; www.forkliftbriefing.com.

Download the pdf here.