Feature-packed BX
December 1st 2006

Nissan continues its focus on safety and productivity with the launch of its feature-packed, four-wheel electric BX Syncro range

The recent launch of Nissan's new BX Syncro range of electric forklifts completes a major change in strategy for the company, which now offers a full range of electric equipment in addition to its comprehensive IC offering.

So what are the reasons behind these tactical developments? "Nissan predicted a change in the market and has taken the decision to react strongly," says Brendon Sparks, Director of Nissan's Industrial Machinery Division for the UK. "In the UK 66% of forklift propulsion is now electric and it continues to grow at a faster rate than IC power."

This is something Nissan puts partly down to the decline of the manufacturing sector in the UK, which has traditionally been a large user of IC powered lift trucks.

"Manufacturing takes around 35% of lift trucks in the UK, but we have seen a dramatic shift to the distribution and service sector, which is mainly made up of electric truck users," says Sparks.

In particular, he identifies three main areas transport and warehousing, retail distribution and wholesale distribution in which around 40% of lift trucks in the UK are used.

"It is because of these shifts in the market that Nissan has put so much into its electric range," says Sparks. "The practice of outsourcing logistics to specialist companies is on the increase and there was a growth of more than 18% in primary and secondary distribution centres last year.

"These applications demand a full range of product from a single source, something Nissan is in a very strong position to provide." Nissan's strength is further bolstered by its sound financial position, which enables it to re-invest heavily in developing innovative new products such as the BX Syncro range of electric forklifts .

With capacities ranging from 1.5 to 3t, the four-wheel range has been designed using Nissan's Risk Reduction System, first seen on the three-wheel TX Syncro earlier this year. The concept combines design elements for increased visibility and manoeuvrability with physical features to maximise stability, control and handling.

AC-powered, the BX Syncro is available in cushion tyre versions from 1.5 to 2.5t and pneumatic profile versions from 1.5 to 3t. There are also long wheelbase versions. The compact shape of the BX Syncro makes it suited to warehouse operations, with overall widths from as little as 1120mm and turning radius as low as 1750mm.

Stability A major development in the new model's Risk Reduction System has been the introduction of Cushioned Stability Control.

A flexible damping system installed between the vehicle's rear axle and frame provides enhanced lateral stability, allowing safer cornering at higher speeds and reducing the risk of the forklift overturning.

Unlike other stability systems, Nissan Cushion Stability Control is permanently engaged and is also completely maintenance free.

A mast lock system automatically prevents the forks from being lowered and the mast from being tilted when the operator has left the seat. The system also acts automatically to restrict travel speeds and acceleration when the truck is turning, and to reduce lift speeds when travelling.

If the accelerator is released when the truck is on a gradient, an anti rollback device ensures that the truck can reverse only slowly. A new style of foot operated parking brake prevents accidental release.

Further safety features include warning buzzers for the parking brake and seat belt.

Control The truck's AC-powered 48V system has been combined with Nissan's own AC Tech controller to provide performance and efficiency, with significantly lower lifetime operating costs. The controller constantly monitors and communicates the forklift's status such as travel speed, state of battery charge and performance mode through a multifunction LCD display.

Syncro technology "Syncro" technology applied as standard to all models in the BX Series further aids operability by returning the steering wheel spinner knob to the ideal driving position for forward movement.

Having driven into a stack or racking at an angle, truck operators need to ensure that the drive wheels are in the correct position for straight line travel before reversing out.

Forward and reverse travel to straighten the steer wheels is time consuming, with the risk of destabilising the load or damaging stored products. With angle sensors and powered steering, the Nissan Syncro system always returns the steering knob to the same pre-selected position for straight line travel, forward or reverse, giving safer, faster and more productive operation.

Class leading acceleration and full-load lift speeds are combined with features for operator comfort and control. These include three performance modes which can be selected by the operator to adjust travel and lift speeds according to specific requirements.

For maximum uptime, Nissan has applied regenerative modes to five of the BX Syncro's systems, putting power back into the battery during standard operations such as changing travel direction, deceleration, lifting and lowering, and braking.

Further features include a load-sensing hydraulic power steering system; auto power shut-off; and Nissan's new Auto Tilt Levelling system as an option on models with two-stage masts. A "soft landing" system is fitted as standard to all models in the series to ensure slow deceleration of the forks just before reaching ground level, even if the control lever is held completely down.

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