TW17 forklift truck
Compact 4×4 vehicle with in-wheel motors and minimal maintenance. It is equipped with a Stage V engine without a particulate filter or electronics. Lifts 1,700 kilos to a height of four metres.
The Agrimac TW17 forklift truck is the conversion of the TH-175 model to 4×4 in-wheel motor transmission. It retains the compact design, the high ground clearance and 4×4 traction: Of course, it is improved because the off-road traction distributed to in-wheel motors is more efficient and safer than differential axles.
The in-wheel motor system uses an anti-slip block ) that coordinates the power of the wheels. It provides more or less power to each wheel depending on the work that each one does separately, getting the whole to act in unison. This ensures that the relationship among the wheels is perfect and makes the difference in their size irrelevant. Traction is assured at all times.
The TW17 truck is powered by a Kubota V1505 Stage V engine. It provides 25 HP. This is 18.5 KW, i.e. the established limit that does not require a particulate filter or electronic injection. The savings on the particulate filter is added to the savings on engine inspections, since they can be done in any workshop for a mechanical engine like the V1505. This is not the case for engines with electronic components.
In the European Union, the regulations limit this engine to 2,300 rpm and 18.5 KW. However, the engine torque stays the same as the original machine: 92.5 Nm. This is the reason why the engine works well, resulting in very low consumption.
In terms of dimensions, the TW17 is a mid-range forklift truck in the space of a small-range one. It is under two metres high and one and a half metres wide. The ground clearance is 37 centimetres. Its dimensions are really very compact for a 4×4 forklift truck, which makes it very manoeuvrable. The proof is in its 2 m inside turning radius and 4 m outside turning radius. These measurements make it perfect for any indoor scenario both in construction and in the field: greenhouses, warehouses, etc. The compact design adds the agility of a light vehicle. The combination of size, lightness and manoeuvrability make this forklift truck an efficient and productive vehicle, quite favoured by forklift operators.
Labour and maintenance costs represent a key section in an industrial vehicle with these characteristics. In this regard, the TW17 gets top grades. Both inspections and costs are minimal. The key is in the in-wheel hydraulic motor technology. This transmission system contains far fewer mechanical parts than those required by differential axles. The in-wheel motor system is simpler and lighter, and that is why, in practice, it hardly requires any repairs.
In addition, it is the transmission oil itself that lubricates all the components. That’s why the most important maintenance task is checking the oil level, and it’s as simple as taking a look at the level indicator in the cab.
In addition to the reduced need for spare parts and inspections, the Stage V mechanical engine does not have a particulate filter or electronic injection. That means more savings on maintenance, fewer trips to the workshop and fewer bills from the mechanic.
The other key saving feature of the TW17 is fuel consumption. This is due to the weight distribution and the distributed and coordinated transmission. Here the efficiency of the system translates directly into fuel savings.
The weight balance and the anti-slip block of the coordinated transmission also come into play together with the 4×4 drive and the large wheels, resulting in unbeatable driving on rugged terrain. Both with and without a load. From the perspective of an onlooker, the TW17 is seen easily overcoming obstacles, crossing mud, climbing curbs, entering and exiting sinkholes, etc. From the driver’s seat you get that feeling of safety and traction that is only felt in carefully designed vehicles.
It is not the only remarkable sensation: as soon as you take a seat in the cab, the wide visibility and comfort of an ergonomic seat is striking, as a work position that is designed for spending long hours. The visibility of the surroundings and the load are a matter of safety, not so much of comfort. The cab of the TW17 has been designed for visibility without losing sight of the load at any time, because anticipating unforeseen events is the best possible safety policy. In this same sense, the negative brake increases safety even more. It is an electro-hydraulic brake that is activated automatically when the engine stops.
The TW17 forklift is the Swiss Army Knife of forklift trucks. It fits anywhere and works for everything. Maximum quality and maximum performance in a compact design. Essential for rental parks, construction companies and farms.