Pic: United Forklift and Access Solutions

Australia’s United Forklift and Access Solutions has developed what it believes is the world’s first full electric tyre handler for its customer, mining company Fortescue.

The purpose-built 17T forklift with a tyre handling attachment, was developed by United to ensure the safe and precise handling of 8,500kg tyres. The forklift was manufactured by Konecranes.

United business development manager, Sam Gazzone, explains: “The tyre handler has continued to evolve through direct collaboration with our mining customers, contractors and suppliers”.

“This has led to the integration of many critical safety systems, which have been field tested, making this one of the safest tyre handlers in the industry,” Gazzone adds.

Key safety innovations include a wireless clamp pressure monitor which displays real-time hydraulic pressure data to a dash-mounted screen in the cabin while a light sequence safety system provides clear visual signals to ground personnel, indicating when it is safe to approach the tyre fitting area. The tyre handler also features a pedestrian detection system and magnetic wireless cameras.

Driving the innovation has been Fortescue’s push towards net zero emissions which has already seen it replace its mining fleet with electric machines.