Kalmar has released updated versions of its class-leading ContChamp and ContMaster reachstackers.

Kalmar reachstackers vice president Ismo Vaihtamo said the new machines had been developed in response to environmental, performance, reliability and operating cost requirements.

"We've been increasingly aware of the environmental concerns and pressures faced by our customers, especially in Europe and the USA, and we believe stricter regulations will be introduced in the Far East in the future," Mr Vaihtamo said.

"Accordingly, both models are equipped with low-emission engines that meet 97/68 EC Stage 2 and US EPA Tier 2 standards. The ContChamp comes with a 12-litre Volvo Penta, which is also more fuel efficient than the older 10-litre unit. The ContMaster comes with Scania DI12 or Cummins QSM11."

Mr Vaihtamo said the need for additives was reduced because the wet disc brake oil system on the new machines was separated from the main hydraulic oil system. The hydraulic system also needed minimal hydraulic fittings, and all fittings were o-rings, making the hydraulic system practically leak-free.

The new ContChamp was equipped with Kalmar's latest electronic transmission, developed exclusively for Kalmar, and had smooth driving and gear shifting, Mr Vaihtamo said. Considerable work was done on the new transmission, and on the Kalmar-produced steering axle and driveline.

Service intervals have been increased to more than 500 hours through changes such as reducing the number of lubrication points and developing a lubricant-free boom. All servicing operations are now completed from one side of the truck.

Kalmar reachstackers general manager Per Rosengren said the company had "digitised" the truck's controls, allowing easy and fast system checks and upgrades, and a new control system monitored about 500 measuring points 50 times a second, ensuring safe operations and rapid error reporting.

Forkliftaction.com has two photographs of the new reachstacker models. To view them, click on the "Photo" button above, or see www.forkliftaction.com.