The FTB16 electric forklift.

TCM has released new forklift models and a new series of three-wheel battery electric forklifts in Australia, just before an official world launch in Thailand next month.

At an event hosted by its Australian distributor, NTP Forklifts Australia, in Melbourne, TCM introduced the iNOMA four-wheel counterbalance IC forklifts and the FTB 7 Series of three-wheel battery electric forklifts.

The iNOMA (an acronym from the words innovative machine) range has two-tonne, 2.5-tonne and three-tonne models. New features include the Nissan K-Series engine, a 45 per cent roomier interior, an auto knob steering return system, a wider mast, an anti-roll mechanism, detachable side covers and other design elements, NTP said.

The FTB 7 Series forklifts have a significantly improved turning radius and battery power provides eight hours of continuous operation, says NTP Forklifts Australia marketing manager Tom Naffine. The series comprises the FTB16 (maximum capacity 1,600kg) and the FTB18 (maximum capacity 1,750kg).

TCM boasts the forklifts' three AC motors deliver "high performance, regenerative braking and simple maintenance".

The forklifts replace the FTB 6 Series, which was introduced to the European market around five years ago, Naffine said. The 6 Series was manufactured in Belgium but the new series is produced at TCM's main plant in Shiga, Japan.

TCM general manager of marketing Masa-aki Sumida said company intelligence suggested the Australian market for electric forklifts grew 40 per cent in 2005. The three-wheel electric forklift market increased almost 30 per cent.