New electric JCB forklift ready for quiet use indoors
Forklift trucks with telescopic booms could soon be a common sight indoors after a new all-electric version was launched.
JCB'S Teletruk was launched in 1997 and remains the world’s only telescopic lift truck to offer forward reach thanks to its telescopic boom.
Until now, Teletruks have been powered by diesel and LPG and mainly used outside. But the new electric version – the JCB 30-19E – has been launched that produces no emissions and makes minimal noise making it suitable for working indoors.
Power is provided by an 80-volt lead acid battery and it can work a full eight-hour shift on a single charge.
The model has won the environment award from the Forklift Truck Association, Europe’s leading trade body for the materials handling industry.
Judges said the machine was “ideal for urban environments” thanks to its zero emissions and low noise levels. JCB has received a statuette known as an ‘Archie’ to mark the success.
Tim Burnhope, chief innovation and growth officer at the Staffordshire digger giant, said: “It’s always an enormous thrill to be recognised by your industry peers and we are delighted to win the environment award from the Forklift Truck Association.
"The opportunities for the new electric Teletruk are immense both in terms of benefitting the environment in a very big way and reaching into new markets.”
But the new electric model's lack of noise and emissions means it can be used inside.
The launch opens the door to a global market in which almost 250,000 units are sold globally every year.
In 1998, a year after its launch, the Teletruk won an unprecedented three ‘Archie’ awards from the FLTA for innovation, safety and ergonomics.
