Water treatment specialist Nalco Ecolab has recently taken delivery of one of Komatsu Forklift Australia's just-released FH series forklifts for use at its chemical handling facility on-site at OneSteel in Whyalla, South Australia.
Nalco Ecolab provides water treatment services for industry around the world, and in Whyalla in addition to servicing OneSteel services Santos, Alinta Power and other industrial businesses in the region.
Its new Komatsu FH40 forklift, supplied under a six-year rental agreement, is used for handling IBCs (intermediate bulk containers) containing a range of chemicals, including sodium hypochlorite, phosphoric acid and zinc.
According to Simone Richardson, Nalco Ecolab's Technical Service Representative Onesteel, Steel Products, the decision to go with Komatsu Forklifts was as a result of previous dealings with the company.
"We always found them to be very professional," she said.
"We were also impressed with the new hydrostatic transmission and CLSS hydraulic pump system, which gives lower fuel consumption and improved control compared with conventional drivelines.
"Since it was delivered, we found its performance and comfort is great," said Simone.
"It's easy to operate, and I am loving the sideshift and tyne shifter attachments."
Nalco Ecolab's new Komatsu forklift replaces an aging rough terrain forklift.
Komatsu's FH series forklifts are hydrostatic drive, diesel-powered, pneumatic tyre units featuring many of the innovations introduced on Komatsu's class-leading construction equipment and the potential to greatly reduce owning and operating costs.
Available in capacities of 4, 4.5 and 5 tonnes, they incorporate Komatsu's exclusive HST hydrostatic drive system, advanced CLSS closed-centre load sensing hydraulic system and the KOMTRAX remote monitoring and tracking system.
Power comes from a Komatsu SAA4D95LE-5 turbocharged diesel, that is Interim Tier 4 and EU Stage 3A emissions certified, without sacrificing power or productivity.