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Doosan Bobcat, Inc. recently highlighted the future of its material handling equipment lineup at ProMat 2023 in Chicago, 20-23 March. In addition, the company has unveiled its new hydrogen fuel cell-powered forklift concept as part of the company’s efforts to explore alternative-energy products.
A number of current forklift model families were showcased at the event, and the company’s Doosan Industrial Vehicle (DIV) booth also highlighted its future branding with multiple machines displayed in Bobcat trade dress. Recently, Doosan Bobcat announced its Doosan Industrial Vehicle, Doosan Portable Power and Doosan Industrial Air brands would transition to become part of the Bobcat product portfolio.
Nine forklift models with load capacities ranging from 3 000 to 15 500 lbs were showcased.
Exhibited in current Doosan Industrial Vehicle branding:
- GC25S-9 Internal Combustion Cushion Tire Forklift
- 5 000-pound load model; 3 000 to 12 000-pound model range
- G25E-7 Internal Combustion Pneumatic Forklift Truck
- 5 000-pound load model; 3 000 to 15 500-pound model range
- B20SU-9 Cushion Electric Stand-up Rider
- 4 000-pound load model; 3 000 to 4 000-pound model range
- BER30S-9 Walkie Rider Pallet Truck
- 6 000-pound load model; 6 000 to 8 000-pound model range
Exhibited in future Bobcat trade dress:
- D25S-9 Internal Combustion Pneumatic Diesel Forklift
- 5 000-pound load model; 4 000 to 7 000-pound model range
- D70S-9 Internal Combustion Pneumatic Diesel Forklift
- 15 500-pound load model; 13 500 to 20 000-pound model range
- BOP15S-9 Electric Order Picker
- 3 000-pound capacity
- BR20SP-7P Electric Pantograph Reach Truck
- 4 000-pound load model; 3 500 to 4 000-pound model range
- NEW: B30X-7 Hydrogen Fuel Cell Concept Forklift
- 6 000-pound load model; 5 000 to 7 000-pound model range
Another booth highlight is the company’s newest hydrogen fuel cell-powered forklift concept. The forklift will be developed under the Bobcat product portfolio as part of the transition of DIV products into the Bobcat trade dress. The forklift was initially announced as a research and development project in 2022.
“As a company, we are evolving in bold ways to meet our customers’ toughest challenges by offering innovative solutions for a more sustainable future,” said Scott Park, Doosan Bobcat CEO and vice chairman. “Alternative-energy products – such as hydrogen or electric – give customers options, while also leading the way toward a more sustainable future and greener tomorrow.”
Hydrogen fuel cell forklifts offer longer operating times and faster refuelling, making them ideal for applications that require extended use and quick refuelling turnaround. For warehouses operating multiple shifts, the hydrogen fuel cell forklift is a viable option to reduce carbon footprint while still meeting the operational needs to run longer hours with no charging required.
The hydrogen fuel cell forklift concept machine is initially being developed as a Class 1 forklift model, but the technology has opportunity across various forklift model offerings and classes.
A hydrogen fuel-cell-powered forklift and a battery-powered forklift differ in several ways, including the source of power, operating time and refuelling/recharging time.
Source of power: An electric forklift runs on a battery that stores electrical energy. A hydrogen fuel cell forklift, on the other hand, uses a hydrogen fuel cell to produce electricity through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, providing a longer operating time.
Refueling/recharging time
Battery-powered forklifts need to be recharged after a period of work. Charging can take many hours; time for the battery to cool is also recommended.
Hydrogen fuel cell forklifts do not have the same constraints. The fuel cell can be refueled in three minutes or less, allowing for less downtime. Once refueled, the fuel-cell-powered forklift can return to work immediately, without delay.
Operating time
Hydrogen-fuel-cell-powered forklifts can run longer at a higher steady voltage than battery-powered forklifts. Longer run times improve labour efficiency, and higher voltage improves labour productivity.
The hydrogen fuel cell forklift is a joint venture development between Doosan Bobcat and Plug (formerly Plug Power).
Bobcat-branded material handling equipment will be available to customers in select markets at a later date, with more information on timelines forthcoming.