The 2.5 - 3.5 tonne category is without a doubt one of the bands of the fork-lift truck market where demand is highest. CESAB of Bologna (Italy) has drawn on its more than sixty years' experience in the counterbalanced fork-lift truck sector to present the new CESAB DRAGO 250-300-350 IC model (available with Diesel and LPG engine in three versions: 2.5 - 3 - 3.5 tonnes).
The hydrostatic transmission, with a choice of electronic (CESAB DRAGO E) or hydraulic (CESAB DRAGO H) control, uses hydraulic pressure to produce the mechanical energy the wheels need: this makes the truck much more versatile and efficient and assures better performance, greater agility and more user-friendliness. What's more, the maintenance and inspection interval has been doubled, with obvious benefits in terms of costs and machine down-times. Rationalised components, combined with exceptional operator comfort and safety, make the CESAB DRAGO 250-300-350 IC fork-lift even more competitive.
The hydraulic transmission featured on the CESAB DRAGO 250-300-350 truck makes driving easier, and travel between jobs and direction reversal are both speeded up. Power delivery is much smoother and more sensitive, while braking is gentle and accurate, since the operator has only to take his foot off the pedal (the "normal" braking system is only needed for safety braking). Furthermore, as there is no need for additional mechanical parts like the differential (the motive power is transmitted by oil pressure), the engine and pump layout can be more rational, making the truck more compact, with truly elegant styling.
In the version with electronically controlled hydrostatic transmission (DRAGO E 250-300-350), a large number of parameters relating to the engine (Kubota V3300 for Diesel and, Toyota 4Y for LPG), pump, hydraulic motors and braking system can be custom-set to the customer's specific needs. Furthermore, this type of transmission allows customisation of acceleration times, braking system and direction reversal speed through regulation of the hydraulic system oil pressure with the aid of a small console.
The CESAB DRAGO 250-300-350 has been designed with the operator's comfort and convenience very much in mind; with more space available, these trucks are much more pleasant to drive. The power steering has been moved to underneath the platform, with priority valve flanged into a single unit, and the steering column is of "automotive" type, tilted further towards the driver. The pedals have been completely redesigned and connected to the dashboard, leaving plenty of legroom and giving easy access for manual adjustments to the hydrostatic pump. The pedals are now parallel to the platform, instead of at an angle, for easier foot contact. And there is still more. The CESAB DRAGO 250-300-350 models also have a range of features to increase operator comfort, such as a comfortable, adjustable seat and vibration-damping rubber mounts (silent blocks), which cut vibrations in the cab by a significant amount.
The panel instrumentation includes a generous array of indicator lights, which update the driver on the truck's main operating parameters in real time. The smaller-sized steering column now carries a new manual direction reverser lever, a horn button, a key-type ignition and a starter button, to simplify all driving procedures. The levers (three in standard version, up to five for the various customisation options) are mounted beside the driver for simple control of the various load handling devices (lifting, tilting and sideshifting).
The impressively rugged, solid masts can provide a height of up to 6100 mm (with Triplex mast) and can be equipped with integral sideshift, powered by 4 cylinders. They are designed for peak visibility, with the two free lift cylinders placed to the side. The stiffening tongues on the side profile provide increased torsional rigidity and protect the lifting cylinders. The mast travel components also have a special finish that assures the maintenance of tolerances over time, and reduced vibrations and energy consumption. The new DRAGO 250-300-340 has a restyled overhead guard and the new cab, in the standard version, is equipped with sliding windows on both doors, pantograph windscreen wipers, higher-quality panelling and soundproofing, interior courtesy light, automotive-type internal hinges and impact-resistant clear plastic roof complete with gutters.
CESAB started industrial production in 1942, and since then it has constantly enhanced its technology and expanded its output to consolidate its position amongst the European leaders in the handling sector. It is the Italian pole of excellence within TMHG, the handling sector's biggest group. The CESAB range of both electric and IC models is amongst the most advanced on the market. With their unmistakable design, the Bologna-based firm's trucks are able to fulfil a wide range of applications: from handling pallets and loads in tight spaces to the lifting and transportation of heavy loads in the timber or paper industries.