Telematics System Limits Forklift Speed

Real Telematics, a South African firm that makes telematics systems for industrial use, has developed Real FMX, a system that limits forklift speed.

Whether your forklift drivers are surreptitiously running races against each other or they drive recklessly while performing their job, the Real FMX telematics system alerts drivers that they are about to break limited speeds before the over-speed event occurs to help modify reckless behavior and can even limit speed to the specific rate the application calls for.

Real Telematics’ Real FMX forklift management and engine protection system operates via GSM networks to offer the flexibility of information-on-the-go anywhere in the world.
(Courtesy: Real Telematics)

The company notes that in the past, speeding limiting on forklifts was achieved with a governing device that starved the fuel from getting to the engine. However, this method of control makes the forklifts respond sluggishly, which affects the machine’s performance. As a result, drivers have been known to have to rev like crazy to get the machine to respond. This leads to more wear and tear of the engine, greater run hours, more fuel usage and more.

The Real FMX system does not impact the forklift’s performance and only affects the speed levels. These systems work on a variety of diesel and gas forklifts.

Real Telematics points out that most electric forklifts have a setting that limits speed. Moreover, electric forklifts don’t have the speed capacity of diesel and gas lifts in most cases. However, they can still speed or wheel-spin. In this case, Real FMX Alerts warns the driver of over speed events before the lift passes the approved speed limit helping to create better behavior by the driver. The system can also measure harsh braking and acceleration events.

Real FMX can totally eliminate wheel-spin on diesel and gas forklifts and can save a warehouse on tire wear. Meanwhile, the system is also helping to reduce wheel-spin that not only reduces the wear and tear of the tires, but also the life cycle of the gearbox. The company asserts that no human intervention is required. The protection is automatic.

Real Telematics also asserts that limiting speed will not limit productivity. It claims that studies show that correct application and management of hours, productivity can actually be better because the driver is performing less or no risky activity that could lead to accidents.

Real Telematics argues that using Real FMX will:

· Reduce fuel costs.
· Reduce tire wear.
· Limit speeding and improve the forklift driver’s behavior and help train drivers.
· Reduce damage and maintenance costs.
· Improve the life expectancy of batteries, starter motors, gearboxes and differentials.

Designed specifically for forklifts and other material handling equipment, Real FMX is designed to seamlessly integrate with the operating environment of a forklift and works via GSM networks.