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Clark C55SD Specifications

Basic Information

The Clark C55SD is a diesel-powered, counterbalanced forklift truck manufactured from approximately 2014 through 2025. This rider-seated model is engineered for demanding heavy-duty indoor and outdoor material handling tasks requiring a rated load capacity of 5500 kg. The machine is powered by the Deutz TD3.6 engine, a four-cylinder diesel unit meeting EU Stage 3b emission standards with a displacement of 3.6 liters.

The C-Series offers robust performance with a two-gear automatic transmission, hydrostatic power steering eliminating steering kick-back, and maintenance-free wet disc brakes. The forklift includes numerous safety features as standard, including an auto-engaging electric parking brake with rollback protection on gradients and ramps, power-assisted service brakes for easier operation, and a robust steering axle with pivotal bearings in rubber steel mounting.

The hydraulic system features a full-flow reverse filter that filters the oil to the tank at each reverse flow, with rough particles filtered directly via a suction filter to prevent them from entering the oil circuit, ensuring a long service life for all hydraulic components. A high-capacity pump provides adequate oil supply for the upright and the hydrostatic steering, with a priority distributor ensuring steering priority in all conditions. Load handling is controlled via a load sensitive-response and precise control valve, with a safety valve providing extra safety and preventing uncontrolled lowering of the load at all times.

The Clark C55SD is a four-wheeled forklift with a load capacity of 5500 kg or 12125 lb at a 500 mm or 19.7 in load centre. The nominal load at the centre of gravity is 5.5 tons. Its design prioritises stability and manoeuvrability in demanding environments. The machine is fitted with pneumatic tyres as standard. The standard tyre configuration is 2(4)x/2, indicating two or four wheels on the front drive axle and two wheels on the rear steer axle.

The transmission type is W (powershift) with a two-gear automatic transmission. The service weight of the machine is 7521 kg or 16581 lb. Weight distribution with full load places 11525 kg or 25408 lb on the front axle and 1496 kg or 3298 lb on the rear axle. Without load, weight distribution shifts to 3010 kg or 6636 lb on the front axle and 4511 kg or 9945 lb on the rear axle. The body and frame are constructed from robust heavy steel for durability in tough operating conditions.

Engine Specs

Basic Technical Data: The forklift is powered by the Deutz TD3.6 engine, a four-cylinder diesel unit meeting EU Stage 3b emission standards with DVERT oxidation catalytic converter (exhaust gas aftertreatment) that dispenses with a high-maintenance diesel particle filter system. With a displacement of 3621 cc or 221 cu.in, this engine produces 55.4 kW or 74.3 hp of power at a rated speed of 2200 rpm. The engine offers around 5% more peak torque compared to previous models and features a refined cooling system protecting the engine from overheating. The maximum climbing ability is 27.8 percent.

Lubrication: The engine lubrication system is a forced-feed type, employing a gear pump to circulate oil throughout the engine block and cylinder head, ensuring all moving components are adequately lubricated for reduced friction and prolonged engine life. The system includes a full-flow oil filter to remove contaminants. The hydraulic system features a full-flow reverse filter that filters the oil to the tank at each reverse flow, with rough particles filtered directly via a suction filter, preventing them from entering the oil circuit and ensuring a long service life for all hydraulic components.

Cooling: Engine temperature is regulated by a liquid cooling system with a refined cooling system that protects the engine from overheating and ensures longevity and efficient operation. This system comprises a radiator, a water pump, a thermostat, and a cooling fan. The water pump circulates coolant through the engine jackets to absorb heat, which is then dissipated as it passes through the radiator core. The cooling system maintenance includes checking engine coolant level in the overflow bottle, inspecting coolant condition for excessive contamination or rust or oil in the coolant solution, and checking the radiator cap rubber seal and radiator filler neck for damage.

Drive Train

Transmission: The Clark C55SD is equipped with a two-gear automatic transmission with powershift capability (type W). This transmission allows for smooth and efficient power delivery with reduced operator fatigue during frequent shuttling. Transmission fluid MS-276A is specified for maintenance. The transmission requires fluid changes at 900 hourly or 1 yearly intervals.

Travel Speed: The forklift achieves a laden travel speed of 21.3 km/h or 13.2 mph and an unladen speed of 23.4 km/h or 14.5 mph.

Axles: The front axle is a rigid, drive axle that carries the majority of the load, while the rear axle is a robust steering axle with pivotal bearings mounted in rubber steel elements. The rear axle is designed to oscillate, allowing all wheels to maintain ground contact on uneven surfaces, which is crucial for stability. The wheelbase measures 2100 mm or 82.7 in. The tread width is 1165 mm or 45.9 in for the front, and 1134 mm or 44.6 in for the rear. The drive axle mounting and fasteners require periodic checks.

Brakes: The service brake system is maintenance-free wet disc brakes, providing reliable and controlled stopping power. A power-assisted service brake enables easier operation with more effect. The parking brake is mechanical lever-operated. Brake function checks should ensure the brakes apply smoothly and equally.

Electrical System

The electrical system operates on a 12 V architecture with daily electrical system inspection recommended. The system includes a comprehensive wiring harness connecting all electrical components. The truck may be equipped with PIN code access for enhanced security, ensuring only employees with the current code have access to the vehicle. Additional electrical features include front work lights, and units may be equipped with additional headlights and windscreens depending on configuration. The sound level is reduced thanks to closed fans and optimised cooling.

Wheels and Tires

Wheel Drive: The Clark C55SD features a 2-wheel drive configuration with the option of dual tyres on the drive axle, resulting in a 2(4)x/2 configuration where the front wheels provide the tractive effort.

Wheels: The forklift uses a 2x/2 or 4x/2 wheel configuration depending on whether dual tyres are fitted, meaning two or four wheels on the front axle and two on the rear. The front wheels are the driven wheels. The machine features a robust Clark chassis made from heavy steel for durability.

Tires: This model is fitted with pneumatic tyres as standard (type L). The tyre size for the front is 300 x 15 - 20 PR. The tyre size for the rear is 7.00 x 12 - 14 PR. Dual tyres are available on the drive axle to improve traction and stability when cornering, with tread width increasing to 1288 mm in dual configuration.

The steering system is hydrostatic power steering that eliminates steering kick-back, making manoeuvring the truck effortless for the operator. The system includes a robust steering axle with pivotal bearings mounted in rubber steel elements for stable, vibration-free operation. The double acting steer cylinder ensures precise and direct steering. A priority distributor ensures steering priority in all conditions. Steering system inspection should check for abnormal looseness and damage, leaking seals, and changes in steering action such as hard steering, excessive freeplay, or unusual sound when turning or maneuvering.

Hydraulic System

The hydraulic system is designed for efficient lifting and tilting operations with a high-capacity pump providing adequate oil supply for the upright and the hydrostatic steering. It operates at a maximum operating pressure for attachments of 140 bar or 2030 psi. The system pump delivers a rated flow of up to 35 L/min or 9.2 gpm for attachments. A full-flow reverse filter filters the oil to the tank at each reverse flow, with rough particles filtered directly via a suction filter, preventing them from entering the oil circuit and ensuring a long service life for all hydraulic components.

A priority distributor ensures steering priority in all conditions. Load handling is controlled via a load sensitive-response and precise control valve, with a safety valve providing extra safety and preventing an uncontrolled lowering of the load at all times. The low design of the front of the machine together with a new arrangement of the hydraulic hoses provides very good vision of the forks and of the goods to be transported. Hydraulic fluid MS-68 is specified for maintenance. The hydraulic sump oil filter and breather require changing/replacement at 900 hourly or 1 yearly intervals.

Mast Data

The Clark C55SD can be equipped with various mast types including Standard, Hi-lo, and Triplex versions. Specifications for a standard mast include a lowered height of 2492 mm or 98.1 in. The construction height is 2492 mm or 8.18 ft. The mast has a free lift of 166 mm or 6.5 in, allowing the forks to be raised to this height without increasing the mast's overall height. The standard lift height is 3300 mm or 130 in. The maximum lifting height is 4552 mm or 14.94 ft.

At full lift, the upright extends to a height of 4552 mm or 179.2 in with load backrest. The fork carriage is CLASS IV A according to DIN 15173. The fork carriage width is 1348 mm or 53.1 in, with an alternative of 1678 mm. The load distance from the centreline of the front axle to the front face of forks is 598 mm or 23.5 in. The mast and fork carriage can tilt forward by 8 degrees and backward by 10 degrees to facilitate load handling and secure transport. A fork hydraulic adjustment unit facilitates flexible use and transporting of goods with the most variable load dimensions.

Load Capacity

Load Capacity - 12,125 lb (5,500 kg)
Load Centre - 19.7 in (500 mm)

Performance Data

The lift speed with a load is 0.48 m/s or 94.5 fpm, and without a load, it is 0.57 m/s or 112 fpm. The lowering speed with a load is 0.50 m/s or 98 fpm, and without a load, it is 0.47 m/s or 92.5 fpm. The maximum drawbar pull, or the pulling force, is 40472 N or 9098 lbf when laden and 15023 N or 3377 lbf when unladen. Its gradeability, the ability to ascend a slope with a load, is 27.8 percent maximum climbing ability.

Dimensions and Weight

The overall length of the truck, including the forks, is 4533 mm or 178.5 in, while the length to the face of the forks is 3313 mm or 130.4 in. The overall width is 1400 mm or 55.1 in. The construction height is 2492 mm or 98.1 in. The height of the overhead guard is 2324 mm or 91.5 in. The seat height is 1265 mm or 49.8 in, and the coupling height is 460 mm or 18.1 in. The standard fork dimensions are 60 mm or 2.4 in thick, 150 mm or 5.9 in wide, and 1219 mm or 48 in long.

Ground clearance minimum with load is 177 mm or 6.97 in. Ground clearance at the centre of wheelbase is 221 mm or 8.70 in. The aisle width required for pallets sized 1000 by 1200 mm crossways is 4869 mm or 191.7 in, and for pallets sized 800 by 1200 mm lengthways, it is 5069 mm or 199.6 in. The outer turning radius is 3071 mm or 120.9 in. The internal turning radius is 1020 mm or 40.2 in. The service weight (empty) is 7521 kg or 16581 lb.

Maintenance Data

Daily checks should include engine oil level, coolant level, hydraulic fluid level, and tyre condition and pressure. The machine features maintenance-free wet disc service brakes that require no periodic adjustment. The hydraulic system includes a full-flow reverse filter that filters the oil to the tank at each reverse flow, with rough particles filtered directly via a suction filter to prevent them from entering the oil circuit, ensuring a long service life for all hydraulic components.

Regular service intervals include 50 hourly lift chain maintenance involving inspection and lubrication of the lift chains, checking for rust and corrosion, cracked plates, raised or turned pins, tight joints, and wear. When a section of chain is 3% longer than a section of new chain, the chain is worn and must be discarded.

900 hourly or 1 yearly maintenance includes cleaning and replacing diesel engine air filter, changing diesel fuel filter, changing transmission fluid, cleaning drive axle air vent, checking drive axle mounting and fasteners, lubricating steer axle linkage, and changing/replacing hydraulic sump oil filter and breather.

Engine cooling system maintenance includes checking coolant level in the overflow bottle, inspecting coolant condition for excessive contamination or rust or oil, and checking radiator cap rubber seal and radiator filler neck condition. The steering system should be inspected periodically for abnormal looseness and damage, leaking seals, and changes in steering action. The refined cooling system protects the engine from overheating and ensures longevity and efficient operation.

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