diesel forklifts Archives

Alternative Fuelling for Diesel Forklifts

Posted on 15 February, 202325 July, 2025 by David Priestman

Hyster has introduced new, alternative engine fuelling options which enables its big trucks and A Series IC forklifts to use HVO 100 (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) according to the EN15940 standard. In addition, the H2.0-3.5A A Series lift trucks can use GTL (Gas to Liquid) and BtL (Biomass to Liquid) fuels. These alternatives to diesel may help reduce CO2 emissions by up to 90%, supporting businesses in lowering their carbon footprint.

“While electrification of higher capacity lift trucks is moving forward, it is not yet the right solution for every application,” explains Rob Maris, Product Strategy Manager Big Trucks for Hyster Europe. “The initial cost of electric lift trucks along with the infrastructure and charging upgrades required can often delay adoption. And for the largest trucks, battery and hydrogen fuel cell technology simply isn’t there yet.”

“Switching to greener fuel types, such as HVO100, may offer a stop-gap solution for some businesses to reduce their carbon footprint while moving towards electrification,” Rob continues. HVO is a paraffinic bio-based liquid fuel originating from many kinds of vegetable oils, such as rapeseed, sunflower, and soybean oil, as well as animal fats. It can be used in conventional diesel engines, pure or blended with fossil diesel (Petro diesel). However, some minor modifications may be required in the fuelling systems due to the ethanol content.

Hyster A Series models are also capable of running on GTL and BtL fuel types. GTL is an alternative fuel derived from natural gas, which may produce fewer emissions and pollutants than conventional crude oil-based diesel. BtL fuels are synthetic fuels made from biomass – generally from solid biomass such as firewood, organic waste and animal meal. They may reduce emissions of particulate, hydrocarbons, CO, and CO2.

Hyster A Series lift trucks can be delivered ex-factory, readily equipped for use with alternative fuels. To enable HVO 100 to be used with Hyster Big Trucks, Empty Container Handlers, or ReachStackers, an aftermarket kit has been made available.

The solution supports compliance with Tier III, Tier IV, and Stage V emissions regulations and can be easily applied in the field, or factory-fitted for new equipment. Nitrile Rubber (NBR) seals in the fuel system replaced with FKM seals; a fluorinated, carbon-based synthetic rubber with long-term resistance to the effects of ethanol. Current fuel lines and other components used already have good resistance to the long-term effects of HVO.

Depending on the application and duty cycle, a fuel economy reduction of up to 0 – 6 percent on Big Trucks is also possible, compared to regular diesel fuel. At the same time, using HVO100 has no negative impact on a lift truck’s existing emissions improvement technologies, such as Diesel Oxidation Catalysts (DOC), Diesel Particulate Filters (DPF) or Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) systems. These alternative fuels also have no adverse effects on the durability of lift truck and container handler engine components, while delivering similar engine power output.
“Making HVO 100 a fuel option for Big Trucks is one of many Hyster projects relating to power options,” says Rob. “We continue to explore and provide new solutions to help businesses manage emissions from handling equipment at every stage of the journey towards electrification.”

Upgraded Forklift Cab for Hyundai Heavy

Posted on 14 February, 202329 July, 2025 by David Priestman

Hyundai Material Handling has unveiled a range of Heavy Line diesel forklift trucks, with an improved cab environment, EU Stage V emissions-compliant engines and the option of Hyundai’s HiMate telematic monitoring system. There are 10 models on offer, with lift capacities of 7-30 tonnes and they build on the successful launch last year of the lighter models in the diesel forklift line-up.

Features include:
1. Ten machines with lift capacities of 7-30 tonnes
2. Improved cab environment with additional space and visibility
3. EU Stage V Hyundai and Cummins diesel engines
4. Load sensing Main Control Valves for improved operator control and efficiency
5. Hyundai HiMate telematics deliver fleet management solution

Operator comfort
Designed after extensive consultation with customers, Hyundai’s next generation forklift cab features a revised console layout and a smaller steering wheel, to deliver increased working space for the operator. A one-piece constant radius windscreen provides improved forward visibility without edge distortion, while fully glazed doors also contribute to a reduced in-cab noise level, cut by up to 5.9dB. A new console incorporates a colour display with easy access buttons for regularly used functions. The multifunction screen delivers relevant machine operating data and can provide in-cab service alert and diagnostic codes when required. A second 7” display shows the rear view camera images.

The new load sensing Main Control Valve provides increased control, with fingertip levers delivering improved response to operator input. As an option, you can choose for an air suspended seat or a swivel seat which can be rotated 20° to the left and 10° to the right, for improved reverse direction visibility and to ease access to the cab. For models from 12T and up the premium seat has both air suspension and swivel.

All of the Heavy Line models are powered by EU Stage V diesel engines, from Hyundai and Cummins, offering improved performance and reduced emissions. The Cummins B Series engines no longer require Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR), simplifying service and maintenance on the heavier models. These machines also boast an engine power button in the cab, that allows the operator to choose between Standard (80%) or Power (100%) settings, according to the demands of the application, reducing fuel consumption when full power is not required.

Improved serviceability
With an electrically powered side-tilting cab structure, access to the powertrain is simplified, for ease of regular maintenance. Fuel filter life has been extended from 500 to 1,000 hours, while long-life hydraulic oil now means change intervals can be extended to 5,000 hours, reducing cost of ownership and downtime for the customer.

Heavy Line forklifts are equipped with two levels of Hyundai’s proven HiMate telematics system as an option, using GPS technology to transmit data to allow remote monitoring and diagnostics. The standard HiMate system provides real-time monitoring of machine location and operating information, with geofencing alerts delivering an additional level of security against machine theft or unauthorised use. The premium HiMate adds driver access control through code or card, fully customisable start-up questionnaires, drive style monitoring and collision detection.

Machines with a Cummins engine can also be optioned with Engine Connected Diagnostics, supplied in cooperation with the engine manufacturer, delivering tailored maintenance and remote troubleshooting, further reducing the possibility of costly downtime for the customer.

Superior productivity
Hyundai’s Heavy Line diesel forklift range starts with the 7-tonne 70D-9V, running through to the 30-tonne capacity 300D-9VC. With an extensive line-up of 10 models, there is now a dedicated machine to meet every customer operation, in a wide variety of materials handling sectors.

“We have really listened to the needs of our customers to develop these Heavy Line machines,” said Christopher Thompson, Head of Sales at Hyundai Materials Handling. “These new forklifts deliver an improved driver’s ‘office’ in the cab and increased access through HiMate in the fleet manager’s office. Our next generation forklifts put the operator and the fleet manager in control.”

Cleaner, compliant forklift engines

Posted on 5 August, 202125 July, 2025 by David Priestman

Toyota Material Handling has announced that its top selling Tonero range of counterbalanced forklift trucks is now offered with newly-developed Stage V compliant diesel and LPG engines.

Toyota’s own in-house design team has been working on the development of the ultra-clean and highly fuel-efficient diesel (1ZS) and LPG (4Y-ECS) engines for almost five years, and the engines are not only designed by Toyota – the company builds them too.

Toyota’s Sales Training and Product Development Manager, Sam Gray, comments: “Toyota is one of the very few forklift manufacturers with the engineering expertise and market commitment to design and produce its own range of industrial engines. Whereas many others choose to outsource the key aspect of engine development, Toyota is proud to develop and build lift truck engines in-house.”

The engines, combined with other engineering advances incorporated within the design of the Toyota Tonero Stage V range, deliver a host of environmental benefits. For example, thanks in part to the integration of a diesel particulate filter (DPF) within the diesel engine and the introduction of a three-way catalytic exhaust system for the LPG trucks, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbon, particulate matter and nitrogen oxide emissions have all been dramatically reduced.

In fact, emissions from both the diesel- and LPG-fuelled Tonero Stage V forklift ranges are now so minimal that they are notably lower than the levels set out by the European Commission in its Stage V emissions standards for non-road mobile machinery (NRMM). The new range is also exceptionally fuel efficient – which, of course, is environmentally beneficial and also leads to a significant reduction in forklift running costs. The cost savings are particularly impressive when calculated over a truck’s lifetime.

When it comes to productivity, the Toyota Tonero Stage V range has been designed to ensure that users benefit from maximum truck uptime. For instance, the trucks require minimal maintenance, while service intervals have been increased, and when maintenance work does have to be carried out, the Tonero’s new, lean design enables engineers to access vital components quickly and easily – which means that servicing is completed efficiently and truck downtime is minimised.

Uptime is further enhanced by the diesel particulate filter’s automatic regeneration feature which means that DPF service intervals are long, up to 6,000 hours of operation. Meanwhile, the three-way catalytic exhaust system used on the LPG-engine Tonero Stage V is completely maintenance free.

Like all Toyota models, the new Tonero range delivers outstanding driveability. Low noise and vibrations help keep the truck operator comfortable throughout his or her shift, while the introduction of a new simple and intuitive dashboard display along with ergonomically positioned controls combine to give an added boost to operator efficiency and truck productivity.

The new Stage V engine is one of the keys to the exceptional levels of performance offered by Toyota’s recently updated and enhanced Tonero HST family of hydrostatic IC engine counterbalance forklift trucks.

The powerful hydrostatic LPG and diesel engines provide smooth, controllable yet rapid acceleration and allow the trucks to switch direction of travel from forward to reverse quickly and fluently – making the Toyota Tonero HST range ideally suited to busy operations that involve a lot of shunting work and where large volumes of goods have to be loaded and unloaded speedily, efficiently and safely.

Toyota’s Sam Gray added: “The new Tonero and Tonero HST models include many new features and improvements that meet customers’ requirements in terms of quality, driveability and safety. We strive to continue developing increasingly efficient IC-engine counterbalanced lift trucks with lower emission levels that minimise the total cost of ownership.”

New Diesel ‘Smart’ Forklift Trucks

Posted on 27 November, 2020 by David Priestman

Hyundai Material Handling has introduced its new 9V diesel ‘smart’ forklift trucks.The new range boasts a lot of ‘smart’ features, while complying with European Stage V emission levels, and offering best standard warranty in the industry.

In their mission of ‘Moving you Further’, Hyundai’s engineers have aimed for a ground-breaking level of customer satisfaction by delivering maximum fuel efficiency, enhanced productivity, extra safety features, improved uptime, whilst maintaining great driver comfort. These new generation forklifts, ranging from the 2.5 to 3.5 ton lifting capacity (Diesel 9V series), to the 3.5 to 5 ton (Diesel 9VB/VC series) machines, have become a perfect example of this approach. They represent trucks that by far exceed the market requirements by delivering smart features on all important criteria while complying with the European stage V emission levels.

Major topics like fuel efficiency, productivity, safety, convenience and improved uptime are key in this new forklift range. To support these ‘smart’ features, Hyundai Material Handling comes up with the best standard warranty in the industry. In addition to the forklift standard warranty of 2 years/3000 hours, the new Hyundai powertrain benefits from an additional 1000 hours, giving the powertrain a warranty of 2 years/4000 hours.

Commenting on the new diesel forklift trucks series Christopher Thompson, Head of Sales Western Europe for Material Handling, said: “Our new Stage V ‘Packed with Smartness’-range of diesel forklifts demonstrates Hyundai’s commitment to continuous product development in response to the needs of our European customers.

“Our new stage V engines offer significant improvements in fuel efficiency along with easy maintenance, resulting in lower operating costs. However, this is not the end of the story. We also took this opportunity to develop new and enhanced features which have a positive impact on driver comfort, safety and performance. Add to this the best standard warranty in the industry and you know that Hyundai Material Handling is a reliable ‘go to’ partner”.

Christopher Thompson was appointed Head of Sales earlier this year

New Diesel ‘Smart’ Forklift Trucks

Posted on 27 November, 202025 July, 2025 by David Priestman

Christopher Thompson was appointed Head of Sales earlier this year

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