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Tag: forklift technology

Yale Launches Outdoor Reach Truck

Posted on by David Priestman

Yale Lift Truck Technologies has launched a new Outdoor Reach Truck, which it says applies smart design to meet the operational needs of logistics businesses. The Yale MRO16-20 will reliably support warehousing and distribution applications which incorporate both indoor and outdoor storage and handling areas.

“The materials handling industry is evolving, and so are the challenges that come with it for our customers,” says Gianbattista Scaramuzza, Senior Product Strategy Manager, Warehouse Products at Yale Lift Truck Technologies. “With the new Outdoor Reach Truck, we’re using tried and tested design and technology to provide a solution for industries where outdoor storage and activities are increasingly becoming an extension of the warehousing and intralogistics operations.”

The Yale MRO16-20 is positioned to aid the streamlining of vehicle-to-warehouse movements by combining the functionality of two traditional trucks into one product.

The multipurpose MRO16-20 Outdoor Reach Truck can handle goods as a counterbalance truck would and reach up to 7.5m in height, allowing operators to perform both functions with just one forklift.

Scaramuzza explained: “The Yale MRO16-20 enables warehouse managers to consolidate their fleet. Combining the use of Super Elastic tyres with the design philosophy of a reach truck, this new outdoor reach truck is ideal for sites with mixed indoor and outdoor applications.”

Smooth Transition

The Outdoor Reach Truck is designed to transition from outdoor movement of goods to indoor stacking and picking. One of the main features of the Yale MR016-20 is the Super Elastic tyres, which offer a comfortable ride for the driver and place less stress on the truck’s components.

The MRO Series is available with a number of configurable options to tailor it to its working environment. An example is the optional air suspended seat, where operators can enjoy high levels of comfort that could increase overall productivity.

Customers can choose between a lead-acid or a lithium-ion battery to power their MRO Series Outdoor Reach Trucks.

Telescopic forks are also available as an option, allowing the loading and unloading of lorries to take place all from one side and giving warehouse planners additional options thanks to dual deep lay outs.

The Yale MRO16-20 trucks can be fitted with Pedestrian Awareness Lights to warn people that a reach truck is in the area, while the Side Red Line system alerts others of their proximity to the truck. A working light assists visibility in dark environments, helping productivity and the easy handling of goods.

“We understand that uptime and productivity are essential in warehousing and intralogistics. We believe that this multi-functional concept, with the use of Super Elastic tyres and other key features, will prove to be very useful for businesses needing to operate both indoors and outdoors,” added Scaramuzza. “Yale is continually evolving to meet the challenges of the industry and the needs of its customers. The launch of the Yale MRO16-20 is part of that evolution.”

IFOY Test Report: STILL PXV

Posted on by Keith McKinley

The second IFOY Award 2023 entry for STILL is its PXV vertical order picker. We take a closer look at it as we race towards Thursday’s winner announcement in Dortmund.

The PXV vertical order picker inspires with performance, reach height, safety and comfort in a new dimension. Whether in wide or narrow aisle warehouses, employees can pick loads at working heights of up to 14.5m.

IFOY category: Warehouse Truck “highlifter”

IFOY Test Report

With its PXV, STILL launches a new generation of high-lift order pickers that fits into the current development. Megatrends such as urbanisation, increasing e-commerce and retail logistics require more storage space, but there is no room to expand warehouses. The gain lies in storage densification, i.e., narrower aisles and higher storage.

With the successor to the EK-X, STILL is literally reaching for higher ground. With a reach height of 14.5m, the new high-lift order picker makes it 2.5m higher than its predecessor. A plus that in practice corresponds to two storage levels. To enable this gripping height, the chassis has been modified. The design is much stiffer and features stronger profiles. The new, V-shaped chassis can be better adapted to the width of the cab and improves steering behaviour.

In addition to more efficient use of space and higher storage density, STILL engineers have addressed ergonomics and operator comfort. A significant improvement can be found in the lift mast. There, the central free lift cylinder has been replaced by two cylinders positioned behind the mast profiles. The operator’s view is thus significantly better. As an option, the free stroke can even be dispensed with. With this unique option, a triple mast reaches the highest position much faster  ̶  without interruptions and with significantly more comfort for the operator. Especially in combination with the iGo pilot navigation assistance system, this can provide significant benefits in practice.

The display is also new, at least for the high-lift order pickers. STILL has already used it on the MX-X and RX series, increasing uniformity and ease of use. In the IFOY test, the display is mounted on the mast side of the truck. If desired, the display can also be mounted on the fork side.

During the driving impression, the IFOY test team noticed that the PXV is much smoother to operate compared to the EK-X. The truck vibrates less, is quieter and this gives additional safety during operation. In addition, the truck lifts faster and is easier to position. The new silver-grey colour scheme of the cabin also makes the workplace seem much more spacious. The PXV is faster and easier to position on the induction wire. The display helps with colour coding and good signalling. Lifting and lowering speeds are higher.

The IFOY truck has a Li-ion battery and the integrated easy charging system for quick and easy connection of the stacker to the charger. Compared to the previous model, the number of practical storage options has increased. There is even an integrated waste bin. The outward-sloping doors, already familiar from the EK-X, make it easier for order pickers to pick deeper into the racks. On the PXV, the doors are reinforced and available for retrofitting.

Unique to this type of truck is the ability to activate the main and initial strokes simultaneously. This allows for higher throughput. Thanks to the easy-touch function, the initial lift can be activated with just one touch of a button. The fork then automatically lowers to a pre-set level while the picker is already picking the next order.

IFOY test verdict: The STILL PXV is a comfortable truck that can be easily adapted to changing conditions. The truck is quieter, more powerful and offers a more comfortable workplace than its predecessor. The improved visibility on the mast side is unique for high-lift order pickers, while the free-lift models provide faster and jerk-free operation without mast transitions.

IFOY Innovation Check

Market relevance: The ever-increasing shift towards e-commerce and goods handling in the retail sector in general are leading to increasingly greater storage heights and increasing demands on the performance of order-picking tasks. The STILL PXV achieves new records with its characteristics to meet these requirements, which means that it is highly relevant to the market.

Customer benefit: Maximising handling performance, comfort and flexibility is what STILL’s new PXV stands for, leaving hardly any wish unanswered. The unique maximum picking height of 14.5m for the model without free lift opens up new possibilities in terms of warehouse height and thus space utilisation. Flexible use across warehouses is also possible with variants with free lift, to name just one of the numerous configuration options. With the large dimensions, customers can still benefit from the high travel and lifting speeds for high-performance operation. In addition, the STILL assistance systems, iGo pilot navigation and safety can further optimise time savings while ensuring a high level of safety in the workflow.

Novelty / Innovation: The main innovation with the PXV is simply the technical data, which sets new standards for order pickers and thus broadens the horizon for warehouse design. The highly efficient operation at this picking height is unique on the market. In addition, the innovations lie in the implementation of assistance systems, which considerably simplify compartment approaches, make driving and lifting movements safer and order picking more comfortable.

Functionality / Type of implementation: With the proper finish of the entire machine, STILL lives up to its reputation and shows with the PXV that development has not yet come to an end. The configuration options of the model series are diverse and go as far as aspects of sustainability, whereby the trucks can be prepared accordingly for refurbishing so that configuration changes are easily possible. A regenerative lowering movement is standard, in addition to a variety of options that are available.

Verdict: An order picker with new maxima that can compete at the top of this category.

Market relevance +
Customer benefit ++
Novelty / Innovation +
Functionality / Type of implementation +
[KEY: ++ very good / + good / Ø balanced / – less / — not available]

 

IFOY Test Report: Jungheinrich addedVIEW

Posted on by Keith McKinley

As we move closer towards the moment when the IFOY Awards are handed out in Dortmund on June 22nd, we continue our look at all of the 2023 finalists and share the verdict from the IFOY test conducted during the evaluation by an expert jury in March. Our next entry is the second from Jungheinrich AG, its addedVIEW fork camera with barcode scanning.

The Jungheinrich addedVIEW fully digital fork camera with barcode scanning reduces storage/retrieval errors in the warehouse. It prevents incorrectly recorded goods or storage locations in the warehouse management system (WMS) and thus unplanned search times, returns or loss of goods.

IFOY category: Special of the Year

IFOY Test Report

In technical terms, the device is the first fully digital fork camera in series production, with full HD resolution, broadband automotive Ethernet data transmission and software for transferring the results to any WMS. For the Jungheinrich WMS, the product is equipped with additional intelligence that, with the help of coloured overlays in the camera image, makes it possible to recognise whether the correct or incorrect barcode is located in front of the fork as it passes by. In addition, an acknowledgement button is located near the steering wheel. This keeps the forklift driver’s hands on the controls of the industrial truck. The driver does not have to reach for the scanner, scan and put the mobile device back every time.

Scanning on-site at the storage compartment and/or the goods avoids scanning incorrect barcodes from a list at the rack foot, ensuring the WMS always receives correct data and avoiding incorrect deliveries. The high-resolution, digitally enhanced image allows labels to be read at high altitudes, bypassing the need to unstack incorrect merchandise.

By scanning with the fork-mounted camera, the location of the goods movement and the location of the scan coincide. This drastically reduces putaway/retrieval errors. Examples include putting away wrong goods but scanning the “right” barcode expected by the WMS, or taking out wrong goods but scanning the “right” barcode expected by the WMS. The camera, data transmission, image processing, forwarding to the WMS and, as in the case of Jungheinrich, the WMS itself were all newly developed or expanded – into an integrated series solution.

IFOY test verdict: The integrated series solution is unique on the market, because the addedVIEW fork camera with barcode scanning gets to the root of a previously unsolvable basic problem in logistics and offers a practical and effective solution. The previously described problem of incorrect storage is particularly pronounced in reach trucks, as mix-ups can occur in high-bay warehouses due to the large number of uniform storage locations and the low clarity in the upper rack levels. Depending on the type, 20-40% of reach trucks have tine cameras, are connected to a WMS via a radio data terminal and use handheld scanners for posting. These industrial truck operators will benefit from the innovation. But forklift drivers will also benefit from the image quality and the ergonomic acknowledgement function on the steering wheel.

IFOY Innovation Check

Market relevance: The management of goods on pallets or similar in larger warehouses with the help of reach trucks and barcodes concerns a very large area of logistics, which is why the market relevance is considered to be high. The presented digital camera-based system represents an enormous step towards the improvement of such systems, as errors are largely eliminated, positioning is supported and a large time-saving potential is associated with it.

Customer benefit: Users of the addedVIEW fork camera benefit in a very direct way from this system, which goes well beyond the camera itself by integrating it into the warehouse management system (WMS). Manual barcode scanning is no longer necessary, as direct identification of the barcodes is made possible by the high resolution of the camera. The comparison with the WMS, implemented in the background, provides direct information about the correctness of the goods or storage location. Thus, faulty storage or retrieval is reduced to a minimum or can be practically excluded. Furthermore, there are no wrong trips or unnecessary times in which incorrectly stored goods have to be searched for. All in all, this can result in a significant increase in the efficiency of the warehouse system for the user.

Novelty / Innovation: The integrated solution of a digital camera presented by Jungheinrich combines visual use with the possibility of scanning barcodes and processing them in the WMS for the first time in the field of material handling equipment. Although the individual technologies do not represent a novelty in themselves, the combination in this exemplary implementation is to be regarded as highly innovative. The challenges in the development, which in some respects reside in the details, were systematically solved. One example is the realised data transmission via the automotive Ethernet cable, which was applied to the variable geometry of the mast and which, with a total length of 30m, nevertheless guarantees a safe and fast transmission.

Functionality / Type of implementation: The components of the implemented system appear in a very robust design and thus meet requirements for durability in operation. The camera is mounted on the inside of the fork, which makes damage unlikely. Likewise, the transmission cable appears to be more than able to withstand the constant bending loads due to its specially developed design.

Verdict: The addedVIEW fork camera is convincing in every respect. Its market lead is clear.

Market relevance +
Customer benefit ++
Novelty / Innovation ++
Functionality / Type of implementation ++
[KEY: ++ very good / + good / Ø balanced / – less / — not available]

IFOY Test Report: Crown SP 1500

Posted on by Keith McKinley

With just a few weeks to go until the IFOY Awards are handed out in Dortmund on June 22nd, we continue our look at all of the 2023 finalists and share the verdict from the IFOY test conducted during the evaluation by an expert jury in March. Our next entry is the SP 1500 series order picker from Crown.

Category: Warehouse truck “highlifter”

IFOY Test Report

The SP 1500 is Crown’s latest high-lift order picker. It offers a load capacity of up to 1,250kg, driving speeds of up to 12km/h and a maximum lift speed of 0.71m/s at lift heights of up to 11.2m. To meet market demands, Crown redesigned the entire platform ̶ based on feedback from 250 customer surveys worldwide. The result is greater comfort, better handling, and more customisation options for users. The only element in the cab that has not changed is the Gena system, although the display now runs a new generation of software.

Thanks to the Work Assist Rail, numerous customised solutions allow the operator to set up the workstation entirely as desired. In the current configuration, however, this is only possible with tools. The safety doors that provide access to the booth have been renewed and are now easier to operate. The cab itself is 150mm higher so that even tall operators do not feel trapped as quickly or hindered by peripheral equipment attached to the Work Assist.

For the first time in high lift trucks, Crown offers the option of a dual configuration that allows the operator to control the truck from either side of the cab. The controls feature active sensing: When the right-hand control unit is gripped, the left-hand unit will be automatically activated. Thanks to the clever positioning of the controls, all hydraulic functions can be operated in a single movement. The steering wheel is tiltable and can be adjusted and operated in both horizontal (European) and vertical position (standard in the USA). The two control units on the mast side are also height-adjustable. Also new are the bright LED lights on the sides of the cabin contours. These illuminate the picking positions in the often dark aisles and give the operator an even better view of the goods.

During the IFOY test drive, it is obvious that visibility is optimised to an unprecedented degree on the SP 1500. A standard centre window, unique to these trucks, provides unsurpassed downward visibility even from great heights. Two large viewing windows are also present on the fork side, while the cab floor features grilles that provide optimal visibility without requiring the operator to leave the safe contours of the truck. For the first time on high-lift order pickers, Crown has also included a panoramic skylight that also optimises upward visibility.

The IFOY test team would have liked to have seen the central lift cylinder also replaced with two cylinders recessed into the mast for even better visibility during the extensive visibility optimisation. According to Crown, this will be considered in a future optimisation. In addition, a central cylinder that is up to 100mm shorter than the previous one would be sufficient now.

Another improvement expected in future forklift models, especially in Europe, is a footplate that acts as a dead man’s switch as a whole. At present, the SP 1500 is equipped with a large dead-man’s button, which is also much more convenient than that of its predecessor.

Another innovation is found under the battery cover. In addition to 24V units, Crown now supplies the SP 1500 with 48V batteries (from 432Ah to 960Ah). For example, for application situations where a higher residual capacity is required or a longer operating time is needed. The 48V batteries significantly increase the truck’s performance and enable, among other things, high-performance lifting. Here, the lifting speed increases to up to 0.71m/s. The standard lifting speed is already 0.58m/s, which is well above the market average. Another standard feature is regenerative lowering of the mast for greater energy efficiency.

IFOY test verdict: The SP 1500 high-lift order picker is the new standard for efficient order picking. Visibility and clarity are industry-leading and bring the greatest benefits. But the numerous customisation options to configure the workstation entirely according to your needs are also unique.

IFOY Innovation Check

Market relevance: With the SP 1500, Crown is setting new standards within order picking applications, which are increasing due to more and more demands. Increasing requirements for performance, efficiency and ergonomics in e-commerce and retail are therefore leading to high market relevance.

Customer benefit: Using the completely new model, the performance data of the SP 1500 can convince all across the board. With a lift height of over 10m at high travel and lifting speeds, a clear increase in performance can be expected. The unique ergonomics with a large number of configuration options, which were developed from studies conducted directly at the customer’s premises, are another key feature. The different aisle widths, the uniquely individually adjustable operation and the excellent field of vision are particularly worthy of mention. This without a doubt increases comfort for customers while at the same time ensuring a high level of safety during order-picking.

Novelty / Innovation: In addition to the increased performance characteristics, Crown is showing some innovative features that have a high degree of novelty in this area. Due to the high lift height, regenerative lowering could be used sensibly for the first time to increase energy efficiency, whereby low conversion efficiency is to be expected due to the hydraulic-electric-generative solution. A very impressive feature is the operator’s area, which provides the right adjustability for every body size and ensures visibility of all vehicle boundaries even at maximum lift height thanks to the viewing openings in the floor and the centre window.

Functionality / Type of implementation: The SP 1500 delivers what it promised on paper and appears in an outstandingly solid design. In every respect, it offers adjustment possibilities that promise comfortable work and even address the different needs of the European and American markets. For example, the steering wheel can be switched between vertical and horizontal in the simplest way, which underlines the universality of the truck with this exemplary detail.

Verdict: Crown’s SP 1500 convinces in every respect and is ahead in the market comparison.

Market relevance +
Customer benefit ++
Novelty / Innovation +
Functionality / Type of implementation ++
[KEY: ++ very good / + good / Ø balanced / – less / — not available]

 

Clark Europe Names New BDM

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Holger Schmitz has been the new Business Development Manager at Clark Europe in Duisburg with effect from April 2023. His new area of responsibility includes expanding the dealer network in Europe as well as supporting the Clark Regional Managers.

Holger Schmitz is no stranger to Clark. His professional career took him to the then Mülheim-based materials handling vehicles manufacturer back in 2000. A traineeship was followed by a permanent position in the internal sales department. In 2003, he moved to Pramac Lifter, where he worked as a dealer advisor. From 2007 until recently, Schmitz was employed by Doosan Industrial Vehicle Europe as County Manager and managed the German branches as well as the sales activities in the DACH region and Eastern Europe.

“We are delighted to have Holger Schmitz back on board and wish him every success in his new role,” says Rolf Eiten, President and CEO at Clark Europe. “The expansion of the Clark dealer network is one of our key objectives alongside the expansion of the product range. We want to position ourselves better and better not only on the European market, but worldwide. For this, we not only need new dealers, but also more efficient ones.”

As Business Development Manager, Holger Schmitz reports to Stefan Budweit, Director Sales & Marketing at Clark Europe.

 

Yale Reveals New Lift Truck Identity

Posted on by David Priestman

Yale Materials Handling has changed its brand name to Yale Lift Truck Technologies. The rebranding reflects the company’s emphasis on technology-enabled lift trucks for warehouse and intralogistics operations, delivered through a strong network of independent dealers.

Yale says the rebrand highlights how it is responding to ever-changing market conditions and demands, whilst emphasising its strengths in providing solutions for customers’ needs.

“The intralogistics landscape is in a state of growth and innovation, particularly across Europe, Middle East and Africa,” explains Stewart Murdoch (pictured), Senior Vice President, Managing Director – EMEA, Hyster-Yale Group. “As supply-chains evolve ever faster, Yale is also evolving to support customers and provide bespoke solutions to meet their challenges.”

Yale specialises in developing lift-trucks and the integration of technology. This combined with its heritage, knowledge, and working with its dealer partners, enables it to deliver the perfect fit for customers. “The brand name Yale Lift Truck Technologies reflects the way we are evolving with our customers to deliver the right solutions for their application-specific needs,” said Murdoch.

The new brand name is founded on a smart design philosophy and technology integration. This builds on Yale’s 100-year-long heritage of designing and manufacturing reliable lift truck technologies which keep evolving to meet the challenges facing today’s industries.

As part of the rebrand, there is a new logo and visual identity for Yale Lift Truck Technologies. The new logo is representative of the Yale ’Y’, the ‘boxes’ it moves for customers, and ‘arrows’ to indicate its desire to help customers with upward growth and increased productivity while pushing down costs.

Yale and its network of dealer partners are focused on customer success and supporting productivity, efficiency, and sustainability in the fast-changing intralogistics market. “Flexible, high-quality service and fast adoption of innovations will be key for meeting the perpetually increasing need for faster delivery times in our customers’ warehouses,” said Murdoch.

Yale has an established record of technology-driven lift truck solutions. This includes a full line of lift trucks and warehouse trucks, robotic lift trucks, various power options for electrification, next-generation operator assist technology and customer-specific solutions. All delivered to customers through its dealer partners.

Yale’s dealer partners create long-lasting, successful relationships with customers. This ensures that the right advice and flexible solutions can be delivered to warehouse and intralogistics operations, every time they are needed. Through them, Yale also delivers top-class maintenance and service support. “Our independent dealer partners allow Yale to focus on what we do best – the design and manufacture of innovative, reliable, and efficient lift truck technologies that last. While our dealer partners bring an in-depth understanding of what it takes to make our customers successful,” concluded Murdoch.

 

Linde Motion Detection assistance system wins industry award

Posted on by David Priestman

This year’s winner of MM Maschinenmarkt’s “Best of Industry Award” in the Warehouse Equipment category is not a vehicle, but an assistance system. The “Linde Motion Detection” solution from intralogistics specialist Linde Material Handling protects pedestrians by registering movement behind a stationary forklift and preventing it from starting up. In this way, both operational safety and a productive operating process are taken into account, so that forklift drivers, warehouse staff and fleet operators all benefit at the end of the day.

From the time the competition was launched in 2016, there have never been more contestants participating in the “Best of Industry Award”. A total of 190 entries in 24 categories were received by MM Maschinenmarkt, a trade journal that is part of the Vogel Communications Group based in Würzburg. This year, the winners were decided exclusively by online voting, which ran for five months. During this period almost 20,000 votes were cast. Innovations and further developed solutions that were launched on the market between June 2021 and March 2022 qualified for submission.

Assistance system prevents truck from moving

“The fact that accidents, some of them serious, occur time and again in in-house transport is a truism,” said Bernd Maienschein, specialist editor of MM Logistik, at the online awards ceremony on 12th December. “Linde Motion Detection focuses in particular on movement behind the truck. When the system detects movement, it automatically prevents the truck from reversing and warns the driver via the display. Optionally, this warning can also be given acoustically.

“The vehicle can only be driven once the hazardous situation has been resolved and the accelerator pedal has been actively returned to its initial position. This safety measure triggered by Linde Motion Detection results in fewer accidents and – not to be overlooked – higher productivity in terms of the work equipment,” the editor adds.

“We are delighted that the Linde assistance system was chosen as a winner and see this as confirmation that we are on the right track with our efforts to improve safety in in-house material flow,” Fabian Zimmermann, Product Manager Safety, commented enthusiastically on the award. “This recognition from customers and industry experts motivates us to continue on our chosen path. It makes it clear just how crucially important the topic of safety is to operations. Many thanks to everyone who voted for Linde Motion Detection.”

 

Hubtex enhances PhoeniX range with silence pump

Posted on by David Priestman

Industrial truck manufacturer Hubtex is expanding its PhoeniX range with the introduction of the new PhoeniX 2825 Series. The electric multidirectional sideloader for handling long, heavy and bulky goods has been enhanced with a revolutionary piece of kit: A silence pump that reduces operating noise by up to 10dBA.

Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, the 2825 Series covers a broad range of applications in narrow aisles, for the automotive, aluminium and wood industries among others. The low-noise truck comes with an impressive array of features, including a choice of three driver’s cabins.

The modular system of the PhoeniX electric multidirectional sideloader consists of a basic model, which can be gradually expanded by adding additional features. And now Hubtex is set to enhance the modular system even further with the PhoeniX 2825 for load capacities of 3t to 4.5t.

Silence pump enhances working environment

“When it comes to reducing operating noise, the PhoeniX 2825 truly excels. This is thanks to the silence pump, which will be integrated as standard for this series of trucks in the future,” explains Hans-Joachim Finger, Managing Director of Sales and Purchasing at Hubtex. The feature particularly enhances the day-to-day working environment of the truck operators, since the noise level is significantly lower.

At full load, the pump is approximately 8dBA quieter, and in the lower load range the noise level can be reduced by as much as 10dBA. This lowers the frequency of the operating noise and makes it much more bearable for the workers. If the load is very high, an internal gear pump can still be installed. It is also possible to switch between pump types in existing Hubtex trucks without any problems.

Optional features

The PhoeniX 2825 is the successor to the 2125 Series. Described by Hubtex as a true all-rounder that can be used both indoors and out for high-volume applications in the 3t to 4.5t range, the truck is also optimally equipped for loading and unloading trucks carrying aluminium profiles or long wooden materials, for example. With a frame length of just 2,440mm and a wide range of optional features to enhance the truck, the compact powerhouse can lend itself to any task.

Hubtex says the ergonomics and design are first-rate. Users have a choice of three cabins in different sizes, which, in combination with the short frame length, provide optimal panoramic views and improved visibility. The truck can also reach lift heights of up to 8,500mm. Yet even this parameter can be enhanced to meet customer requirements thanks to the high degree of customisation of the modular system. Last but not least, the PhoeniX 2825 boasts electric steering, which allows longer operating times due to its lower energy consumption.

 

Hyster big trucks: productive with reduced emissions 

Posted on by David Priestman

Hyster 8-18 tonne capacity lift trucks include Stage V engines to help businesses comply with emissions legislation while heightening productivity and lowering the Total Cost of Ownership.

The new H8-18XD series of Hyster Big Trucks features Stage V engines and delivers low running costs in terms of fuel and AdBlue® consumption, with no compromise on performance or durability.

“We are constantly evolving our range of Hyster solutions, according to technological developments, changes in legislation, and above all, our customers’ needs,” says Jan-Willem van den Brand, Direct Global Market Development Big Trucks. “Customers can expect high uptime and low TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) in demanding applications where cost pressures are having a big impact.”

Tyre repair and replacement is in fact the second largest cost for most materials handling operations. For this reason, the Hyster trucks feature an adjustable maximum steering angle. This decreases friction when the operator selects the reduced angle, resulting in reduced tyre wear and cost.

Hyster service intervals

“A key way to increase productivity and maximise the profitability of an operation is to prevent downtime for service and maintenance,” says van den Brand. “Therefore, improved serviceability is built into the design of all models in the series.”

The service intervals on the new Stage V engine have increased from 500 hours to 1000 hours. In accordance with regulations, the new Hyster trucks use a combination of a Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR), a Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) like AdBlue and a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF). For easy access, both after-treatment units are packed in one box and conveniently positioned on the outside of the truck.

To speed up general maintenance and minimise downtime, the truck series is designed with easy service access, with a display providing key truck performance data and on-board diagnostics on one clear screen.

The Hyster H8-18XD truck series is available with a variety of wheelbase sizes.  Businesses can specify a truck for optimal manoeuvrability in tight spaces, boosting productivity and reducing tyre wear. Where space isn’t an issue, applications can select a model with a larger outer turning radius and lower truck weight to help reduce fuel consumption and costs.

Different truck configurations are available, as well as special engineering options, to accommodate other application-specific requirements, from a reversing fan to improve cooling in dusty paper or construction operations, or different handling attachments to accommodate the load variation encountered in the wood industry.

Good Design Award

The truck series also features a redesigned front end and operator-friendly XD cabin, for which the Hyster H16XD-6 lift truck received a 2020 GOOD DESIGN Award.

“The cab and front-end design focuses on visibility, ergonomics and comfort to help drive operator productivity throughout an entire shift,” says van den Brand. “Not only is a comfortable operator often more productive, but comfort also keeps them happy. This is more important than ever as many markets are encountering a shortage of skills in this area.”

The quiet and comfortable cab has the largest cabin entry area in the industry making it easy to get on and off, and it is spacious enough to wear a hard hat inside.

The cab’s redesigned mast and carriage creates a wider view for the operator, providing greater visibility of fork tips at ground level and trailer height. Operators of the new Hyster H8-18XD range benefit from an improved sense of stability thanks to the new cast counterweight. This has shifted the trucks’ centre of gravity downwards and towards the rear, minimising bounce.

“Precision handling of fragile, heavy loads in tight spaces is required throughout applications, such as the chemicals, metals and construction industries. These trucks are sometimes required to work closely alongside materials and workers,” says van den Brand. “In these operations, a truck needs to deliver powerful performance, but with accuracy, for maximum productivity and less costly damage to loads.”

“With our new series of 8-18 tonne lift trucks, we have simplified the range, while simultaneously offering more choice to customers in their specific application requirements,” adds van den Brand.

Linde offers explosion protection at highest level

Posted on by David Priestman

Since their introduction in 2021, the latest electric counterbalance trucks from Linde Material Handling (MH) have been setting new standards with regard to ergonomics, visibility, safety and energy efficiency. Now, the Linde E25 to E35 models are also available in explosion-proof versions.

Operators can thus benefit from the extensive range of advantages offered by these series-production trucks. The vehicles for ATEX zone 2/22 are already available, with the versions for zone 1/21 to follow in mid-2023.

It was one of the crowd-pullers at the Dangerous Goods/Hazardous Substances trade fair in Leipzig at the beginning of November: the new Linde E25 to E35 EX electric forklift truck for ATEX zone 2/22. With the models of this series, the fundamentally improved generation of Linde counterbalance trucks is now also available for use in hazardous areas.

Close collaboration

“The close collaboration between series and Ex truck development at Linde Material Handling has proven its worth once again,” emphasizes Elke Karnarski, Product Manager Ex-Proof Trucks. The design of the chassis, cab and mast provides an optimal view of the vehicle, load and working environment, thus serving both increased handling performance and greater operational safety. Additionally, drivers benefit from an optimized operator’s workplace which is even more generously dimensioned than in the previous models and offers more headroom, for example.

“Thanks to the complete integration of the explosion protection measures, the advantages of the series-production trucks are fully retained for all ATEX zones,” affirms Karnarski.

At the same time, operation in hazardous environments is taken into account. Protection against static charge is provided by plastic trim, floor mats and tires, as well as seat upholstery and armrests made of dissipative material. For the first time, the front, rear and roof wipers for zone 1/21 are electrically operated as standard. As with the standard vehicles, drivers of explosion-proof models can read important information – such as the battery charge status, error codes or when the next service is due – on a 3.5-inch display (standard for zone 2/22) or the generous 7-inch TFT colour display (optional for zone 2/22, standard for zone 1/21).

Safety-relevant values, such as the temperature of various components, are also monitored and alerts are shown on a separate display. Additionally, the EX-Monitoring app provides the driver with specific recommendations for action such as letting the vehicle cool down for 15 minutes, for example. The app also enables predictive maintenance, by way of monitoring safety-critical wear parts and prompting the customer at an early stage to schedule a service appointment.

Comfortable, economical, safe and agile

In addition, the driver’s workplace is largely decoupled from the drive unit and mast, and an elastomer ring bearing is used for shock absorption on the front axle. This is particularly noticeable when driving over thresholds, guide rails or uneven ground, as it makes driving more comfortable and also safeguards the operator.

Efficient motors ensure reduced energy consumption. In turn, the electronic temperature monitoring system on the traction motors, which is linked to a safety warning and shutdown function, is a typical explosion-protection feature. Furthermore, all electronic controls, sensors, fuses and relays are centrally located in a pressure-resistant control housing, which is integrated into the rear of the vehicle for easy servicing. For fast, convenient charging of the lead-acid battery, optional access is provided via the rear of the vehicle.

Another special feature of the new explosion-proof E-Trucks is the great number of optional assistance systems and lighting solutions. As with the standard trucks, customers can choose from many equipment variants. Both LED headlights, BlueSpot, LED strips and VertiLight are available in non-sparking versions or as sealed components. The same applies to assistance systems such as the Linde Load-Assist, Safety Pilot, electronic seat belt monitoring and Linde Safety Guard. Added to this are the benefits of the Linde:connect fleet management solution with access control and electronic damage monitoring. The data transmission unit fitted as standard makes the explosion-proof trucks fit for digital logistics processes such as software updates.

Explosion protection from Linde

With the new Linde E25 to E35 EX E-Trucks, customers also receive qualified customer service, a 24/7 supply of standard and ATEX spare parts, as well as the respective ATEX certificates and detailed operating manuals, in addition to individual vehicle configurations.

 

 

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