APRIL 2019 MATERIALS HANDLING
All Hyster trucks now available
with Lithium Ion battery power
Hyster now off ers almost all counterbalance lift trucks and warehouse
equipment ex works, with lithium-ion batteries.
Since lithium-ion batteries do not contain acid that could leak
and generate fumes, they are particularly suitable for intensive
indoor applications, and are often the best solution in areas where
contamination must be avoided, such as in the food industry. Leadacid
batteries, on the other hand, can release hydrogen and other
gases that are undesirable in the cleanroom areas for food production
and storage.
In addition, the maintenance requirements for lithium-ion
batteries are not as labour intensive as for lead-acid batteries. This
helps reduce costs, increase reliability and improve battery life as
scheduled battery maintenance can also help prevent downtime.
“One major benefi t of lithium-ion batteries is the ability to
charge them during scheduled breaks,” says Timo Antony, area
business director for Central Europe at Hyster. “This ‘opportunity
charging’ approach simplifi es operations by requiring only one
battery instead of two.”
With good availability and aff ordable pricing, lithium-ion
battery power options are expected to be used in more and more
applications. This option is particularly attractive for new locations, as
a dedicated charging area is not required, saving space.
The next generation of power is here, however. At the Greenport
Congress in Valencia last October, Hyster presented an emission-free
laden container handler with fuel cell technology, which is currently
under development. The innovative electric lift truck has been
developed for a customer in the port of Los Angeles and facilitates
wireless fast charging. In the US, the fi rst Fuel Cell Lift Trucks are
already being used by an automotive business and winery, and
in Europe, the Hyster Fuel Cell Counterbalanced Truck has been
awarded CE marking.
“We continue to develop our fuel cell products, focusing on the
very active market in America and preparing for production in Europe,”
says Antony. “Given the environmental challenges, we believe that
fuel cells are the best option for some applications. However, it is
currently estimated that less than 500 fuel cell powered lift trucks are
operating across Europe at present.” For most applications, fossil fuels
and batteries will continue to prevail - at least for the next fi ve years.
Electric forklift trucks with lead-acid batteries are still often the
best choice for logistics operations,
for example in pallet logistics. The
companies benefi t from effi ciency
and performance comparable to LPG
and diesel forklift trucks. In multi-shift
applications, operating costs can be
reduced by changing the batteries
between shifts.
However, the trucks would
need a dedicated area for battery
charging, and to avoid downtime,
accurate battery charging needs
to be defi ned.
Agriculture manufacturing
fi rm STILL ahead
IAE are the UK’s leading
manufacturer of agriculture,
equestrian and fencing
equipment. The 50-year-old
family-run business supplies
an array of products such as
animal handling and feeding
equipment, fencing, shelters
and mesh systems.
Following extensive fuel trials, IAE were
impressed by the signifi cant fuel effi ciency and increased
operator comfort of STILL’s IC-engined counterbalance truck. The
agricultural giant has recently taken delivery of a brand-new fl eet
of x19 RX70 diesel machines to their Stoke-on-Trent facility. In
addition, we have also installed four EXV high-lift pallet trucks to
aid in the handling of products within their production plant.
Steve Holt, IAE’s distribution manager comments: “We trialled
10 diff erent suppliers and STILL’s product came out on top in
terms of fuel-saving and effi ciency.”
Martin Barnett, team leader, adds: “The trucks are more
comfortable than our previous ones, the mast provides
better visibility, the cab is spacious and all the operators have
commented on the new controls and seating comfort..”
The drive characteristics are fully programmable on the RX70
range and maximum effi ciency can be achieved with up to fi ve
drive programmes that are easily adjustable to suit every task
including speed, acceleration, and braking.
Speed control is a major factor for IAE in terms of reducing
incident levels. The company have a points-based system
which allows them to manage the drivers and their operating
behaviours. With high importance fi rmly placed on health and
safety, IAE are also in the process of applying for the latest ISO
accreditations, which will cement their ongoing commitment to
safety in the workplace.
“We are really pleased with the new fl eet of forklifts,” remarks
Frank Klucznik, IAE’s managing director. “They have surpassed
our expectations in terms of their safety features and fuel-saving
benefi ts. I am confi dent that we will continue to see huge cost
savings with this product and the new FleetManager system will
facilitate a new way of reporting for us. As market leader in the
agricultural sector, safety is our top priority so this software will
help us minimise incidents which is absolutely paramount within
our operation.”
Tim Easter, STILL area sales manager, adds: “It was imperative for
IAE that we could provide bespoke specifi cations on the trucks. To
minimise damage, we decided to raise the rear lights and reposition
the exhausts. Throughout the contract I am confi dent this will
deliver huge cost savings to IAE. In addition, IAE decided to extend
their operation (in the distribution side of the business) to a twoshift
pattern and the truck hours have been increased to refl ect this.
We are absolutely delighted to be in partnership with IAE and are
fully committed to supporting them now and in the future.”
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