For more than 90 years, Hyster® trucks have been meeting the needs of tough timber applications, and after all this time, Hyster® lift trucks are still built with the robustness and dependability needed to meet materials handling needs across the timber supply chain.
Here are some examples of how Hyster® forklifts support different customer requirements in the wood industry.
Tough zero emissions forklifts
Alongside Hyster® heavy duty IC lift trucks handling 8-16 tonne loads, electric lift trucks are also commonly used throughout the wood supply chain, often by businesses with a strong environmental focus. Hyster® electric lift trucks offer the reliability, efficiency and manoeuvrability needed in timber handling, but with the added benefit of zero emissions.

Hyster recently launched the new J7.0–9.0XNL forklift series with fully integrated lithium-ion batteries. The zero-emissions electric lift trucks with 7-9 tonnes of lift capacity offer comparable diesel engine performance, and rapid opportunity charging, making them an ideal option for many timber applications. They may be particularly cost-effective for timber businesses that are generating their own power on-site from waste wood product.
Achieving 100% charge in just 80 minutes, the new trucks have high voltage lithium-ion batteries and the endurance to support three shift operations in demanding wood operations. As well as the benefits of zero emissions, they offer class leading turn radius, fast acceleration, and even more responsive operation.
Many timber applications are also supported by four-wheel electric counterbalance trucks in the Hyster® J1.6-3.5XN range, both indoors and outdoors and the Hyster® J5.5XN electric forklift with a longer wheelbase, which provides capability up to 5.5 tonne lift capacity.

Cost-effective solutions
Hyster Europe has recently extended its range of electric counterbalance lift trucks with the introduction of affordable new three- and four-wheel forklift models for lifts up to 3.5 tonnes.
The Hyster® J1.5-3.5UT four-wheel and J1.6-2.0UTT three-wheel electric forklifts are designed to be simple to use and easy to maintain, providing affordability and reliability for timber applications.

The new electric Hyster® UT lift trucks feature an ergonomically designed operator compartment with controls in easy reach. A clear LCD display, in full colour on the 4-wheel series, provides the driver with easy access to all the data needed. A familiar automotive layout alongside superb manoeuvrability and control makes these uncomplicated electric forklifts well suited to the needs of many different handling operations in the wood supply chain.

They are also ideally positioned to complement other Hyster® lift trucks and warehouse equipment, including cost-effective Hyster® UT series warehouse equipment. The Hyster® P2.0UT S platform pallet truck, Hyster® S1.5UT pedestrian stacker truck, and S1.5UT S Platform Stacker, are ideal for supporting pallet transportation and stacking, lorry loading and some picking operations in warehouse and manufacturing applications with lower operating hours.
Customisation for specific applications
Timber applications are very diverse, so the right choice of truck and power will vary.

However, the customisation of Hyster® lift trucks with operation-specific solutions can play an important part in meeting handling needs throughout the wood supply chain.
A number of specialist attachments is available for Hyster® lift trucks, such as Power Pile Slope carriages and Levelling Fork solutions for the range of 10-16-tonne capacity Hyster® lift trucks. However wide range of efficiency-boosting options are available to support operations such as sawmills, drying kilns, fibre reel production and goods warehouses. Specially engineered solutions are also available to meet specific demands.
Customised Hyster® lift trucks can also meet application-specific requirements with feature solutions to support driver awareness and damage avoidance. For example, cameras can also be implemented to assist drivers handling large loads which would otherwise impair their visibility, and the Hyster Tracker telematics system can be added to help businesses optimise fleet management.
Need a solution for your timber handling operation?
Contact your local Hyster® distribution partner now. Or visit www.hyster.com to learn more about our industry solutions and product range.