In February, all of the forklifts nominated for the IFOY AWARD (International Intralogistics and Forklift Truck of the Year) were tested by industry experts in Hannover, Germany as part of the IFOY “Test Camp”. The Hyster® J60XNL forklift (referred to as J3.0XNL in Europe) with an integrated lithium-ion battery has been nominated in the counterbalanced truck category.
The winners will not be announced until later in 2020 by IFOY, which is planning a ‘digital awards ceremony’.
The Hyster® lift truck performed favourably in all areas. Here are some highlights from the judges.
Market relevance
The Hyster® J60XN/ J3.0XNL was found to have good market relevance. The integrated lithium-ion battery was found to enable “advantageous truck design”, depending on the application.
Customer benefit
The integrated battery was found to provide advantages for the operator in terms of “ergonomics and driving performance”. The judges highlighted the considerable legroom and air-suspended comfort seat as reasons why longer driving times could be “completed with ease”. The ability to get on and off quickly from both sides and the reduction of the centre of gravity position also “increases the dynamic stability and driving performance” which “can increase turnover rates”.
Novelty
The judges said that the “integration of lithium-ion batteries is a novelty for the counterbalance truck in this performance class”. They also felt that the battery management system was “state of the art”.
Functionality / type of implementation
Following the innovation check, the judges described the Hyster® J60XNL lift truck as “robust and uncomplicated”. Their tests found the changes in driving behaviour to be “positively noticeable” and highlighted “pleasant space conditions” where “the driver can act flexibly” and that offer “further potential”.
Hyster® lithium-ion forklift
The Hyster® J60XN/J3.0XNL lithium-ion forklift is a counterbalance lift truck with an integrated lithium-ion battery pack.
Rather than a battery box replacement like other lithium-ion powered counterbalance trucks, the lift truck does not follow a typical box on wheels design. Instead it takes advantage of the form factor of lithium-ion batteries to offer several advantages in relation to the equivalent electric truck designed for lead-acid batteries.
With faster, more flexible charging, operators can also charge the integrated lithium-ion lift truck in approximately one hour, whenever they have an opportunity.
IFOY AWARD 2020
The IFOY AWARD recognises the year’s best intralogistics products and system solutions. The aim of the organisation is to document the performance capability and innovative drive of the intralogistics, helping to boost competitiveness and raise the profile of the entire sector in the public arena. Visit the IFOY website for more information.
For further information on your lift truck power options, visit www.hyster.com or find your local Hyster® distribution partner.
