Hyster Europe shows how materials handling operations can now combine driver awareness add-ons with the all-round benefits of Hyster® lift trucks to minimise downtime and optimise productivity.
“Safety, productivity and reliability are all of paramount importance to tough and demanding operations, such as those handling construction materials, metals or paper,” says Rainer Marian, Big Truck Director for Hyster Europe. “To minimise costs and downtime, and maximise return on investment, its crucial to select materials handling equipment that helps operators avoid damage.”
New cab optimises visibility for handling metals
A new cabin and controls have been introduced on 8- to 18-tonne capacity Hyster® H8-18XD lift trucks, a popular choice for metal handling applications, to optimise driver awareness and make work even easier for operators.
The new Hyster® cabin provides a “cockpit-style” workplace, so that all truck information and controls are at the driver’s fingertips. The high-quality interior finish features a seven-inch touch screen display complemented with rotary button controls on the armrest, while low in-cab noise levels also help drivers to keep concentration during long shifts.
The cab offers excellent all-round visibility with curved front- and rear windows, armoured glass top window and toughened glass doors, with a slimline steel frame. All glass is scratch-resistant, meeting the tough conditions found in metal yards.
To achieve the best visibility of the fork tips the dashboard does not limit visibility in the front of the cabin.
Driver awareness for the construction industry
“All trucks should be built to provide good driver awareness, something that Hyster incorporates into every truck design as standard,” says Rainer.
For instance, the Hyster® H3.5FT lift truck, with 3.5 tonne capacity, is designed with good driver awareness as standard and is a popular choice for handling building materials, such as bricks, tiles, cement bags, aggregate or insulation materials.
Hyster® Fortens™ lift trucks feature an operator cab that provides good visibility, optimal comfort and intuitive controls, which all help contribute to better awareness and accurate operation. This allows operators to be productive and helps them to avoid damage to the truck, loads or infrastructure, which could otherwise result in maintenance and downtime.
In addition, an Auto-Deceleration System is offered on the Hyster® H3.5FT to help reduce tyre and brake wear by up to 50%, and oil-immersed brakes, which are better protected from the dirty working environments typically found in the construction supply chain. Reliable Hyster® Fortens™ lift trucks can also include load sensing hydraulics help to lower fuel consumption and increase efficiency.
Add-ons for accurate paper handling
“Warehouse space is often tight in the paper supply chain,” says Rainer. “A range of add-ons, such as object detection systems, cameras and lights, are available to support drivers when manoeuvring in these areas depending on the specific needs of particular customer applications.”
For example, Hyster® object detection solutions offer support to the driver in identifying nearby hazards, in turn potentially avoiding costly damage. These solutions may include visual and audible alerts for drivers or may immobilise or slow the lift truck if the sensors detect an obstacle.
Similarly, Hyster® camera systems may also help support visibility, making it possible for operators to view the immediate area surrounding a truck and the load. Plus, flashing front/reverse lights and pedestrian awareness spot lights can be used to help alert pedestrians to lift trucks on the move.
Load overload detection systems can also be integrated to Hyster® Fortens™ lift trucks for those operations challenged by handling loads with variable or unknown weights, such as different sized paper reels. This helps drivers adjust their operation according to the load, reducing truck wear and the resulting maintenance and downtime.
Strong service and support
“Built-in durability and extended service intervals deliver a low cost of ownership and help the toughest materials handling operations to keep their Hyster® lift trucks in operation,” says Rainer. “But, if maintenance is needed, our network of local dealers has the capability to get trucks up and running again quickly.”
For more information on the best solutions for your application’s handling challenges, speak to your local Hyster® dealer or visit www.hyster.com.
