Energy efficient trucks

Hyster range promises power coupled with manoeuvrability and the intelligence to balance productivity and energy consumption

Hyster has extended its JXN range to include 2.2, 2.5, 3.0 and 3.5 tonne lifting capacity electric counterbalanced forklifts for both indoor and outdoor operation. The company enthuses about class-leading full-shift performance and energy efficiency as well as ergonomic features to get the best from drivers. The JXN series is also said to benefit from the excellent manoeuvrability and tighter turning capability delivered by the new Hyster Zero Turning Radius steer axle. The new models are now available through Barloworld Handling.

"The need for high performance electric forklifts delivering up to 3.5 tonne lifting capacity has become increasingly important as businesses place emphasis on reducing energy consumption," explains Hyster european operations manager David Rowell.

The company claims the new JXN moves more loads while using less energy than any competitor.

"We broke new ground launching the smaller 1.5-2.0 tonne JXN and JXNT models in early 2009 and have once again demonstrated leading innovation. These new trucks maintain powerful performance over a full shift with travel speeds up to 21km/h and energy efficiencies that significantly exceed the industry average," adds Rowell.

The new models are available in two configurations, Advance and Advance+, the latter designed to operate in intensive, high productivity applications with long runs and high lifts, with comparative performance to IC engine powered equipment.

The Advance models are equipped with eLo and HiP settings, which can be programmed to meet the required energy versus productivity balance that best suits the demands of the application. Tests prove that on the eLo setting, Advance models are 7.5% more productive than the competitive average and on the HiP setting, 9% more productive. By comparison, the eLo setting uses 20% less energy and HiP uses 16% less energy, according to the VDI test cycle.

"Not only will businesses benefit from reduced energy costs and a lower carbon footprint, it is possible to move more materials, faster and with greater efficiency," Rowell adds.

One major leap forward in design is Hyster's Zero Turn Radius Steer Axle (ZTR). The rear wheels turn more than 90° which, in combination with separate drive motors mounted on each of the front wheels, allows the truck to turn within its own circle like a three wheel truck. Combined with the compact chassis design, no other trucks in this class can operate in narrower aisles claims Hyster - the J2.5XN (short wheelbase model) can work in an aisle of less than 3.6 metres wide.

The manufacturer says drivers will experience an operating environment designed to maintain comfort and performance for an entire shift. Vibrations transmitted to the driver's body are lower than any other truck on the market, isolating the driver from excessive shock and jolts. A Whole Body Vibration (WBV) level of 0.5 m/s2 has been measured on the new JXN according to EN 13059 tests.

Drivers also benefit from a full suspension seat with dual armrest, TouchPoint mini-lever controls, excellent visibility, a "heads-up" information display, easy on-off access and more than ample foot space. The dash area provides plenty of storage and room for scanning systems, and the steering column is fully adjustable and is available with various additional convenience options, such as a memory tilt function.

The seat is slightly offset from the centre to enhance all round visibility and there is a unique automatic park brake system - the brake is released as soon as the driver touches the accelerator pedal, saving valuable seconds in an intensive operating environment. The AC traction motors with advanced thermal protection deliver smooth acceleration, fast travel speeds and rapid direction changes.

"Batteries can be changed fast with side extraction to assist multi-shift operations, and we have kept maintenance costs to a minimum. Service intervals have increased to 1,000 hours and access to serviceable components is easy," Rowell adds.

The Hyster J2.2-3.5XN models are available with numerous configurations to suit industries such as logistics, food and drink, timber, manufacturing and automotive.