HYSTER


PRODUCTS & EQUIPMENT


Driver environmnet focus for Hyster Lift Trucks in heavy-duty applications


A


s the driving experience is an essential element of success in high


intensity applications, Hyster Europe is focussing on enhancing the operator environment according to the application, including in the wood, metal, construction, ports and paper industries. “When handling expensive, awkward and heavy loads, the driver environment matters more than ever,” says Chris van de Werdt from Hyster Europe. “Every lift truck brand claims its products are ergonomic, but you have to ask, ‘under what conditions?’” “Intelligent Hyster® lift truck


design focuses on the driver environment in all applications, but this proves particularly important for efficiency and driver comfort in extreme and demanding operating conditions,” Chris says. Wood handling Throughout the wood supply chain, lift truck drivers may have


12 IMT February 2019


to drive in reverse due to tall loads obscuring forward visibility. These operations can be very uncomfortable if the design of the driver environment doesn’t account for it.


The shape of the rear of the truck, including the position of the exhaust stack, can affect visibility, while the seat needs to minimise body rotation to accommodate reversing. The Hyster® H13XM-6 is a typical lift truck used in the wood industry and addresses these challenges. With a clever rear design and the option of a swivel seat that turns 15/30 degrees, it aims to provide maximum comfort for the driver when driving in reverse. Depending on the application needs, Hyster Europe can also fit lift trucks with full rotating seats and drivers can be further assisted by camera systems. In addition, TouchPoint™


mini-lever controls help reduce awkward shoulder and arm postures by locating the hydraulic functions directly at the driver’s


finger tips. This maintains driver comfort and helps the driver to focus on reversing.


Construction materials handling


The Hyster® H8-16XM range was recently updated with a completely new mast and carriage giving fast attachment exchange as well as optimum visibility of the forks, the attachment, and the load. With enhanced visibility, handling and transportation is simple and comfortable for the operator. “Now, operators can look through and over the carriage which helps provide ideal levels of visibility for ground level and lorry bed height manoeuvres, commonly found in construction applications,” Chris says. “There is now more space between mast channels giving enhanced visibility of the attachment and load, enhancing the driver’s environment, and their efficiency.”


For operators that need to change attachments quickly, the


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dual function sideshift and fork positioning carriage (DFSSFP) with hook type mounting (often referred to as Terminal West Style) allows for quick disconnect giving greater flexibility for handling different types of loads.


Metal handling


High shockload applications can negatively affect comfort for the driver. The Hyster® H16XM-9 heavy-duty lift truck is commonly used in the metal handling industry thanks to its robust frame, mast and carriage, and wide drive axle that provides stability when handling loads at full capacity. This rugged lift truck design helps reduce vibrations in the cab, and when combined with the full suspension seat, the driver can benefit from a comfortable ride for the duration of their entire shift. In fact, whole body vibration can be as low as .35 m/s2.


“It’s often the small details that make a difference to drivers,” says Chris. “For example, Hyster® high


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