PRODUCTS & EQUIPMENT


capacity lift trucks are designed to make driver ingress and egress easier with lower effort.” “Plus, in foundry applications, for example, tinted windows can be used to help protect the driver’s eyes from flashing and hot metals, while the HD air conditioning in the cab keeps the operator environment at a comfortable temperature and free from dust.”


Ports and Terminals


In operations where drivers are sat in the cab of a container handler for a long shift, comfort helps to aid productivity. The noise level in the operator environment is one important factor, although the noise may not always be from the engine.


“Often noise from the operation itself can affect driver comfort,” says Chris. “That’s why on Hyster® container handlers there is the option for a soft-landing spreader to reduce the clunking noise from the metal containers.”


Not only is this more pleasant for the driver, but it also reduces noise levels for neighbours surrounding


inland terminal applications. This can enable longer hours of operation and, in turn, more productivity benefits.


Good upwards visibility and accurate control are also essential for providing the driver with a comfortable operating experience. The innovative spreader design on the Hyster® H8XM-EC6 - H11XM- ECD9 range enables the operator to see the twistlocks or hooks in every load condition. Furthermore, features such as powered pile slope, automatic extend-retract of the spreader, auto throttle-up and true inching allow for safe, accurate and smooth positioning of containers, even when working up to 9 high.


Cameras, work lights and either a raised cab or back tipping cab, as well as many other features, can also assist the driver, depending on the needs of the specific operation. The Hyster RS46® ReachStacker can also be specified with a hinged elevating cabin option to optimise visibility and improve comfort for the operator. With the new ‘hinged’ elevating cabin, the Hyster® RS46


offers direct visibility of 2nd rail containers even when there is a high cube container on a railcar in the first rail position.


“The new moveable cab is raised and lowered smoothly on a hinged arm and the speed can be adjusted,” says Chris. “With fewer components, as well as reduced sideways movement, shock and vibration when driving, the cab offers an optimal ergonomic driver environment.” An optional tilt of up to 10° can also be added to help make handling high stacks even more comfortable for the operator.


Paper Industry


In the paper supply chain, it is common to handle large, expensive and fragile paper reels using giant clamps.


“It’s important for drivers in paper applications to use trucks and attachments that not only minimise the risk of damage, but also optimise speed and performance,” says Chris. “However, this should not be at the expense of driver comfort.” A popular truck is the


HYSTER


Hyster® S9.0FT which gives a 9-tonne lift on a 7-tonne chassis footprint, providing the instant advantages of added space and manoeuvrability during handling. The truck also offers a spacious driver environment, thanks to the design of the overhead guard and optimised floorspace in the operator cabin.


The truck’s isolated drivetrain minimises the effects of powertrain vibration on the driver, while features such as ergonomically designed hydraulic controls, a contoured arm rest and a multi- function joystick also help to ensure comfort as well as lifting and handling accuracy. “Lift truck driver comfort is about far more than having some general ‘ergonomic’ features within the cab,” says Chris. “The best way to optimise the driver environment, even in the toughest operating conditions, is to select an intelligently designed heavy- duty lift truck with standard and additional features that meet both the demands of the application, and the needs of the driver.”


www.internationalmetaltube.com


IMT February 2019


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