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Above left: The J10-18XD series lithium-ion trucks are designed to make operators feel like they’re driving a diesel machine Above right: Ergonomic fundamentals like visibility and operating position remain primary factors
and service life than lead-acid batteries. Lithium-ion batteries are powering lift trucks of increasingly high capacity. For example, Hyster introduced a 10 to 18 tonne capacity lift truck with factory integrated lithium-ion power – the J10-18XD series. This truck may help wood applications in reducing emissions, fuel consumption, and maintenance costs, all while boosting performance and efficiency for intensive applications. With exceptional traction power, acceleration, and visibility, it’s a lithium-ion truck designed to make operators feel like they’re driving a diesel machine. In other industries, electrification is taking on even higher-capacity equipment, with hydrogen fuel cell and lithium-ion battery powered solutions in development for container handlers and reach stackers used in port settings.
ERGONOMICS
Of course, emissions reduction and strong, sustained performance are not the only benefits for wood applications exploring electrification.
Many wood operations worldwide are struggling to recruit, train and retain sufficient labour. In fact, various surveys have shown severe warehouse staff shortages across Europe, with a substantial decline in the availability of forklift operators also often cited as a major problem.
And with demanding duty cycles and inhospitable environments pushing both equipment and operators to their limits, wood industry businesses need to find equipment tough enough to depend on, with the ergonomics to help operators perform at their best.
Ergonomic, electric equipment can be part of the answer to maximising the efficiency and productivity of operators and their time. Reduced charging or refuelling time, fewer maintenance requirements and easier serviceability can all add up to operators utilising their time moving more loads
per hour and more up-time within heavy operations. The reduced maintenance workload associated with electric trucks can also be an important aid for businesses struggling to source technicians from a tight skilled labour pool.
Electric trucks can also support a work environment that can offer greater operator comfort and performance. With no internal combustion engine running, truck noise levels and vibration are reduced, and there are no tailpipe emissions. The smaller, lighter form factor of a lithium-ion battery pack can also enable strategic design decisions that provide more space in the operator compartment for greater comfort and convenience.
In addition to unique design possibilities, ergonomic fundamentals like visibility and operating position remain primary factors for electric lift trucks. Whether electric or ICE-powered, features like these indicate equipment designed to help support operator comfort and efficiency.
• Visibility – scratch-resistant glass all around cabin, including an armoured glass
top window, curved front and rear windows and steel doors with tempered glass for visibility without straining;
• Easy entry and exit – spacious, cockpit- style cabins with ample space for
operators to enter and exit easily and more comfortably;
• Comfortable, adjustable seats – a variety of seat configurations, such as mechanical
or air suspension, cloth or vinyl covers, lumbar support and ventilated or heated seats, allow operators to choose their positioning based on their preference and comfort. As a bonus, lateral seat sliders allow for easy positioning and even make room to accommodate an extra seat for trainers to supervise performance;
• Access to information – a full colour display presents truck performance data
in one clear screen and can be customised based on the operator’s skill level.
One Hyster lift truck that is well suited in this respect is the J2.5-3.0XNL series. These powerful four-wheel lithium-ion powered electric counterbalanced trucks deliver excellent manoeuvrability and a low cost of operation by combining energy efficiency and performance. At the same time, the strategic design of the integrated lithium-ion battery helps free space in the operator compartment, maximising comfort and convenience to help improve productivity.
The operator compartment is designed with clear unobstructed foot space and a low intermediate step height for easy three- point entry and exit. A highly adjustable steering column and ergonomically positioned operator’s seat with integrated armrest incorporating mini-levers for hydraulic control and other key functions also supports comfort.
Meanwhile, the dash display transmits continuous feedback to the operator of the truck’s status and is positioned for optimum visibility.
CHARTING AN ELECTRIC FUTURE As government regulations and corporate initiatives are looking to reduce emissions, electrification is emerging as a realistic solution to satisfy the business requirements for heavy-duty applications in the wood industry. And beyond supporting green initiatives, electric equipment can help address other operational needs, including labour utilisation and efficiency. So, what does the future hold for electrification?
Reports indicate that electrification is on the rise. Benefits over ICE-powered forklifts and increases in investments targeted at advancements in battery technology are poised to fuel growth of electric forklifts in the near future. In some wood supply chain businesses, there may be operational advantages of electric power. However, the right choice of lift truck fleet will always depend on the specific application. ■
www.ttjonline.com | July/August 2023 | TTJ
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