Drivers Influence Ports and Terminals Equipment Selection
Focus on Driver's Requirements and Operating Environment
Hyster reports a noticeable change in the decision making process for equipment used in stacking and storage areas at ports and terminals.
When buying new equipment for stacking and storage operations at ports and terminals, the purchase decision will likely impact on the operation for more than ten years. Operating costs, reliability and the overall service offering from the supplier are key factors in the decision making process, however Hyster has seen a noticeable change in the increasing importance placed on the driver’s truck preference by the decision maker.
“More purchasers are realising that by focusing on the driver’s requirements and the operating environment, it is possible to increase productivity and reduce driver fatigue” explains Antoon Cooijmans, Product Manager for Hyster Big Trucks.
Hyster manufactures a complete range of forklift trucks with 8 to 48 Tonne lift capacities, empty container handlers and reachstackers at its factory in Nijmegen, the Netherlands, the centre of excellence for Big Truck design, development and special engineering.
“Due to the importance of the driver in delivering efficiency, we invested heavily in the development of a special operator’s cab known as the ‘Vista’ cab that is now used across Hyster’s Big Truck range.”
Hyster’s ‘Vista’ cab offers outstanding ergonomics and total driver comfort, with air conditioning options integrated into the ventilation system, low noise levels and a choice of conveniently placed controls located to the right of the driver, to ensure maximum front-low level visibility. Large windows, fitted with tinted safety glass ensure the driver has clear, all round visibility, particularly overhead. This is further enhanced in poor weather conditions by a fresh air inlet, an effective heater and defroster and wipers and washers on front, top and rear screens. Details such as sunshade screens are fitted on the top and rear windows and well positioned mirrors assist with the driver’s daily duties.
On each truck, the ‘Vista’ cab is positioned in order to optimise visibility and provide the most comfortable view angles. For example on Hyster’s 36-48 Tonne forklift trucks, H36.00-48.00XM(S)-12, the easily accessed operator compartment is ideally positioned in a ‘mid-high’ and forward position, for optimum visibility on the forks. This also provides excellent through-mast visibility, with rearward vision enhanced by a low profile and sloping-down shape of the counterweight. To assist drivers when stacking empty containers up to 8 high with Hyster’s H16.00-22.00XM-12EC, the cab is positioned at the rear to allow the driver a clear view of the container engagement points, when handling high in the air.
A powered full-sliding cab on the Hyster ReachStacker can be moved by as much as 2.6m (optional on CH models) while driving or lifting to various positions, to optimise visibility in variable operating conditions and/or to accommodate driver’s preferences. The fully backward cab position provides the most comfortable view angle when stacking containers 4-5 high which may be preferred by drivers who feel more comfortable behind the lift cylinders.
The fully forward cab is essential for Hyster IH ReachStacker models when handling swap-bodies or trailers, in order to see the grapple feet at ground level, especially when handling in the second rail position. Some drivers also prefer the fully forward position for low height container handling.
“Comfort, controls, visibility and position of the cab are all important factors in a driver’s list of preferences. When combined with the performance of the equipment, they play an important role in maximising the productivity of the driver and the overall operation” adds Antoon.
Responsive, fully hydraulic brakes and an automotive style pedal layout further contribute to driver comfort, with autoshift transmissions offering power and control to the driver with smooth gear changes.
Antoon continues “When making big truck purchases, decision makers are also considering reliability and cost. Big trucks are specialist pieces of equipment and therefore it can be challenging to find similar equipment available at short notice if a truck is out of action. Hyster products are well known for their dependability especially with regards to the powertrain and we have invested heavily to minimise lifetime costs and make servicing easier.”
Hyster transmission and engine management systems ensure protection against potentially damaging operational procedures i.e. (a) transmission forward to reverse "shifting lock-out" which prevents potential tensional stress being applied to the drive train when changing direction, (b) Engine protection/monitoring system initially derates the engine power and finally shuts down the engine when a fault is detected.
To help companies specify the correct equipment, Hyster’s extensive network of local distribution partners can carry out a full, comprehensive 'application survey' to ensure the customer’s core business needs are identified from the outset. With increased importance placed on the driver, Hyster can involve them from the very beginning and offers full local service support for the lifetime of the truck to ensure maximum availability.
