New Hyster Forklift Energises Drivers to Sustain Efficiency

Hyster's new series of electric forklift trucks - Built to energise driver’s productivity

NEW HYSTER FORKLIFT ENERGISES DRIVERS TO SUSTAIN EFFICIENCY

In an industrial climate where companies are constantly looking to achieve maximum efficiency, Hyster has launched a new series of electric forklift trucks built to energise the driver’s productivity. The J1.5-2.0 XNT and J1.6-2.0XN series have been designed following extensive investment and research into driver preferences.

“These new Hyster models have been developed with the operator very much in mind” explains David Rowell, European Operations Manager for Hyster. “Many of their ergonomic features were developed especially for this range, after many hours of talking to operators working in industries such as food, cargo, automotive manufacturing and the chemical industry. The purpose is to help the drivers to remain comfortable and sustain efficiency and productivity throughout a shift.”

Accessing comfort

Operators told Hyster that of particular importance to them were the areas of easy on/off access, comfort and ease of operation. Hyster set out to make sure that drivers of all shapes and sizes can get on and off the new trucks with ease. This was made possible with a low step height (500mm) and conveniently positioned rounded grab handle and seat armrest.

Sitting comfortably

Once the operator is seated at the controls, generous foot space and the new pedal layout create increased legroom, even for taller drivers and, with the cushioned non-slip floor mat, alleviate stress in the feet and ankles for more relaxed driving.

The curved overhead guard offers ample shoulder and head room and the full-suspension seat offers a generous 80mm of travel suspension for superior ride comfort and reduction in whole body vibration levels. The weight range will accommodate the heaviest of operators and is very easy to set for optimum suspension. To accommodate taller operators Hyster has increased forwards/backwards adjustment. The seat is also off set at a 2.5 degrees angle to provide better visibility and an optimum seat position.

Intuitive, relaxed and easier operation of the truck is achieved by mini-lever fingertip controls, situated in a module on the armrest, which has been designed to “mould” around the user’s hand, for maximum comfort. The module incorporates all travel and hydraulic functions, including directional switch, horn, optional Return to Set Tilt and battery disconnect switch. The armrest is adjustable in 2 axes, providing angled support for the shoulder, arm and palm, adding to a sustained comfortable driving experience. Manual hydraulic levers are also available.

Steering success

The compact steering wheel can be supplied with an advanced steering option pack. This includes telescopic steering adjustment, a Memory Tilt function and synchronous steering. The telescopic adjustment allows the operator to adjust the steering wheel in height, positioning the steering wheel closer or further away to the operator. The Memory Tilt option is a boon for operators who get on and off the truck frequently, as it allows the steering column to be moved forward and then to return to the operator’s ideal position when seated.

Synchronised steering offers the operator easy and intuitive steering. The spinner knob on the steering wheel will always return to the preset position when the truck is turned back to the straight ahead driving position. The operator therefore will never have to double check in which position the steering wheels are turned.

Back to the future

Hyster has found innovative answers for many operators whose applications require them to drive for at least 50% of the time in reverse. For optimum body posture and relief of stress on the neck, shoulders and thighs Hyster has provided a swivel seat option, which has a detent of 120 to the right and 50 to the left. Additionally there is a standard rear grab handle with integral horn button to make manoeuvring in reverse even easier.

Simply manoeuvrable

Hyster Vista masts offer maximum forward and fork tip visibility while the new Vista + design, available with 1.5 and 1.6 tonne JXNT 3-wheel and the 1.6 tonne JXN 4-wheel models, also offers a 330 mm window between the mast channels. With the placement of the display screen in the top right hand corner of the operator compartment, the field of vision is significantly increased to enhance all-round operator visibility.

All Hyster electric counterbalanced trucks have a compact design giving them the tightest of turning circles for fast manoeuvring in tight aisles or congested loading bays. The advanced turning capability of the 4-wheel JXN trucks, featuring a Zero Turn Radius (ZTR) steer axle, gives them the manoeuvrability of a 3-wheel truck, but with additional stability over uneven surfaces.

Staying in control

The display screen provides, at a glance, diagnostic information, battery discharge indication, hour meter, brake fluid level, motor temperature and seatbelt indicators to help the driver monitor the truck’s operating condition. It also allows the operator or manager to match the truck’s performance to his/her ability or to the task in hand, via pre-set performance parameters. Available screen options also include a start-up checklist or password controlled access.

Enhanced equilibrium

Time is an increasingly important factor in manufacturing and logistics operations, especially when it comes to handling materials. The link between operator comfort and productivity is proven, so ergonomic design leads inevitably to faster, increased throughput and, when combined with energy efficiency and low maintenance costs, to a positive impact on every customers’ bottom line.

To find out more about the Hyster J1.5-2.0XNT and J1.6-2.0XN solutions visit the Electric Forklifts pages.