Materials handling operations in the metal industry are among the toughest environments for forklift trucks to operate. Businesses may face very varied challenges, from extreme heat, to high levels of dust, intense weather conditions, and irregular loads.
When forklift trucks are being pushed to their limits, Hyster has solutions that help operations to customise and configure trucks to meet their application needs, helping to maximise uptime and productivity. Here are just four of the specially engineered options that may support specific forklift operations in the metal industry.
- Belly Pans
Abrasive dust can be commonplace in metal recycling applications. A forklift’s engine compartment and frame may fill with this debris over time due to the vacuuming effect of the engine air intake. Stopping for cleanouts causes disruption and downtime, and in the long term, dust could have a damaging impact on the truck.
Specially engineered belly pans can tackle this issue, by reducing the amount of dust that gets sucked in. With more time between scheduled cleaning, running times can be extended, boosting productivity. With the engine bay free from debris, the risk of engine performance or cooling issues is minimised.
Customised Hyster® internal combusion engine (ICE) forklifts with a solid underbody belly pan can be used in many applications, while an underbody mesh belly pan may better suit sites where larger debris is common.
See a Hyster truck engineered with a belly pan solution in this video, where you can also discover some of the wider range of specially engineered driver assist solutions. - Load Overload Detection Systems
Manufacturers producting finished metal goods may contend with continually differing sizes and weights of loads. This can make it hard for operators to know what loads can be lifted securely. Hyster 1.6-5.5 tonne electric forklifts and 1-9 tonne capacity ICE forklifts can be configured with a load overload detection system.
This specially engineered solution provides an audible and visual indication of load weight against the level set by the operation. It uses load cells mounted on the truck that are sensitive to weight, load centre, and mast title angle. A clear graphic display shows both a basic measure of the load weight, plus a colour relative to the ratio of maximum weight. Operators can easily see if the metal load is suitable to be lifted, increasing load security and confidence.
The Load Overload Detection System is part of the Hyster suite of operator assistance solutions, which you can see in action in this video - Fork positioners
Some metal loads like coils may be narrow, while other metal load types may be wider and heavier, requiring added stability. Fork positioners are a special engineering option for selected Hyster forklifts which enable flexibility and help keep operators in the truck where they are better protected, such as in busy outdoor yards.
A heavy duty integral side-shift fork positioner option helps provide maximum support for different loads, and the fork spacing can be adjusted directly from the operator’s driving position. Some heavy duty metal applications where a high frequency of fork positioning is required, or where there are high levels of dust and dirt, may be a better fit for premium fork positioners with an integral sideshift carriage.
Talk to a Hyster dealer about which fork positioners would be the right match for your metal application. - Hot/cold weather options
Many operations using forklift trucks in the metal industry will include significant operational time outside. This puts pressure on operators to perform even in extremes of temperature or inclement weather. Specially engineered customisations for Hyster lift trucks can help improve operator comfort, helping them to maintain productive and effective operations across each shift.
For cold or damp climates, heated seats help maximise driver comfort, in turn supporting reduced fatigue and enhanced motiviation. Using outdoor forklifts without a cab? Hyster has a solution that enables heater units to be fitted in the driver compartment for forklifts with PVC rolling doors.
For outdoor metal or steel yards in warm climates, or where shifts cover early morning or evening where there is low sun, a sunblind may prove helpful. A sliding blind in the roof of the cab shields the driver from direct sunlight, helping regulate in cab temperature and helping to reduce glare in the driver’s vision.
Watch this video about a range of Hyster operator assistance options and see how it helps enhance the driver experience
Hyster forklifts can also be customised with air conditioning, enabling the driver to directly control cabin temperature and create a comfortable working environment regardless of outside climate. Ideal not only for intense weather, but also for any high temperature operations, such as foundries or sites working with hot metals.
Configure a solution with a Hyster dealer partner
To match custom engineering to your unique needs, you need the right advice and industry experience. Your local Hyster dealer can support you and recommend proven solutions for metal handling sites that will help keep demanding operations running.
Contact your local Hyster dealer now, or explore more Hyster metal industry options.
