GREENVILLE, N.C. (Jan. 12, 2022) – Hyster Company announces an expansion of the certified Explosion Proof (EX) lift truck line, in which traditional Hyster lift trucks are converted by RICO Manufacturing, Inc., a leader in manufacturing certified EX solutions. EX-rated lift trucks have specific protection measures that allow them to operate in hazardous locations with potentially explosive or flammable vapors, liquids, dusts or fibers.
The expanded lineup includes the introduction of four electric sit-down counterbalanced lift trucks in the 3,000-to-10,000-pound capacity range and two electric walkie pallet trucks in the 6,000-to-8,000-pound capacity range. These additional trucks provide more options for material handling operations where lift trucks may be exposed to explosive gases and combustible dust particles, common in industries such as paint, coatings, adhesives, aerospace, automotive, oil, paper, gas and plastic.
“This collaboration meets growing demand for quality, certified EX-rated lift trucks, leveraging the strength of RICO, our approved supplier for these types of solutions in the Americas and our comprehensive Hyster dealer network,” says Martin Boyd, Vice President of Product Planning and Solutions, Hyster Company. “Our proven Hyster electric lift trucks are a strong foundation for specialized conversion by RICO, delivering performance and reliability as part of an expanded portfolio of solutions to address a wide range of industry applications and customer needs.”
The additional models build upon the success of the existing relationship between Hyster and RICO and the line of large-capacity, electric and internal combustion counterbalanced trucks introduced in 2019. The trucks are exclusively available through authorized Hyster® dealers.
A majority of parts on the converted trucks, branded as RICO, are common with non-EX rated Hyster products, enabling the comprehensive Hyster® dealer network to service and support the EX trucks just as they would other Hyster equipment. Convenient access to serviceable components also helps reduce service times when maintenance is required. The trucks use an enclosed UL E battery, tested by the global safety certification company, helping to reduce lead times and cost by eliminating the need for special charging equipment.
The RICO EX forklift series has been certified by Factory Mutual, a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory, as defined and approved by OSHA, to operate in Class 1, Divisions 1 & 2, Group D and Class 2, Divisions 1 & 2, Group G hazardous rated environments. RICO performs more than 98% of work in-house and has more than three decades of experience in manufacturing EX solutions for the North American market.
ABOUT HYSTER COMPANY
Hyster Company is a leading world-wide lift truck designer and manufacturer. Hyster Company offers 130 lift truck models configured for gasoline, LPG, diesel and electric power, with one of the widest capacity ranges in the industry — from 2,000 to 105,000 lbs. Supported by one of the industry’s largest and most experienced dealer networks, Hyster Company offers tough, durable lift trucks along with robotics and telematic solutions that deliver high productivity, low total cost of ownership, easy serviceability and advanced ergonomic features, accompanied by outstanding parts, service and training support.
Hyster Company is a division of Hyster-Yale Group, a wholly owned subsidiary of Hyster-Yale Materials Handling, Inc. (NYSE:HY). Hyster-Yale Materials Handling, Inc. and its subsidiaries, headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, employ more than 7,700 people world-wide.
Company Contact:
Melissa Cashwell
Hyster Company
252-864-3571
melissa.cashwell@hyster-yale.com
Media Contact:
Dan Gauss
Koroberi
336-409-5391
dan@koroberi.com
RICO Media Contact:
Judy P. Love
RICO Manufacturing, Inc.
jlove@ricoequipment.com
330-723-4050
