In 2011, port and logistics company Zuidnatie, introduced two new Hyster H22-12EC empty container handlers to its operation in Antwerp, Belgium. The Hyster 5-8 high empty container handlers feature the Tier 4i / Stage IIIB Cummins QSB 6.7 engine and include performance optimisation developments from Hyster to reduce fuel consumption, such as cooling on demand, auto-speed hydraulics, RPM management and alternate engine idle speed.
“The new empty container handlers are extremely quiet and double green” explains Chris van der Werdt, Sales Manager for Hyster Big Trucks. “They have low exhaust emissions and are painted in Zuidnatie’s corporate green.”
As a result of the support from the local Hyster dealer Barloworld Handling and excellent performance delivered by the Hyster equipment at the container terminal, Zuidnatie placed an additional order for seven high capacity Hyster forklift trucks which feature similar fuel saving technologies. Hyster Big Trucks over 16 tonne lift capacity include Tier 4i / Stage IIIB engines and other energy efficiency features, and use Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) technology, so the operators can fill the fuel tank as normal. The customer can also select either an HiP “high performance” or ECO-eLo “fuel efficiency” mode.
The new fleet includes two H18XM-12 forklift trucks with 18,000kg lift capacities, also powered by the Cummins 6.7 engine. Zuidnatie also ordered H25XM-12 forklift trucks with 25,000kg capacity and an H32XM-12 forklift with 32,000kg lift capacity, which feature the same engine and energy saving characteristics.
The forklift trucks and the container handlers deliver rapid boost at low engine rpm and then maintain high boost at higher rpm, independent of engine speed. This is due to the Variable Geometry Turbocharger (VGT™) which varies the exhaust gas flow into the turbine wheel delivering excellent performance and productivity. The trucks also only provide maximum power on demand, when it is really needed, with load-sensing hydraulics that ‘feel’ the load weight that is lifted. As maximum loads are not always handled, even less fuel is consumed.
The high capacity forklift trucks are to be used in the port operation where steel and non ferrous metals are received, stored, repacked and distributed through the road or rail networks.
All the trucks feature the Hyster ‘Vista’ Operator Compartment which offers excellent comfort, outstanding ergonomics and a low noise level. The design of the cab provides the operator with excellent all-round visibility, and particularly of the operating area, with the cab ideally positioned, mid-high and towards the front on the forklifts and at the rear on the empty container handlers for stacking up to 8 high.
The Hyster equipment provides a low cost of operation and is highly reliable for the demanding operations on the quayside in the Port of Antwerp. They are fully supported by the local Hyster distribution partner, Barloworld Handling, providing rapid engineer response and planned maintenance.
Founded in 1870, Zuidnatie (http://www.zuidnatie.be) has expanded significantly over 142 years, now providing a full range of services including stevedoring, logistics, transport, warehousing, customs department and container department, across various industry sectors