Mike Parkin, Ports and Terminals Sales Manager for Barloworld Handling says “There is a lot of information for operators to digest regarding the new regulations and the different technologies that are used to achieve compliance.”
The new emissions regulations commenced in January 2011 and affect materials handling equipment used in ports, terminals and heavy industry in the EU and North America. The regulations require diesel engines to reduce Particulate Matter (PM) exhaust emissions by 90% and Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx) exhaust emissions by 45% compared with the current Tier 3 and Stage IIIA emissions standards. Barloworld Handling is the exclusive UK dealer of Hyster materials handling equipment and has over 50 years experience supporting ports and terminals operations throughout Europe. “We are offering free advice to help operators understand the scope of the regulations and how it will affect them” says Mike. “Additionally we will provide a calculation of potential cost savings and emissions reductions based on the operator using new stage IIIB compliant technology as compared to their current fleet”. Hyster was reported to be the first materials handling equipment manufacturer to offer a full range of Tier 4i / Stage IIIB compliant equipment for ports, terminals and heavy industry. In November 2010, the company announced that it will use EGR engine technology rather than SCR in its range of heavy capacity trucks, to make it easy for users to achieve compliance. With EGR the end user does not have to change the way it operates. Diesel fuel is added to the tank in exactly the same way and the engine does the rest with no additional equipment, additives or maintenance regimes. The alternative, SCR, requires an extra tank to contain the AdBlue, and drivers need to top up the tank adding extra time to a standard refuelling operation. Hyster has managed to achieve a staggering 15%, or more, fuel saving with the changes that it has made to its range with no reduction in performance. The company uses Cummins QSB and QSL engine technologies. Additionally, Hyster has introduced new performance optimisation developments, such as cooling on demand, load sensing hydraulics, RPM management and alternate engine idle speed, to help reduce the total fuel consumption.
“Fuel savings of approximately 9,000 litres every year have been calculated with the new Hyster reachstacker, which equates to some £12,600 per machine at current fuel prices” adds Mike. “Barloworld can provide specific calculations for fleets across the UK according to duty cycle, rating and maintenance schedules.” Another major cost for terminal operations is tyre wear, in particular on empty container handlers. With the introduction of the new tyre saving axle from Hyster, Barloworld is able to calculate typical savings of up to a factor of three over a contract period.