Sitting comfortably

For operators of all shapes and sizes, Hyster offers the FLM 80 full suspension seat with a fully adjustable armrest. When combined with an isolated powertrain, this helps to minimise Whole-Body Vibration (WBV), making the ride quality more comfortable, even over rough terrain.

Adjustable steering

To find the optimum driving position for a long shift, operators can easily adjust the steering column that supports the steering wheel, which is only 30cm diameter and features a spinner knob for comfortable steering.  

Comfortable in extreme temperatures

Whether in a refrigerated, temperature-controlled operation in the food and drink sector, or in an outdoor operation in tropical temperatures, heated or air-conditioned cabs help keep the operator comfortable.

A quieter drive

Significant research and development has gone into minimising the driver’s exposure to noise. A quieter engine and hydraulics contribute to significantly reduced noise levels at the driver’s ear with levels measuring 79dB(A) (in compliance with EN12053) for both diesel and LPG 2.5t models in the Fortens range.

Easy access and storage

Operators are often required to dismount and mount their forklifts several times throughout a shift, particularly in busy storage and distribution operations. A grab handle, low step height and ample foot space contribute to operator comfort and easy egress. Cab space is fully maximised with clipboard and drink holders and space for WMS computer system and scanners, so the operator doesn’t feel cramped.

Panoramic Views

Visibility of the forks is important for the operator and a new mast design from Hyster gives drivers maximum fork visibility. Hyster has optimised the 180 degree panoramic field of vision by enlarging the window through the mast and repositioning the chains and hose routings. Operators have excellent views of the operation, the load and any pedestrians

Feeling confident

The new Hyster® mast designs include changes to the structure that help to increase rigidity, giving the operators confidence in the truck’s toughness when handling loads.

Complete control

Operators have complete control of hydraulic functions, with maximum precision and minimal effort required, thanks to the highly responsive seat-side E-hydraulic controls. To suit operator requirements, there is a choice available between Touchpoint™ Mini-levers, offering precise fingertip control, and cowl-mounted mechanical hydraulic levers; both of which are intuitive and straightforward for the operator to use. Controls are also optimally positioned for the convenience of the operator and can be adjusted with the seat, as well as telescope forward, as required.

Manoeuvrability

Excellent manoeuvrability is achieved thanks, in part, to the Hyster DuraMatch™ Transmission, offering electronic inching, controlled roll back on ramps and controlled power reversal, which virtually eliminates tyre spin. It also allows even the most aggressive direction changes to be smooth and regulated.

The Monotrol™ pedal option enables single foot control for acceleration as well as for changing direction between forward and reverse. This leaves the operator’s hands free for steering and operating hydraulic levers.

Tight spaces

To help drivers confidently operate in tight spaces, the S-series of space saver forklift trucks offers the same lift performance in a smaller chassis size. For example, the 2.5 Tonne S-series truck is available on a similar chassis to the equivalent 1.8 Tonne H-Series model. The smaller diameter banded cushion tyres allow for a smaller frame and more compact dimensions and can lift heavier loads to higher lift heights.

Braking control

Operators have confidence for a controlled stop thanks to the DuraMatch Transmission, featuring an Auto Deceleration System (ADS), which automatically slows the truck’s travel speed when the accelerator pedal is released, without needing to use the footbrake. Of course, the trucks also feature responsive brakes.

Filling up

Hyster has prolonged the length of time between refills with the ECO-eLo Fuel Efficiency Mode, featured on the Hyster Fortens series, which reduces fuel consumption by up to 20%. An easily accessible bottle bracket also enables the operator to refill LPG machines more quickly and efficiently.

Fork positioning

To enhance uptime, fork positioner attachments available from Hyster enable the operator to quickly reposition the forks to fit pallets of different sizes, without dismounting the truck.

Feeling accountable

Operator accountability can be implemented using the Hyster® Tracker, a wireless access monitoring system with individual access codes that can be used to track key performance data. Hyster Tracker also helps to maximise utilisation and uptime in operation.

To help enforce seat belt use Hyster has introduced high visibility seat belts, as well as an optional interlock system that prevents the driver from operating the truck without the belt being worn.

Routine and reliability

The operator daily check routine is compulsory. The Hyster Tracker can help to ensure the relevant checks are performed before operation begins each day, which helps to ensure reliability throughout the shift and gives the driver confidence in the truck’s strength and durability.

“This actually started when I made a commitment to our team that if we made our budget this quarter, I’d participate in the Ice Bucket Challenge and donate USD 250 to ALS,” commented Scott Lord, chief executive officer of Capacity Trucks. “Our employees are part of the local community and passionate about giving back so, we decided to take it a step further. We sponsored a raffle where employees could purchase tickets for a chance to dump a bucket of ice water over participating management. Needless to say, raffle ticket sales were rampant,” added Lord.

The company’s Q4 earnings performance was based on an increase of 29% in Capacity Trucks unit orders from last year and a 23% increase for its Laymor division. Aftermarket parts sales were also up 31% over the prior year for Capacity and 21% for Laymor. “Our 4th quarter was definitely one for the record books,” stated Lord.

The East Texas Food Bank, a non-profit organisation, provides food to over 200 partner agencies in an effort to feed children, the working poor and seniors throughout 26 counties in East Texas.

The MOU with the Sea Ports Corporation (SPC) was signed in Kenya and brings the number of MoU’s signed with TNPA since 2013 to five.

Speaking on behalf of the SPC Director General Dr Jalal Eldin M A Shelia, the General Manager Silia Mohamed described the MOU signing as a proud and momentous occasion for Sudan. “We have been inspired by tangible results delivered by the MOU’s signed by TNPA with other authorities to date,” said Mohamed.

He pointed out that the technical aspects of the MOU are in line with best practice which included, amongst others, security, specialised marine skills and operational efficiencies. “I would urge others to join the queue in signing the MOU’s as the continent embarks on a long journey to fulfill the aims of 2050 maritime strategy to ensure that the continent is globally competitive by promoting trade and creating employment to eradicate poverty”, said Mohamed.

The Namport visit led by TNPA’s Acting Chief Executive Lauriette Modipane saw the respective authorities expand the areas of cooperation as set out in clause 2.10 of the MOU.

This clause looks at strategic areas of cooperation including the exchange of technical maritime expertise and capacity building; port development areas including port planning, infrastructure development and management and property investment; marine including lighthouse services, marine services and dredging.

The Namport MOU, the second of the four MOU’s signed to-date, has kicked-off cooperation in specialised training. So far five Namport berthing masters have been trained and six Skipper Port Operators are in training at the Transnet Maritime School of Excellence in Durban. From January to April 2015 additional Skipper Port Operators and Master Port Operators will be trained.

Other areas of cooperation that are to be fast tracked are commercial waterfront developments, infrastructure developments, the sharing of the Maputo model of providing dredging services to neighbouring ports, environmental advancements, the possibility of in-service training, skills transfer and an exchange programme in areas such as port operations and port management.

With a capacity of 15,000 TEU, the DNV GL classed vessel is the largest and most eco-efficient vessel in this capacity range. Preliminary calculations indicate an Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) value that is close to 50% below the 2025 limit established by the IMO. MV “Sajir” will start operating on the Asia–North Europe route after delivery. Ten further A15 (15,000 TEU) vessels and six 18,800 TEU (A18) container ships will be delivered from Hyundai Heavy Industries and Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries to UASC by mid-2016.

Speaking at the naming ceremony in Ulsan, South Korea, HE Salem Ali Al Zaabi, Chairman of UASC, said: “At UASC, we see efficiency as a key competitive differentiator in an increasing competitive market. Whether it stems from improving vessel design through our newbuilding program, strategic partnerships or empowering our people onboard and ashore to deliver improvements, efficiency pervades every facet of our expansion plans. The “Sajir” perfectly embodies this ethos and, as the first of 17 vessels in our current new building programme, represents an important milestone in the evolution of UASC.”

“UASC is proud of its Middle Eastern heritage and the “Sajir” takes its name from an area in Saudi Arabia that is known for its luscious landscape and farming heritage. We hope the “Sajir” personifies her namesake in many ways, with a long and fruitful career and full cargo holds,” Al Zaabi added.

“These highly efficient vessels help us significantly reduce the amount of fuel we consume per container,” said Jorn Hinge, President and Chief Executive Officer of UASC. “We operate one of the world’s youngest container vessel fleets and are committed to making it more environmentally sustainable. The A15 vessels go beyond what regulations require and set new standards in terms of efficient, safe and sustainable operations,” he remarked.

“Energy efficiency and sustainability are instrumental in developing and constructing state of the art container ships – and the A15 vessels fall in this category. We are happy to be working with UASC on this truly innovative project and are pleased that our technical expertise could help the owner in realising it,” said Choi Kil-Seon, Chairman and CEO of Hyundai Heavy Industries.

“By combining leading innovations in ship design, propulsion technology, energy management and container stowage, the UASC newbuildings set new standards in container shipping. We would like to thank our partners for mutually sharing their knowledge with our experts in order to develop some of the most efficient and safest vessels the industry has seen so far,” said Tor Svensen, Chief Executive Officer of DNV GL Maritime.

The CO2 output per TEU for this new vessel class will be 22% less than for a 13,500 TEU vessel delivered only two years ago. The environmental credentials of the A15 class are further highlighted by the fact that these vessels are designed and prepared for a quick and cost-efficient LNG retrofit at a later stage. This “LNG-ready” concept has been confirmed with an Approval in Principle from DNV GL as an industry first. The vessels will further receive DNV GL’s CLEAN class notation, which documents that the new generation ships comply with environmental regulations beyond today’s normal IMO, flag and class standards. They will also be provided with an Inventory of Hazardous Materials, which is not yet a mandatory requirement, and they are one of the first to receive an Energy Efficiency Certificate with documented EEDI.

Moreover, all A15 vessels are equipped with an approved ballast water treatment system and a shore-to-ship power supply solution to enable zero emissions at berth, which is documented by the “Shore Power” class notation.

The A15 class vessels also deliver world-class standards of structural safety. The fatigue strength of the hull structure is based on the assumption of 25 years of operation in the North Atlantic, which is far beyond the normal standard. The A15 vessels will also be equipped with a DNV GL approved hull stress monitoring system that provides guidance to the crew on current stress level in the ship structure during operation.