Four container trains connect the baymodal terminal in Bamberg with ports in Hamburg, Bremerhaven and Wilhelmshaven every week. Two 360-meter loading tracks receive a block train and can load and unload it directly.
“By using a Hyster reachstacker with an elevating cabin it is considerably easier for the driver to lift containers from the second track,” says Project Engineer Christoph Kiener from bayernhafen. “For example, intermodal container handling from train to truck is simpler, as the driver can raise the cab at any time to get a better view.”
With the adjustable, elevating cabin drivers have a direct view of containers in the second row – even if there are high-cube containers or wagons in the first row. This avoids damage and helps make handling more efficient. The Hyster reachstacker can stack up to five containers high in the first row, four in the second and three in the third.
Optimal driver comfort
The Hyster RS46-41LSCH reachstacker is particularly popular among operators at the Bamberg Terminal because it provides a good view and is comfortable, even in demanding applications. “The movable cab can be raised and lowered using the elevating arm,” says Rainer Marian, Head of Big Trucks at Hyster Europe. “The system we have developed does not work with a mast – the joint sits directly on the chassis. This keeps the cab almost vibration-free, even when the reachstacker drives long distances.”
“Drivers benefit from an ergonomic workplace, as there are fewer impacts and vibrations. Plus, as the cab is located on the side, next to the boom, the rear view is also particularly good,” he continues, explaining that the cab can also be equipped with a 10-degree tilt function, which makes it possible to handle high stacked containers even more comfortably.
Extendable supports provide stability
To increase the stability of the reachstacker, the truck has two hydraulically extendable stabilisers on the front axle, which press firmly onto the ground. They also increase the load capacity in the second and third row, as well as when offloading trains.
“An important factor when designing the reachstackers was to minimise wear and maintenance,” explains Marian. “We help port and terminal operators control their costs and maximise uptime.”
Hyster Tracker simplifies maintenance
The Hyster Tracker telematics system also contributes to this. The fleet management system can record operating hours and support service checks and customer service through error analysis.
“With the help of Hyster Tracker, we can help rectify errors as quickly as possible and plan our service proactively,” says Jochen Kotschenreuther of local Hyster dealer Kotschenreuther Systemtechnik, which has been working with baymodal since 2017. “Seven days a week, we can make sure we’re on-site within two hours to repair the machine. This keeps downtime to a minimum.”
“We are very satisfied with the service and know-how of Kotschenreuther Systemtechnik,” says baymodal’s Christoph Kiener. “They also advised us on helpful add-ons for the reachstacker – our RS46-41LSCH has a total of six cameras to provide additional visual support for the operator.”
Attachments ready for the future
At present, mainly 20ft, 30ft and 40ft containers are handled directly from the truck to the waiting trains in Bamberg. Up to 17 lorries can be parked on the pre-storage area, which is, on average, loaded and unloaded in 10 minutes. In total, around 30,000 TEUs is handled annually in the combined transport terminal, which opened in 2008, but bayernhafen Bamberg could handle up to 80,000 TEUs per year.
“We don’t currently handle many semi-trailers and swap bodies,” says Kiener, who sees greater potential for this type of handling in the coming years and is technically prepared for it – the spreader of the reachstacker can, if required, be supplied with a clip-on attachment with legs for swap bodies.
“Known as a ‘piggyback’ or slave attachment, this allows us to use the Hyster reachstacker flexibly for all of the different tasks in the terminal,” he continues.
