Hyster relaunches 25-32 T heavy-duty forklift and container handler range to meet Tier 4i/Stage IIIB emission standards.

Hyster's 25-32 T heavy-duty forklift and container handler range is now available with new Tier 4i/Stage IIIB low-emission engines that it claims offer fuel savings of up to 15%.

"The range, which was first launched in 2010, comprised of nine models, three of which are ultra-compact," explains Antoon Cooijmans, Hyster Europe's big trucks product manager.

For use in ports or heavy industry, the range includes four conventional forklifts with lifting capacities ranging from 25 to 32 T at 1,200 mm load centre. Three ultra-compact models have wheelbases of between 3.655 m and 3.935 m, and the two container handlers have a dedicated carriage for the container spreader.

All models have been re-launched featuring Tier 4i/stage IIIB compliant engines, which are expected to deliver lower overall exhaust emissions and fuel savings of up to 15%.

The Hyster big truck assembly line in Nijmegen, the Netherlands is already building the 25-32 T range featuring the new Cummins QSB 6.7 engine (up to 270 hp./ 201 kW) which it says delivers rapid boost at low engine rpm and then maintains high boost at higher rpm, independent of engine speed. This is due to the Variable Geometry Turbocharger, which varies the exhaust gas flow into the turbine wheel.

In addition to the Cummins engine technologies, Hyster has introduced new performance optimisation developments like "cooling on demand, RPM management and alternate engine idle speed", to help further reduce the total fuel consumption.

"The 25-32 T range is packed with features to reduce energy consumption and save fuel and helps drivers maintain comfort and concentration throughout a shift," Cooijmans says, explaining that the trucks only provide maximum power on demand, when it is really needed, with load-sensing hydraulics that 'feel' the load weight that is lifted.

From January 2011, large-capacity forklifts and container-handling equipment were affected by new emissions regulations known as "Tier 4i" (the EPA regulations for the North American market) and "Stage IIIB", the European Union equivalent. The regulations affect all diesel-powered off-highway equipment for sale in these markets with power ratings over 130 kW (173 hp.).

Hyster says it is the first materials handling equipment manufacturer to offer a full range of Tier 4i/Stage IIIB-compliant equipment for ports, terminals and heavy industry (Forkliftaction.com News #491).