Hyster Co is conducting performance tests of a new mast-equipped container handling truck with a possibly unprecedented lifting capacity of 88,185 pounds (40 tonnes).

Production is scheduled to start in several months. Testing of the H1150HD has reached more than 4,000 hours. Last year tests began in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, in March and in New Orleans, LA, USA, in December. Testing continued in both port locations, said George Marshall, Hyster vice president for big trucks.

Hyster believes the new model could be the only masted top-pick machine in that capacity available anywhere, Mr Marshall said. The H1150HD supplements a series of boom trucks with capacities up to 80,000 pounds (36 tonnes).

The new cab's design emphasises operator ergonomics and supports quick moves of container loads at port terminals and rail intermodal yards.