Hyster has unveiled two new lithium-ion battery-powered forklifts, the three-wheel J32-40UTTL and four-wheel J30-70UTL.

The UTTL is available in capacity ranges of 3,200 lb. (1.5 T)  to 4,000 lb (1.8 T), while the UTL is available from 3,000 lb. (1.4 T) to 7,000 lb. (3.2 T).

Hyster says the two new models provide a new avenue for electrifying forklift applications with less demanding requirements in industries such as chemicals and plastics, third-party logistics and trucking. 

“The counterbalanced forklift market is seeing an accelerating shift towards electric, signalling electrification and sustainability as priorities across industries and in materials handling in particular,” says James Nielson, Hyster’s senior business product manager for motive power and electrification. 

“Advances in motive power, especially lithium-ion, are the catalysts driving the transition.

“These new UT models deliver a competitive value that makes lithium-ion more accessible to more applications, without complex warranty or support limitations.” 

Hyster says the new models’ advanced electric power source, including zero tailpipe emissions, fast charging times, consistent power delivery and zero battery maintenance, will help companies meet sustainability targets and productivity goals. 

The lithium-ion battery can fully charge in about two-and-a-half hours and opportunity charging allows the trucks to work for the majority of a full day. 

The trucks also have a number of ergonomic features, including a low step height, a small, adjustable steering wheel and a wide-view mast that helps maximize visibility and supports operator comfort.