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Konecranes is proud to announce the introduction of the world's first hybrid reach stacker - the SMV 4531 TB5 HLT for container handling, with a lifting capacity of 45 tons. It features a hybrid diesel/electric driveline, electrified hydraulic lifting system, and a super capacitor based energy storage. This innovative lift truck will cut fuel consumption and emissions with at least 30% while offering improved performance, acceleration and response to driver's commands.

"Konecranes is a pioneer and leader in lifting technology and service. Our new
hybrid reach stacker is an exciting step forward for our industry and further proofs
that Konecranes is committed to offering its customers eco-efficient products and
services," says Lars Fredin, Vice-President and Head of Business Unit Lift Trucks,
Konecranes.

Significantly reduced diesel fuel consumption
The new Konecranes hybrid reach stacker will offer customers substantial cost and environmental benefits. Estimated fuel consumption at normal handling of
fully loaded containers will be at least 30% lower than for equivalent diesel
powered reach stackers. This is achieved by electrifying all flows of energy across
the driveline, the hydraulic lifting system and the energy storage system.

"Propulsion and lifting are powered by dedicated electric motors that all can
operate in regenerative modes. The energy generated from braking and load
lowering is recovered and stored for later re-use. This results in a substantial
reduction in diesel fuel consumption and environmental impact. Meanwhile,
productivity is increased in terms of quicker response and higher acceleration,"
says Anders Nilsson, Technical Director, Konecranes Lift Trucks.

"Potentially, the diesel engine of the hybrid reach stacker could be replaced by
another source of electrical energy, as technology and price allow. Such examples
may be fuel cells or an energy storage that can be recharged via a connection to
the power grid," Mr. Nilsson continues.

Electrification of the driveline
In a conventional reach stacker, the driveline is a diesel/mechanical system
consisting of a diesel engine, torque converter and transmission. The diesel
engine produces the energy for propulsion. The flow of energy is mechanical and a
2/3 quite complex mechanical gearbox is required. The energy generated by braking is converted into heat that is dissipated to the ambient and wasted.

In the new Konecranes hybrid reach stacker, the driveline is a serial configured
diesel/electric system consisting of a diesel engine, an electrical generator and
an electrical traction motor. The diesel engine runs at constant RPM for optimum
fuel efficiency and powers the generator. Propulsion is provided by an electric
motor that is an integral part of the drive axle. This motor also generates
electrical energy when braking, minimizing the need for mechanical braking and
saving energy.

Electrification of the hydraulic lifting system
In a conventional reach stacker, the diesel engine mechanically drives variable
displacement piston pumps that provide the hydraulic energy for lifting and
steering. The energy that is generated in lowering is dissipated to the ambient
and wasted.

In the new Konecranes hybrid reach stacker, the hydraulic pumps are electricallydriven and electronically controlled. Dedicated electric motors drive the pumps that provide the hydraulic energy for lifting and steering. The speed of these
pumps can be controlled independently of diesel engine speed. More importantly,
the return flow from the hydraulic cylinders is not converted into heat, but fed
backwards through the pumps which now act as hydraulic motors, thus regenerating electrical energy.

Electrical energy storage
A traditional reach stacker has conventional batteries for starting the engine and
powering the electrical systems including lights.

The new Konecranes hybrid reach stacker has a super capacitor system for energy storage that is connected to the truck's electrics. This system stores
electrical energy that has been recovered for later re-use, and boosts the diesel powered electrical generator at times of peak power demand.

Field testing at Port of Helsingborg

The new Konecranes hybrid reach stacker is currently undergoing field testing at the Port of Helsingborg's container terminal.

"Konecranes has become one of our business partners. We cooperate very
closely. This involves continuous development of features on existing lift trucks, and we give input for the development of new models such as the new hybrid reach stacker,"says Mats Fernebrand, Service and Maintenance Manager, Port of
Helsingborg.

For further information and pictures, please contact:

Lotta Tagesson, Marketing Specialist, Konecranes Lift Trucks
E-mail: Send an email
Phone +46 433 735 01, mobile: +46 72 517 35 01

About Konecranes
Konecranes is a world-leading group of Lifting Businesses^™, serving a broad range of customers including manufacturing and process industries, shipyards and container ports. Konecranes provides productivity-enhancing lifting solutions as well as services for lifting equipment and machine tools of all makes. In 2011, Group sales totaled EUR 1,896 million. The Group has 12,100 employees at 609 locations in 47 countries. Konecranes is listed on the NASDAQ OMX Helsinki (symbol: KCR1V).

About the Port of Helsingborg
The Port of Helsingborg is situated at the narrowest point of the sound between
Sweden and Denmark. Over 350,000 TEU pass through the Port of Helsingborg
every year.

While cargo and passenger transport are important parts of its business, The Port
of Helsingborg prides itself on being a container specialist. This is confirmed by
the large number of Konecranes reach stackers that ply the dock area, seamlessly linking sea and rail transport.

For more company and product information visit www.konecraneslifttrucks.se or click to view the Konecranes ShopFront.