Holz-Tusche has been using Hyster forklifts for more than 30 years

German wood wholesaler Holz-Tusche has been using Hyster forklifts for more than 30 years, with 17 Hyster trucks forming the backbone of its logistics operation.
Since 2010, the fleet has gradually switched from diesel to LPG fuel. To prevent the gas from running out, the Hyster trucks in the fleet are equipped with two gas bottles so the operator can switch to the new bottle right away when it is needed.

"We've been thinking for years about the use of zero-emissions electric forklifts to protect the environment, and the performance of forklifts equipped with lithium-ion batteries is particularly interesting to us," says managing director Ralph Tusche. "However, at the moment, we lack space in our premises to create the necessary infrastructure for charging this type of forklift truck."

Until the changeover to electric forklift trucks occurs, 10 Hyster H4.0FT forklifts are responsible for warehouse logistics, and for loading and unloading 18 in-house lorries.

"We chose Hyster trucks because they are very durable and they are easy to operate," says Tusche. "They are also economical to buy and maintain."

Hyster dealer Wiegers Gabelstapler has been supporting Holz-Tusche for more than 20 years and provides servicing for the fleet.

"Service is very important to us," says Tusche. "Quick response times, transparent reporting around service and costs, and good customer care from Wiegers Gabelstapler are all crucial, because we cannot afford downtime."

Holz-Tusche currently operates an 11,000 sqm air-conditioned warehouse in Marsberg, Germany, which includes a fully automated storage area, with capacity for up to 21,000 wood panels. Here, the wood panels are stored and picked using automatically controlled vacuum cups, making it possible to deliver the products on demand, as quickly as possible.

The factory receives raw materials from Germany, Austria and Poland, which must move fast, and the lorries must be unloaded immediately. In addition to the 4 T Hyster forklift trucks in operation, three larger Hyster forklifts are on site to enable loads up to 5.5 T to be handled. After unloading the lorries, the wooden panels are taken either directly to the storage area or to the cutting area.

"With us, forklift trucks are being pushed to their limits every day," says Tusche.