Whether they are electric or fueled by gasoline, new materials-handling trucks stress improvements in efficiency. Promising lower emissions or longer operation times, these products can help dealers become "greener," or just get more bang for their buck.
Hyster's AC-powered electric lift trucks have drive motors that extend battery life, and shift features that enhance runtime, the maker says. Improved traction and steering reduce energy consumption. The trucks also lack wearable parts, such as brushes, so there is less downtime, the manufacturer says. 800.497.8371. www.hysteramericas.com.
ES3000 ? ES5500 series electric, counterbalanced lift trucks from Cat Lift Trucks handle capacities from 3,000 to 5,500 pounds. AC drive and hydraulic control bring better travel and speeds, improving cycle times, the maker says. The trucks also feature operator-friendly design, such as hip padding, 500-hour service intervals, and display-based diagnostics. 800.228.5438. www.cat-lift.com.
Toyota Material Handling's 8-series lift trucks feature a 3,000 to 6,500 pound capacity and internal combustion engine models in cushion and pneumatic tire versions. The gasoline, LPG, and CNG trucks produce 70% less smog-forming emissions than 2007 EPA standards and meet 2010 California Air Resource Board standards. Other features include an improved cooling system, visibility enhancements, increased leg room, and non-cinching seat belts. 800.226.0009. www.toyota8series.com.
Redesigned EKX 513-515 AC electric man-up turret trucks from Jungheinrich Lift Truck Corp. are 30% more efficient in terms of energy recovery, and feature 13 hours of runtime instead of 10, the maker says. Designed for narrow-aisle work, trucks come standard with radio frequency identification technology. Options include a protection system that detects obstacles in the vehicle's path. 804.737.9050. www.jungheinrich-us.com.
Raymond Corp.'s 4100 and 4200 stand-up, counterbalanced lift trucks feature two AC drive motors, faster operation, more uptime, and more runtime per battery charge, the maker says. They also have a smaller turning radius and can perform right-angle stacking maneuvers in less space. The 4100 has a load capacity of 3,000 to 3,500 pounds, and the 4200 can handle 3,000 to 5,000 pounds. 800.235.7200. www.raymondcorp.com.
Four models–20, 25, 30, and 32–of Clark Material Handling's ECX sit-down, cushion-tired rider feature non-polluting operation, three forms of regenerative braking (meaning they return energy to the battery), self-diagnostic capabilities, and power steering. The weight the models can handle ranges from 4,000 to 6,500 pounds. A variety of lights, alarms, and other options are available. 859.422.6400. www.clarkmhc.com.
Crown Equipment Corp.'s PR 4500 Series pallet rider includes monitoring technology that helps the rider function at an optimum level, the maker says. The 4500 also has a new suspended floorboard and floor mat to reduce the shock of driving on rough floors. Other features include an AC traction motor and a system that simplifies maintenance by providing maps of the truck, making it easier to locate and identify components, the manufacturer says. 419.629.2311. www.crown.com.
–Victoria Markovitz
