Hyster unveils latest EPA-compliant lift truck, new package offering

CHICAGO, Ill. — Hyster has unveiled a new EPA-compliant lift truck and a new package option for a second lift truck at this week’s ProMat 2013 show.

Its US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Tier IV-compliant H80FT lift truck features a 74 hp engine which uses exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system and a diesel particulate filter (DPF) designed to achieve near-zero emissions. The use of EGR technology eliminates any need for urea or diesel exhaust fluid (DEF)-related equipment or costs, Hyster officials said.

The Hyster H80FT lift truck is designed for several industries, including industrial machinery, scrap and waste applications, and lumberyards.

“Our desire to provide near-zero emission engines is fueled by our commitment to our customers having a truck that meets their application needs, as well as EPA emissions requirements,” said Jonathan Dawley, president of Hyster Distribution. “Hyster is providing rugged lift trucks that get tough on their application, but stay soft on the environment.”

The Environmental Package, now being offered on Hyster’s J70XN lift truck, is designed to prepare electric trucks to handle notoriously heavy-duty industries, such as lumber, dock yards, masonry, food preparation and handling, heavy manufacturing and recycling. The package comes with three tiered options: the IP54 sealed drive axle and motors with belly pan and side shields, the outdoor protection and wash-down package and the front mud guards.

“This new Environmental Package brings Hyster electric trucks to a new level and capability that is synonymous with the durability and reliability that our customers expect from Hyster internal combustion lift trucks,” Dawley said. “Both our ICE [internal combustion engine] and electric trucks go through the same outdoor testing to ensure durability and reliability in the field.”

The first option provides shielding devices on the sealed drive axle to prevent debris from interfering with operations. The second features sealed bearings and waterproof cover relays and connectors to make the truck able to work, rain or shine. Finally, front mud guards on the front fenders protect the attachment and load from drive tire-slung debris and water.

According to Hyster officials, an independent agency tested the electric trucks fitted with the special package alongside the ICE trucks for 15 days in an accelerated, harsh-environment trial. Both the electric and ICE Hyster lift trucks were fully functional after the test, which included 30 thermal shock cycles, 150 hours of high humidity soak with salt spray and 15 pressure-wash events, according to Hyster.