Hyster launches new line

By Staff -- Modern Materials Handling, 12/1/2004

In a recent announcement, Hyster Company (800-497-8371) introduced the Fortis line of lift trucks.

With capacities ranging from 4,000 to 7,000 pounds, this new line of trucks will offer lower cost of operations than previous designs while exceeding the industry's standards for dependability, productivity and ergonomics.

To produce the new trucks, Hyster created an innovative lean manufacturing system that allows the company to provide end users a modular approach to the vehicles. Rather than offering one vehicle in a given weight class, the new line allows users to match the right engine with the proper transmission along with other enhancements for their specific application needs.

"We think we have found a better way to give customers what they need for their duty cycle and application," Reginald Eklund, Hyster's president, said at a press conference in Portland, Ore. "We've offered choices in the past, but now we can tailor a truck to meet a customer's specific needs. They'll get a dependable product that offers a lower cost of ownership along with high productivity and serviceability."

The new line was also designed with ergonomics considerations in mind to simplify operation, reduce operator fatigue, and maximize productivity over long shifts.

Available features include:

• State-of-the-art clutch packs that offer three times longer life over previous designs.
• Stronger gears and shafts for rough driving.
• Electronic inching control for superior operator control.
• Auto deceleration system that automatically controls transmission braking when the throttle pedal is released, which increases brake life.
• Power reversal, which minimizes tire spin when changing directions.