Lift truck transmission technology enhances drivers’ productivity

For Estes Express Lines, a transportation solutions provider that offers domestic and international truckload transportation, specialized delivery services and B2B and B2C shipping solutions, an on-time delivery guarantee equals demanding deadlines.

With 2,000 lift trucks in its fleet, the Richmond, Va.-based trucking company discovered that the lift trucks’ rapid forward and reverse motions, which are necessary to load tractor trailers, cause tire spin and, ultimately, an alarming rate of lift truck tire replacements. In addition, the lift trucks frequently overheated as they were pushed past the normal operating range of powertrains and transmissions. This resulted in escalating maintenance costs and increased downtime for repairs.

To combat these issues, Estes consulted with a lift truck manufacturer who performed an analysis of the company’s processes and applications. The manufacturer recommended lift trucks that feature a patented transmission technology that automatically slows a truck’s travel speed when the accelerator pedal is released (without having to use the mechanical brake). This feature helps to increase driver productivity, minimize brake pedal use and significantly reduce wear on brakes and tires.

To assist with Estes’ challenge of extreme usage, the technology can be programmed to alert the operator when the transmission is overheated and will shut the engine off after 30 seconds of continued overheated operation. This process cools down the powertrain and prevents further damage, thereby keeping repair visits to a minimum.

Estes is seeing greater dependability from its lift truck investment, as its fleet of lift trucks operates more than 30,000 hours in extreme environments before needing repairs, compared to the typical 10,000 hours of operation. As a result, uptime has increased dramatically and enhanced productivity at the loading docks.

Hyster Company
252-931-5100