Hyster Company has previewed its forthcoming J8.0XN forklift truck, claiming it is the first time an 8 tonne electric truck can deliver ‘near ICE (internal combustion engine) performance’.
Hyster says the new vehicle can achieve 100% charge in two hours and has the endurance to support three shift operations. “The new electric J8.0XN provides similar performance to the Hyster LPG equivalent in most normal paper, timber and steel applications, giving businesses the option for zero emissions and quieter operations,” commented Phil Ireland, senior product strategy manager.
“It is an eight-tonne capacity forklift that will suit companies with large fleets and will be particularly interesting for timber firms that produce their own electricity,” he said. “The truck combines Lithium ION with high voltage systems and superior motor technology.” Hyster said the Li-ion battery was designed to be large enough to ensure long endurance, giving a stable performance over a full shift before recharge.
The J8.0XN was previewed at the Hyster HUB event held in Weeze, Germany in October where international press and VIPs witnessed a comparison between the J8.0XN and an equivalent ICE (internal combustion engine) truck.
“The new J8.0XN is faster to accelerate over the first 15 metres and lifts at the same speed as the Hyster ICE model,” said Mr Ireland.
Hyster quotes the top speed of 21.4km/h (unladen) and 18km/h (laden), while noise levels at the operator’s is just 73 dB(A). The company admitted that the initial cost of the truck, battery and charger was higher, but said in the right applications, the overall cost of operation over the life of the truck could be significantly less
