MM-Wood Oy, based in Korkeakoski, Juupajoki in Finland, focuses on planing and strength grading sawn timber as a contractual partner of Hartman Iron Ltd and JPJ-Wood Oy. It is supported in this by the use of Hyster lift trucks.

MM-Wood, which was established in 2013 and employs 16 people, uses Hyster forklift trucks to unload lumber packages from vehicles, as well as feed the planing line, receive finished packages and transfer them to the warehouses.

Local Hyster distribution partner in Finland, RealLift Oy, provided a demo truck for MMWood to test soon after its enquiry, enabling the company to make a decision quickly. RealLift, which has experience working with sawmills, provides service from 20 authorised service centres around Finland.

If a part is not available, next-day delivery on spare-parts is provided by the Hyster warehouse in the Netherlands.

RealLift supplied MM-Wood Oy with two heavy duty forklifts to assist with their operations.

The Hyster H18XM-9 heavy duty forklift truck has a lifting capacity of 18 tonnes, making it possible to move six bundles at a time, instead of four, and to use this truck for both loading, and unloading shipments.

The Hyster H12XM-12 heavy duty forklift truck has a 12-tonne lift capacity and moves bundles to and from the planer. These trucks have a smaller wheelbase, making them easier to operate in tight spaces, as well as being more agile.

MM-Wood’s fuel consumption has decreased thanks to the new trucks and the company estimates that hourly consumption is now between just 7-8 litres, even though the forks carry heavy loads at all times.

To assist drivers, the hydraulics on the Hyster lift trucks respond to the weight on the forks and provide lifting power automatically. The driver does not need to increase the engine speed. Drivers are further assisted by ergonomic cabs, with good seats, air conditioning, low noise levels and good visibility in all directions. The controls are the same on both trucks for consistency for the operator.

Both of the lift trucks also have an automatic system that reduces (or even shuts down) engine power if certain limits, such as fluid temperatures, are under or over the limit.

To simplify maintenance, all possible components are consistent throughout the range of Hyster big trucks and the maintenance software is the same.

Recent Launch

Hyster has recently launched the new J7.0– 9.0XNL forklift series with fully integrated lithium-ion batteries. The zero-emissions electric lift trucks, which the company says are well-suited to timber applications, provide 7-9 tonnes of lift capacity, offer comparable diesel engine performance, and rapid opportunity charging.

Achieving 100% charge in just 80 minutes, the new trucks have high voltage lithiumion batteries and the endurance to support three shift operations in demanding industrial applications. Timber industry operations can now easily bring tough electric lift trucks into their fleet that offer class leading turn radius, fast acceleration, and even more responsive operation, said Hyster.

It added that operations can expect internal combustion (IC)-like capability in terms of productivity, control and autonomy, alongside the added benefit of reduced noise levels, zero emissions and a low total cost of ownership.

The four new models (two compact and two standard) can operate at maximum capacity for a full eight hours and offer fast acceleration and top speeds of up to 21km/ hr (unladen), ideal for sites with long driving distances.

To help match the performance of the truck to the specific application requirements, wide hook-type carriages allow the fitting of a wide variety of forks and attachments and there are many other options and additional features available.

The introduction of the J7.0-9.0XNL series follows the nomination of the Hyster J3.0XNL lithium-ion forklift for the 2020 International Intralogistics and Forklift Truck of the Year (IFOY) Award. This is the first counterbalance lift truck designed from the ground up to take advantage of the form factor of a lithiumion battery pack. This offers benefits such as greater space in the operator compartment with lower centre of gravity and improved ergonomics.

With opportunity charging and the ability to charge in around one hour, the lithiumion forklift is an ideal solution for timber applications requiring lifts up to 3-tonnes, said Hyster.

Affordable new series

This year Hyster has also expanded its range with the introduction of the new UT series of lift trucks and warehouse equipment. This gives businesses more ways to select the right truck for their budget and their needs.

When matched with the right application and the right operating volume, the company says businesses will find the UT trucks “straightforward, durable, reliable, and uncomplicated to maintain”. The affordably priced range of trucks, which include IC forklifts, three and four-wheel electric forklifts, pallet trucks and stackers, are particularly suitable for lower intensity timber applications.