New Hyster axle promises big savings for empty container terminals

Empty container handling operations can now drastically reduce their tyre bills thanks to a new drive axle offered by Hyster Europe. The tyre preserving axle technology is featured on Hyster's latest 5-8 high Empty Container Handlers.

The new ‘tyre saving' drive axle used on Hyster's latest Empty Container Handlers will significantly reduce the overall cost of running empty container handling operations. Tyre wear, a major cost for port and terminal operations, can now be reduced by as much as an anticipated factor of 3 for the front (drive axle) tyres, plus 1.5 for the rear (steer axle) tyres, according to the leading materials handling manufacturer.

Hyster first with new tyre preserving technology

"No other forklift truck manufacturer has access to this technology in Europe at present" explains Antoon Cooijmans, product manager for Hyster Big Trucks. "We can confidently prove that the new axle can significantly extend tyre life and greatly reduce costs for ports and terminals over the life of a vehicle and contract".

The new axle has the differential mounted in the wheel ends at each side of the axle, allowing the wheels to rotate independently, greatly helping to minimise tyre scrubbing. Typical conical wear of ‘fixed' twin-tyre sets, as found on conventional axles, is eliminated using the axle as each wheel can rotate independently, yet still provide full acceleration and braking power.

Reducing costly downtime and tyre changes

"Tyre changes on large container handlers are not only costly but can be time consuming too, as the truck usually has to return to the workshop" Antoon adds. "Fewer tyre changes means less downtime, plus less rubber waste means a better environmental footprint".

The new drive axle also provides easier handling and turning manoeuvrability for Hyster empty container handlers.

The introduction of the new drive axle is the result of a seven year product development programme and significant investment from Hyster and AxleTech International. Antoon concludes "Hyster equipment is highly regarded as tough and dependable with the lowest total cost of ownership. The new drive axle is a major breakthrough for both Hyster and the container handling industry that reaffirms our position as a leader in heavy duty handling innovations that deliver real commercial benefits for demanding operations everywhere".