2013 Product of the Year finalists: Material Handling Systems

Finalists in the Material Handling Systems category for the Plant Engineering 2013 Product of the Year competition.

By Amanda McLeman November 18, 2013

Electric end rider pallet trucks

The B60ZHD and B80ZHD 6,000- and 8,000-lb end rider electric pallet tricks have been engineered to take on the most demanding, heavy-duty applications in a multitude of operating conditions. These electric end riders are equipped with Hyster i3 Technology which integrates commonality among Hyster warehouse products and simplifies the way in which operators and technicians alike handle and service the trucks. The end riders feature an enhanced frame for greater strength and steadier load handling, are reinforced with 25% more steel, and the fork tip is specifically designed for smooth pallet entry.

Hyster Company
www.hyster.com 


Diesel lift trucks

The 8-Series large diesel lift truck line includes 8,000- to 17,500-lb internal combustion (IC) pneumatic tire models and a newly designed and advanced Toyota-built 3.0 L, four-cylinder, high-performance engine. The 8-Series large capacity IC lift trucks offer significant advances in durability, ergonomics, productivity, and fuel efficiency, while meeting stringent federal EPA Tier 4-final diesel engine standards. The lift trucks offer Toyota’s exclusive System of Active Stability (SAS), which helps reduce the likelihood of lateral and longitudinal tipovers. When the SAS detects instability, its advanced sensors simultaneously signal and engage the appropriate controller.

Toyota Industrial Equipment Manufacturing Inc.
www.toyotaforklift.com 


Gasoline lift trucks

The 8-Series large-capacity gasoline lift truck line is ideal for both indoor and outdoor applications like the paper, lumber, and concrete industries, and large distribution centers needing to move heavy loads. The four-cylinder engine features the latest electronic fuel injection system with Controller Area Network (CAN-BUS) technology to deliver substantial improvements. On average, the 8-Series models reduce fuel consumption by 20% for the 1FS gasoline/LPG model. The powerful 1FS gasoline/LPG engine displaces 3.7 L, boasting a high-efficiency design offering up to 93 hp and 203 ft/lbs of torque.

Toyota Industrial Equipment Manufacturing Inc.
www.toyotaforklift.com 


Paper roll lift trucks

The 8-Series paper roll model lift trucks are designed to meet the tough applications associated with the pulp and paper industry. To meet the paper industry’s need for damage-free roll handling with maximum efficiency, the trucks are equipped with paper roll clamps that are available in a wide range of configurations to handle multiple diameters, weights, and types of paper. To ensure proper operation, a clamp release interlock system built into the control valve works to help prevent accidental activation of the release lever. In addition, an automatic clamp leveling feature allows the operator to quickly level the clamp vertical to the paper roll with the touch of a button.

Toyota Industrial Equipment Manufacturing Inc.
www.toyotaforklift.com 


Center rider lift truck

The MO25 center rider lift truck eases second level order picking through its fully adjustable electronic power steering, automatic speed reduction in cornering, and its suspended platform with an operator sensing floor mat. The electric steering reduces steer effort by 90%. The MO25 truck features numerous operator compartment and platform advantages for efficiency and ergonomic benefits. The control handle reduces the arm movement needed to change directions, helping to reduce fatigue and increase productivity and allowing the operator to remain inside the truck footprint for protection. The truck’s electromechanical disc brakes are top mounted for ease of maintenance and inspection.

Yale Materials Handling Corporation
www.yale.com 


Author Bio: Amanda McLeman is the research director and project manager of awards programs for CFE Media and Technology.