Auckland Rs

“We find Siemens Step systems very helpful in respect of diagnostics. So, no, we don’t view modern straddle carriers as being too complex to maintain,” says the Port of Liverpool terminal manager.

At Ports of Auckland, John Miller acknowldeges that some modern reachstackers have complex Canbus controllers, remote diagnostics and PLC (Programmable Logic Controller). However, he points out that similar equipment is already installed in other terminal equipment, so most ports have the capability to find such technology useful.

“However, if a port uses a ‘forklift’ service provider instead of in-house technicians to service and maintain reachstackers, then they need to restrict the technology to that of general automotive technicians and mechanics,” he warns.

Although energy saving devices are now being incorporated into various types of port equipment, Mr Miller believes it will be at least five years before hybrid engine transmission packages already common in construction equipment will be fitted to reachstackers and FLTs. However, some smaller forklifts and wheel loaders use hydrostatic drive and he believes this will make the leap to reachstackers fairly soon.