Container handlers reducing fuel usage

Hyster’s stage IV empty container handler is thought to use up to 20% less fuel than a stage IIIA engine and will be used by terminal operator Frankenbach at Port of Mainz.

Frankenbach has been testing the latest generation of Hyster trucks with Cummins QSB 6.7 stage IV engines and ZF 5-speed WG211 since August 2014 and CEO Ernst Frankenbach, stated: “Fuel consumption can be reduced by up to 20 percent compared to a Stage IIIA engine.”

Engine efficiency

Mr Frankenbach said operating costs are also lowered by up to 10% as the load-sensing hydraulics of the trucks enable a high lift speed at a low engine speed and the 5-speed ZF transmission.

The container handler was developed by the Hyster Big Trucks department in the Netherlands, in cooperation with Cummins, ZF and Danfoss.

Norbert Brünell, senior product strategy manager for big trucks EMEA at Hyster, said: “High reliability, low fuel consumption with reduced emissions and lower service costs are our contribution to help companies to lower their operating costs and to protect the environment.”

Eco train

The 10,500 teu capacity container terminal was opened in May 2011 and around 1500 20-40ft containers are moved daily in the Port of Mainz.

Rhein-Saar-Mosel container express train runs three times weekly and connects the container terminal at Port of Mainz with Homburg-Kirkel in Saarland. This has also helped the terminal lower emissions.