Packing Center Hamburg (PCH) now uses the latest generation of Hyster® RS46-36CH ReachStackers, which meet the Stage IV/Tier 4 final emission standards, to transport containers on its premises in the Port of Hamburg.
Every year, approximately 35,000 teu are loaded and unloaded for import and export at the PCH container packing station and that number is growing.
"The first few months under tough operating conditions have shown that the new Hyster ReachStackers really do use up to 25% less fuel than their predecessors while delivering the same performance," says PCH managing director, Klaus Wachsmann.
Thanks to the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) technology used in Hyster engines, combined with selective catalytic reduction (SCR), these models require only a relatively low amount of urea (AdBlue). "The combination of technology and lower fuel consumption has allowed us to significantly reduce the operating cost of our trucks," he adds.
A Cummins QSL9 engine delivering up to 370hp / 276KW provides the necessary power in the Hyster ReachStackers, which are also used to stack the 20 and 40foot marine containers in the first, second and third row at the company's empty depot.
Twenty-three other Hyster® trucks are used by PCH, from hand pallet trucks such as the P2.0 through diesel trucks from the H2.5 FT Advance series and four-wheel electric lift trucks like the J2.5 XN Advance+, to the R1.6 reach truck.
"In the future, we will only use Hyster materials handling equipment, as it is reliable and robust enough to withstand the demanding challenges of shift operation here," says Mr Wachsmann. "In addition, we have been working closely with the experienced Hyster distribution partner, Norgatec, since 1996, and they guarantee that our machines are always 100% available."
Norgatec also ensures that the trucks at PCH are optimally adapted to the operating conditions.
Air-cushioned seats give the drivers additional support and help to prevent fatigue. Intelligent locking systems ensure that each truck can only be used by its authorised driver. Similar to the Hyster® Tracker, the system can also be used to control and monitor the fleet.
To reduce operating costs for the trucks and protect the goods against soiling, the materials handling equipment is carefully adapted to its use at PCH.
For example, the Hyster® Fortens H2.5FT Advance+ diesel trucks, the Duramatch® transmission prevents wheelspin when accelerating and loading/unloading. "This significantly reduces friction, which quickly saves a set of tyres that costs around €1,500", says Mr Küstermann.
PCH also uses white tyres that are free of soot particles on many of its trucks, avoiding black tyre abrasions settling on and soiling the goods. To save money and energy, the trucks switch off automatically if they are not used for two minutes.
"With the large number of trucks we use, keeping operating costs as low as possible is a very important factor for us", says Uwe Zemelka, managing director at PCH. "That's why we are increasingly using electric trucks from Hyster. Compared to trucks with combustion engines they use less fuel and allow lower maintenance intervals, while delivering the same performance."
With over 140 different models, Hyster has the selection the company needs. PCH has approximately 120 industrial and commercial staff who must be able to rely on dependable trucks at all times, especially with growing deadline pressures. Sometimes the window from "gate arrival" of the containers to goods dispatch is no more than eight hours, including customs checks. "We need trucks that are robust and always available," says Mr Zemelka. "A flexible service provider like Norgatec, who works with Hyster to implement our particular requirements quickly and easily, helps us achieve that."
