Gulf Construction Online - Hyster launches new Fortens truck range

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Hyster’s improved Fortens range.

Hyster launches new Fortens truck range

01 February 2006

Leading truck and construction equipment specialist Hyster has taken a major step forward in lift truck design and engineering through the launch of its new Fortens range of lift trucks and intend to provide industry-leading solutions to a wide range of customer applications.

“A significant part of this advance is thanks to the ability of Hyster’s design engineers, who have developed an electronically-controlled powershift transmission,” says a company spokesman.
He adds: “The new Hyster DuraMatch transmission is a patented design, which, by using an electronic Vehicle System Manager (VSM), is able to provide flexibility in terms of how the truck is operated in the application. While ensuring the truck can be set up to match the needs of the application, the new transmission also helps to improve truck performance while reducing operating costs.”

Cost-saving
“A significant percentage of truck downtime is associated with problems related to the powertrain,” the spokesman says. “The Pacesetter VSM is able to constantly control and monitor how the transmission operates, and is thereby able to manage the wear and tear to truck systems, reducing costly downtime and repairs.
“The VSM is also able to manage the way the transmission operates, thereby providing the driver with maximum comfort and, as a result, improving his productivity.
“To enable the operator to change direction swiftly in shuttle applications, the Hyster DuraMatch transmission has a controlled power reversal feature. When the driver engages reverse at the end of the shuttle run – either with a direction lever or the Monotrol pedal, without applying the footbrake – the VSM takes control of the transmission.
“The system slows the engine speed, before engaging reverse gear, and will subsequently power up the engine again. This function happens without any intervention by the driver and efficiently manages the direction change. It reduces tyre spin and shock loading, allowing even the most aggressive direction changes to be smooth, while at the same time increasing tyre life by up to 50 per cent.”
Another feature that helps to improve operator productivity is the auto-deceleration system (ADS). This feature will slow the truck down to a stop, when the accelerator pedal is released, without the need to apply the footbrake. The ADS helps to combat operator fatigue and injury, limiting the frequency with which he needs to use the brake, while helping to reduce brake wear by up to 60 per cent.
“Both of these transmission features are programmable via the truck’s dash display to match the needs of the driver and the application, from delicate to more aggressive settings, for maximum productivity.
“Finally, the controlled roll back on gradients feature also helps to provide the driver with greater control over the truck, in particular when operating on a ramp. This means that the truck will only roll down a gradient at a maximum of 75 mm per second, when the accelerator pedal is released and the footbrake is not applied,” he explains.

Dependability & efficiency
“The DuraMatch transmission is efficient, strong and hard working. Although a powershift transmission, that offers the features described above facilitated by the VSM, it behaves like a hydrostatic. The electronic control not only assists in improving truck productivity, it also helps to improve fuel efficiency. Thanks to the industry’s best cooling system, the Duramatch operates at lower temperatures than mechanically-controlled transmissions, contributing to minimum maintenance requirements. This combined with simple serviceability provides unrivalled dependability,” says the spokesman.

Testing proves
Like all the features on the new Fortens range, Hyster has invested thousands of hours in testing the DuraMatch system, he says. Hyster’s design engineers have conducted computer simulation tests, component bench tests, durability tests and reliability/field tests to verify every aspect of the new system before signing it off to be used on the new Hyster range of trucks.
“This is in keeping with the whole philosophy behind the Fortens, which promises dependability that operators can count on – a promise which is being fulfilled by the success of the new truck series,” he concludes.