SPECIAL FEATURE: MOTORS AND GEARBOXES
22 June 2018
J U S T T H E B E G I N N I N G
Swags of media, officials and dignitaries were
on-hand for the demonstration of Australasia’s first
hydrogen-powered forklift.
The collaborative partnership at Hyundai Australia
with Hyster – belying current competitive dealings
in certain product channels – is about promoting
the technology. Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles
(HFCVs) are not new, with Hyundai this year
launching its Nexo model featuring state-of-theart,
latest-generation fuel cell system mounted
under the bonnet.
The theory is that HFCVs can offer zero-emissions
motoring, just like electric cars, without the need
for recharging so drivers won't have to change
their behaviour after more than a century of
internal combustion engines.
In forklifts, as was on display, the technology has
resulted in the performance and refuelling speed
of typical conventionally powered alternatives, but
with the sustainability of electric motors too.
Hyster-Yale Asia-Pacific managing director, Tony
Fagg, introduced the hydrogen-powered forklifts,
and described them as clean and green, with
high environmental performance coupled with the
convenience and workplace efficiency of rapid
refuelling that, in turn, results in maximum uptime.
“These new hard-working forklifts comprise a
production-tested Hyster range that complements
our existing globally respected ranges and is
backed by the distribution and technical resources
of Hyster-Yale Group, which produces forklifts for
the toughest working conditions in capacities from
1-52 tonnes,” says Mr Fagg.
The new hydrogen-powered forklift trucks
are aimed particularly at companies seeking
the ultimate combination of environmentally
harmonious indoor and outdoor performance,
without having to interrupt production cycles or
have vehicles out of service for lengthy charging
or battery changing. These benefits will extend
to a wide range of materials handling operations,
where productivity is a vital element in maintaining
a competitive edge.
Hyster's Tony Fagg