PRCSH69 11th November 2013
A new hybrid powered container handling reach stacker distributed by Cooper SH is in the running for two prestigious industry awards.
The Konecranes reach stacker, which was launched earlier this year, has been shortlisted in both the Environment and Innovation categories at the Fork Lift Truck Association (FLTA) Awards for Excellence 2014.
Tony Rooney, Director of Cooper SH expressed his delight that this new technology has impressed the judging panel and has been put through to the voting phase for the awards. “It is an honour that the hybrid reach stacker has been put forward in both Environment and Innovation categories as these are the two aspects that are at the core of this new technology.
“From a technical perspective, whilst hybrid technology is not new, to achieve electrification on such a large scale is a huge step forward and is arguably the most significant introduction in mobile container handling equipment since the reach stacker was first introduced over 30 years ago.”
The machine is believed to be the largest ever electrified handling machine using a counter-balanced principle. With a lift capacity of 45 tonne the machine weighs-in, fully laden, at over 120 tonnes. The new concept incorporates a diesel-electric driveline, an electrified hydraulic lifting system and a super capacitor based regenerative system that stores energy for ensuing traction and lifting needs.
In addition, a constant-speed engine eliminates operator variances which more than halves fuel consumption with consequential savings in carbon emissions.
“Conventional machines can burn anything from 20 to 26 litres per hour so now that can be reduced to 8 to 10 litres per hour, cost and environmental benefits will be huge,” Tony explained.
It is estimated that the savings can amount to over £220 000 in fuel alone which is equivalent to 70% of the cost of a new machine.
“It would have been great if the machine could actually pay for its total capital investment but paying for 70% of a conventional machine with the saving the technology makes, is impressive enough and we are pleased the FLTA judging panel has recognised this,” added Tony.
The FLTA 2014 Awards will be held at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole on 1st February 2014.
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Editor’s Notes
Operating in all sectors of heavy lifting across the UK and Ireland, Cooper Specialised Handling is the exclusive UK distributor for SveTruck, RAM Spreaders, Telestack bulk material handling conveying systems and Sany mobile handling equipment, sole UK importer and exclusive distributor for Mantsinen cranes, Movella Translifters, TEC Containers and a long-term specialist in Konecranes lift trucks. The company, which celebrated 20 years in business in 2018, also has a dedicated after-sales division, Cooper Specialised Handling Ireland, which specialises in engineering support.
Independently owned, Cooper offers total solutions in both solids and bulk handling. Its customised solutions comprise high quality, high value products and reliable service for businesses operating in the most challenging heavy handling environments, including ports, freight handling, inter-modal terminals, manufacturing and other heavy lifting industries.