Ports and Terminals

Hyster® Big Trucks are optimising operator comfort in Ports and Terminals

Container shipping overcapacity places demands on Ports and Terminals. Operators and equipment must perform with greater speed and precision to keep up. Utilising Hyster® lift trucks and Container Handlers, designed for operator comfort and maximum visibility, may help.

Hyster understands the different challenges that are typically encountered in the operating environment of a busy port or container terminal. Hyster Big Trucks, Empty Container Handlers, and ReachStackers are Tough Trucks for Tough Jobs. Each is designed with features to support the operator, which in turn can contribute to greater productivity. 

Comfortable cockpit-style cab 

Heavy-duty Hyster lift trucks set new industry standards for operator cabins. The range, with capacities from 8-52 tonnes, features a cockpit-style cab that makes work easier and more comfortable than ever for operators. 

There is an ergonomically optimised seat design, a large floor area, and all controls are at the driver’s fingertips. The cabs offer different heating and ventilation options, keeping operators content in harsh winter conditions, or blazing sunshine. 

With large areas of glass integral to the design, the cab also provides excellent visibility while manoeuvring or when positioning containers or heavy loads.  This may help improve operator confidence, and reduce operator strain and fatigue. 

Options to enhance comfort even further 

When handling containers, operators may have different preferences. To accommodate this, Hyster ReachStackers can be delivered with an optional full stroke sliding cab on CH models. This can be moved to different positions, giving operators a comfortable viewing angle when undertaking different tasks. Sliding to a fully forward position helps the driver see the ground in front of them, which can be helpful for certain loads. The rear cab position then helps reduce the strain that operators may experience from looking steeply upwards when stacking containers.  

Looking up at a stack of containers multiple times during a long shift may cause the operator discomfort. An automatic tip-up cab solution for Hyster Empty Container Handlers is another option that can optimise visibility to support operators. The specially engineered cab option from Hyster automatically tilts back as the load is lifted above four containers high, helping to maintain visibility for operators, without compromising on comfort. 

Another specially engineered option that may support ease of operation and a comfortable driver environment is a Rotating Seat. This can reduce discomfort caused by looking backwards in port operations. This option allows the operator to rotate the seat 180 degrees while driving the truck backwards.

For second rail applications, Hyster can also deliver ReachStackers with an elevating cabin.This option provides the operator with a direct view on the spreader twistlocks and the corner castings of the second container and over the container located on a wagon in the first rail.  

To provide extra operator support where the application demands it, high-definition weather resistant camera systems are also available. This may make it easier for operators to pick up containers in, for instance, 2nd rail positions or other situations where visibility is limited. Options include a boomtop camera and/or twistlock cameras, which are available on all Hyster Container Handlers. 

Visibility is not the only factor affecting operator comfort  

Ports and terminals are generally noisy operations. Not only is there vehicle and equipment noise, but the act of engaging a spreader onto a container, picking it up and putting it down, can all make loud or unpleasant noises.  Powerful trucks handling heavy containers on difficult ground conditions can also mean that drivers must withstand a lot of vibration.  

Powered dampening and powered pile slope for Hyster Container Handlers are features designed to enhance control while positioning container. However, they also help make the job more comfortable across long shifts. 

Tough Trucks for Tough Jobs in Ports and Terminals 

These are just a few of the examples of Hyster solutions that can support operators in tough ports and inland terminal applications. 

Discover more about tough trucks from Hyster that can help optimise operator comfort.