From large quantities of dust, to extreme temperature variations, Hyster® forklift trucks help overcome the tough conditions at Radmacher Kalksandsteine, a sand-lime brick production plant in Wendeburg, Germany.
The family business has been producing sand-lime bricks using only sand, quicklime and water since 1963. The blocks are hardened in 15-bar pressure autoclaves where more than 60 employees ensure continuous production in a three-shift, around the clock operation. Due to the demands of the application, including a climate that varies from -15°C in Winter to more than 30°C in Summer, the business tested various forklifts thoroughly before selecting new trucks.
“No stone is moved without a Hyster® forklift”
The sand-lime bricks are manufactured in standard sizes as well as in varying dimensions dependent on customer requirements and specific building plans. Hyster® trucks ensure a continuous, reliable process, from production to storage of the blocks.
“No stone is moved without a Hyster® forklift,” says Christian Baars, Production Manager at the plant, who is especially pleased with two new Hyster® H13XM-6 heavy-duty forklift trucks. These trucks, with a lifting capacity of 13-tonnes and a load centre of 600mm, were acquired after testing several different trucks from well-known manufacturers.
Hyster® trucks handle slopes easily
While all trucks tested performed well when unloading trolleys and equipping saws, one competitor was unable to deliver the required performance working on the ramp. The heavy forklifts, fully loaded with sand-lime bricks, have to manage a short ramp with a grade of approximately 12 percent. Although some competitor trucks with strong engines managed the ramp, they consumed significantly more fuel than the Hyster® H13XM-6, which is equipped with a powerful six-cylinder Cummins QSB 6.7 litre engine.
“The engine power was not the only deciding factor though,” says Hyster Dealer Torsten Franke, Managing Director of GS-Gabelstapler Service, in Wolfenbüttel, Germany. “The truck has to be a good overall fit, from the 3-speed ZF hydrodynamic transmission to the transmission ratio.”
High performance with lower fuel consumption
“For us, the high-power reserves and low fuel consumption of the Hyster® H13XM-6 were key,” says Christian Baars. “After all the testing, we put the first forklift into use in our sand-lime brick factory in Uslar, and then ordered another 13-tonne truck, with an S + H stone clamp, to use at the Wendeburg plant.”
The state-of-the-art heavy-duty trucks, which comply with Stage IV / Tier 4 final requirements, consume around 20 percent less fuel compared to their predecessors.
Good all-round visibility is delivered by the ergonomic Hyster® cab, and further enhanced by the VISTA® mast with external chains and three, instead of four, hydraulic lines. The noise level has also been reduced, enabling the driver to concentrate during the shift. Additionally, the wide chassis and wide drive axle ensure maximum lateral stability when using attachments.
Persuaded by the Cool Truck at Hyster® HUB
The business connection between GS Gabelstapler Service and Radmacher Kalksandsteine has developed over 30 years, with the Hyster® dealer offering advice, fast service and relevant solutions. For example, at the Hyster® HUB in Weeze, Germany, Baars was able to learn first-hand about the latest technologies, such as the Hyster® “Cool Truck”.
Based on the H4.0-5.5FT product range, Hyster has developed the Cool Truck especially for use in the dusty conditions found in the paper and recycling industry. The Cool Truck has numerous functions and adaptations to prevent the common problem of the motor overheating due to dust deposits. Hyster® heavy-duty forklift trucks, such as the 13-tonne truck at the stone works, are also designed for use in the toughest operating conditions.
Protection against dust and variable temperatures
To avoid the problems caused by dust, there is an option to extend the air inlet of the pre-filter. This reduces the amount of polluted air that is sucked in when the standard pre-filter is no longer sufficient. An automatic lubrication function can also be installed to keep dirt out. Drivers also benefit from the Hyster® VISTA Cabin which features an easy-to-clean air filter.
Temperature fluctuations pose no problem for Hyster® forklift trucks as they leave the factory in Nijmegen, the Netherlands, ready to withstand operation at temperatures from -18°C to 50°C.
Hyster® forklifts provide up to 3,500 operating hours per year
Four Hyster® H3.0FT Fortens ICE forklift trucks are used by Radmacher Kalksandsteine to their maximum performance, reaching up to 3,500 operating hours per year. The trucks are primarily used to transport the sand-lime blocks around the site.
Equipped with Superelastic tyres and the maintenance-free Hyster® Stability Mechanism (HSM), which improves side stability, the rugged Hyster® Fortens forklifts support the heavy demands of the operation.
Set to the ECO-eLO fuel efficiency mode, these are among the most fuel-efficient forklift trucks available, another deciding factor for Christian Baars.
