Konecranes, a leading provider of lifting equipment and services for a wide range of industries, said it has launched the world’s first hybrid reach stacker - the SMV 4531 TB5 HLT - for container handling, with a lifting capacity of 45T.

The SMV 4531 TB5 HLT features a hybrid diesel/electric driveline, an electrified hydraulic lifting system, and a super capacitor-based energy storage, said the Norway-based company in a statement.

This innovative lift truck will cut fuel consumption and emissions while offering improved performance in terms of acceleration and lifting response to driver commands, said a senior official.

“Propulsion and lifting are powered by dedicated electric motors that can all operate in regenerative mode. The energy generated from braking and load lowering is recovered and stored for later re-use," explained Anders Nilsson, the technical director, Konecranes Lift Trucks.
 
"This means a reduction in diesel fuel consumption and environmental impact. Meanwhile, productivity is increased in terms of quicker response and higher acceleration," he added.

The new hybrid reach stacker, he said, will offer customers substantial cost and environmental benefits.

"Estimated fuel consumption will be around 10 liters/hour during normal handling of fully loaded containers, significantly less than with conventional reach stackers. This is achieved by electrifying all flows of energy across the driveline, the hydraulic lifting system and the energy storage system," pointed out  Nilsson.  

The new hybrid Konecranes reach stacker is being field-tested at the container terminal in Port of Helsingborg, situated at the narrowest point of the sound between Sweden and Denmark.

Mats Fernebrand, the service and maintenance manager, Port of Helsingborg, said Konecranes has become one of its business partners.

"We cooperate very closely. This involves continuous development of features on existing lift trucks, and we give input for the development of new models such as the new hybrid reach stacker," he added.-TradeArabia News Service