Perfect pick me up
August 1st 2008 This year's CeMat saw Hyster unveil its latest solution to
high level storage challenges in the warehouse –
the K series of high and medium level order pickers
"For time-sensitive order picking
operations, the reliability of the
handling equipment is one of
the most critical success factors. This is
especially important when picking
individual items from high shelves at short
notice for immediate dispatch," explains
Robert O'Donoghue, general manager for
Hyster's Warehouse Products.
Hyster's new K1.0M and K1.0H high level
order pickers have been developed to
deliver dependability and low cost of
ownership, using the latest proven Hyster
technology, derived from their market
leading VNA machine. The new series
provides lift heights up to 8m with 1 Tonne
capacity and is packed with features that
benefit the overall efficiency of the
operation.
Picked for high manoeuvrability
The order picker series has been designed
to provide fast travel speeds of up to
8.8km/h fully loaded and 9km/h when
unladen. This is achieved through the
employment of 6.4kW AC traction motors.
Fly-by-wire controls provide fast, precise
and effortless AC controlled power steering,
with automatic braking on cornering to
improve controllability of the strong,
compact chassis. A choice of four
performance settings allows the truck to be
configured to suit the requirements of
the driver and the application.
A MOSFET high frequency controller
delivers precise traction and hydraulic
control for quick, smooth acceleration, high
torque direction changes and lift
performance through the 12kW AC lift
motor.
In order to increase productivity, the new
K series can maintain maximum speed at
height while simultaneously travelling and
lifting or lowering. The trucks can be
supplied with either rail guidance or multifrequency
wire guidance options.
Lowering energy consumption
In order to minimise energy consumption,
all new K series trucks employ progressive
speed control. The trucks employ
regenerative braking and in addition,
energy created from the chassis descent is
fed back to the battery, saving energy and
increasing battery shift life. The K1.0M has
a battery compartment to fit 280-310Ah
48V batteries whilst the K1.0H can be
configured for 420 up to 620 Ah batteries.
Enhanced battery access with easy and fast
removal also helps to improve day to day
operations.
Ergonomics for optimum output
The operator's role in the picking operation
is critical and by investing in ergonomic
design, Hyster has delivered a product that
can optimise each operator movement,
reduce fatigue and add to the overall
productivity of an operation. The operator
raises the cab to the required picking height
and then raises or lowers the forks
independently from the cab for loading.
Hyster employs full cab sensors, to safely
assess when an operator is working in the
cabin and thus removes the need for a
"dead man pedal". A cushioned floor
reduces vibrations and creates a more
comfortable work environment.
To reduce operator fatigue the K1.0 is
designed with a low step height allowing
quicker and easier on/off access and has an
overhead height of over 2m. Truck status
information is clearly visible on a new
graphic display, evolved from the popular
reach truck series, this includes precise
information on the steer wheel position,
cabin platform height, traction speed, lift
height, battery discharge levels and the
weight of the load being carried.
Strength & dependability
Hyster is well known for its robust designs
and the K1.0's 2 or 3 stage mast
constructions have high torsional strength,
promoting enhanced stability, leading to
greater operator confidence. The K1.0
series is packed with features such as
Polyurethane Vulkollan® tyres, minimising
pressure applied on the floor surface and a
slack chain detection device. The vehicles
also operate at an average noise level
below 70 dB(A).
The K1.0 delivers a low cost of
ownership through maintenance free AC.
The new K series employs many parts in
common with the successful VNA and
reach trucks, and like these trucks provides
easy access to components and simplified
wiring through the use of CANbus
technology. The dashboard display also
provides full information on the truck's
performance and operating status.
All models are available with a range of
options including height / speed interlocks,
end of aisle slow-down and stop, antistatic
drive wheel, lift interrupt and key pad. In
addition, the K1.0 can be tuned to specific
applications with cold store options, a
choice of cab widths and a variety of FEM
forks and wrap over forks. More articles from Hyster Europe: | 
