Features for driver and performance contribute to lift truck safety

Hyster not only promotes safety through training, but its engineers consider safety in every aspect of the forklift design. The ability to design for improved safety comes from Hyster’s experience in the material handling industry and from available technology. New technologies are incorporated – primarily as standard features – into Hyster forklift trucks and then proven through functional and durability testing, reliability development, and controlled field tests. 

Both productivity and safety are enhanced when improved ergonomic designs help the operator avoid fatigue as well as heavy repetitive motions.

Operator Compartment Ergonomics and Controls

• Adjustable Operator Compartment and Controls – Puts the necessary controls in close proximity to a wide range of operators
• Operator Presence System – Prevents operation of the hydraulic system if the operator is not in the proper operating position. Also disables directional travel on Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) trucks 
• Swing-Out LPG Tank Bracket – Drop-down design brings the LPG tank out from the protected center of the truck and down to the operator’s natural handling position making it easier to change
• Operator Steps – Added to reduce the step height when entering the operator compartment.  Steps have a high grip surface and are self-cleaning to avoid a foot slip.
• Parking Brake Warning – reminds operator to set the parking brake when leaving the operator’s seat.
• Direction Switch Indicator – Visually identifies the truck’s travel direction as determined by the shift lever.  
• Overhead Guard – The design of the overhead guard on Hyster lift trucks exceeds the requirements set forth by required standards (ANSI/ITSDF B56.1)Seat Side Power Disconnect – On electric trucks, this allows the operator to disconnect the power to the unit in the event of an emergency situation.

Technical / Mechanical Features

• Mast Cylinder Velocity Fuses – Prevents raised masts from freefalling down in the event of a hoist hose rupture
• Hydrostatic Power Steering – Prevents steering wheel ‘kick back’ when the steer wheels come up against an immovable object. 
• LPG Lock-off Valve – Prevents flow of LPG (Liquid Propane Gas) into the truck when the truck is turned off
• Freelift and Main Hoist Chains – The “ratings” of chain, or combinations of chain, far exceeds requirements for working loads at rated capacity
• Catalytic Converter – Prevents engine exhaust sparks from exiting the truck on LPG- and petrol-equipped units
• Inboard-Mounted LPG Tank – Helps protect the tank from being knocked off or damaged due to impacts
• Tilt Cylinders – Mounted under the floorboard to avoid an operator trip hazard and to prevent oil from contacting the operator in the event of a hose rupture

To find out more, use the Dealer Locator to contact the local Hyster® dealer.

The information provided here is general and is not meant to change any requirements under locally applicable legislation or directives of health and safety organisations.