Hyster Company says it has beefed up its trucks with some major redesigns and a host of new features. Here are just a few of the highlights from a tour of the new models at MODEX 2012 with Hyster Distribution President Jonathan Dawley.

The B60-80Z^HD heavy-duty end rider has been upgraded, with 25 percent more steel in the forks and longer-life components. Additionally, the company says that the end rider's reinforced linkage system can make on average three times as many lifts as competitors before requiring maintenance. Hyster has also changed the linkage points, reducing force by 25 percent. The 6,000—8,000-pound capacity equipment also includes a new pallet entry/exit system that increases fork-pallet interlocking pressure by 500 percent. This helps to secure the pallet to the floor and ensures a successful pallet exit. Hyster has also increased the exit roller size to reduce a pallet's tendency to drag on exit. The truck also now has a wider battery box, which reduces the strain on the undercarriage and linkage. The vehicle boasts a 20-percent improvement in torsional stiffness for increased durability. The overall result, the company says, is a vehicle that is more resistant to damage and has a longer operational life.

The manufacturer describes the new internal-combustion S50CT cushion tire and H50CT pneumatic tire lift trucks as no-frills, cost-effective trucks that can work in many applications. The streamlined trucks feature excellent fuel economy—about 12 percent less than some competitors' average—and a series of ergonomic improvements for operator comfort. The 5,000-pound-capacity vehicles have extra foot space, an adjustable tilting steer column, and increased visibility.

A new series of sit-down electric lift trucks—the 3-wheel J30-40XNT and the four-wheel J30-40XN—delivers lifting capacities of 3,000 to 4,000 pounds and a zero turn radius. A redesigned operator compartment features substantial floor space and a relocated multifunction display for better visibility and load control. The compact design and zero-turning-radius axle of the J30-40XN offers maneuverability similar to a three-wheel truck, with greater comfort when traveling over longer distances. A redesigned hood provides full battery service access, reducing downtime.