First hybrid reach stacker

The world's first hybrid reach stacker, developed by Konecranes, is soon to be available in the UK through Cooper SH.

With a 45t lifting capacity, the new SMV 4531 TB5 HLT features a hybrid diesel/electric driveline, an electrified hydraulic lifting system, and a super capacitor based energy storage - significantly cutting fuel consumption and emissions.

Estimated fuel consumption will be around 10 litres/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. The unit's features will also provide improved acceleration performance and lifting response to driver commands.

Tony Rooney, Cooper SH director, commented: "This project has been on-going for around two years and we are delighted that it has now entered its field-test mode. It is further proof that SMV (Konecranes) truly are the innovators within the industry having brought to market such designs as glass 'wrap-around' pillarless operator cabs, load sensing hydraulics, ECO drive fuel management technology, which competitors have since followed, and now this new hybrid technology."