Konecranes – world first with hybrid reachstacker

The innovative 45-tonne capacity lift-truck features a hybrid diesel/electric driveline, electrified hydraulic lifting system and super capacitor based energy storage. The company claims that these will cut fuel consumption and emissions by at least 30% compared to the equivalent diesel powered vehicles, while offering improved performance, acceleration and response to driver’s commands.

“Propulsion and lifting are powered by dedicated electric motors, all of which can operate in regenerative modes using stored energy generated from braking and load lowering. This results in a substantial reduction in fuel consumption and environmental impact. Meanwhile, productivity is increased in terms of quicker response and higher acceleration,” says Anders Nilsson, technical director, Konecranes Lift Trucks.

He suggested that “potentially”, the diesel engine in the hybrid could be replaced by another source of electrical energy, as technology and price allow, such as fuel cells or energy storage that can be recharged via the power grid.