Initial tier of forklift telemetry system to be included as standard equipment on counterbalanced and stand-up lift trucks

Hyster announced that the base level of the company’s Hyster Tracker™ telemetry solution, known as wireless monitoring, will now be included as a standard feature on electric and internal combustion engine (ICE) counterbalanced lift trucks and select stand-up lift trucks. Wireless monitoring tracks lift truck utilization, impacts, location and diagnostic trouble codes. The technology allows operations to schedule and track preventive maintenance and better understand their total cost of fleet operations. Seven years of wireless communication fees are also included at no additional charge.

“Operations depend on our equipment to keep them moving in some of the toughest material handling environments on earth. Fleet managers and forklift operators are pushed to do more with less, and not just any technology can keep up. But the right tools can make their jobs easier by helping crews to work more efficiently and get the most out of their equipment,” says Steven LaFevers, Vice President, Global Emerging Technology, Hyster. “The goal with making wireless monitoring standard is to equip more operations with the insights that can help them extend the life of their trucks and reduce avoidable damage, downtime and costs.”

Hyster Tracker provides real-time fleet telemetry monitoring through easy-to-use dashboards that visualize data and provide actionable insights. It helps improve safety by encouraging operators to follow best practices, and it provides operations with visibility into their lift truck fleets so they can understand potential issues and implement proactive solutions. Data is stored on a cloud-based portal that can be accessed 24/7 through any internet-enabled device. With wireless monitoring, operations can:

• Track the utilization proficiency of operators and equipment to optimize workflow and boost productivity
• Monitor engine, transmission, hydraulic and electronic functions to help maximize uptime
• Receive safety notifications in real time
• Gain visibility into the location of lift trucks and operators and their activity
• See real-time impact alerts to improve site safety and reduce avoidable damage
• Access utilization, availability, charging and maintenance data to provide insight into right-sizing lift truck fleets

Wireless monitoring is the first of three levels in the Hyster Tracker offering. The second, wireless access, enables several other features, including operator key card access that allows only authorized users with appropriate training to use equipment and automatic shutdowns to save energy when no operator is present or when an impact is detected. In the event of impact detection, the truck will remain shut down until it is inspected for damage. The third level, wireless verification, adds the ability to electronically complete and track pre-shift checklists, including those mandated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.