The tough just got tougher. Hyster Company rolled out a new Environmental Package at the ProMat 2013 show that extends the range and capabilities of Hyster® electric lift trucks into applications that in the past have only been serviced by internal combustion powered trucks. “This new Environmental Package brings Hyster electric trucks to a new level and capability that is synonymous with the durability and reliability that our customers expect from Hyster internal combustion lift trucks,” said Jonathan Dawley, president of Hyster Distribution. “Both our ICE and electric trucks go through the same outdoor testing to ensure durability and reliability in the field.” The Environmental Package prepares electric trucks to handle notoriously heavy-duty industries, such as lumber, dock yards, masonry, food preparation and handling, heavy manufacturing and recycling. The package comes with three tiered options: the IP54 sealed drive axle and motors with belly pan and side shields, the outdoor protection and wash-down package and the front mud guards. The first option provides shielding devices on the sealed drive axle to prevent debris from interfering with operations. The second features sealed bearings and waterproof cover relays and connectors to make the truck able to work, rain or shine. Finally, front mud guards on the front fenders protect the attachment and load from drive tire-slung debris and water. An independent agency tested the electric trucks fitted with the special package alongside the ICE trucks for 15 days in an accelerated, harsh-environment trial. Both the electric and ICE Hyster lift trucks were fully functional after the test, which included 30 thermal shock cycles, 150 hours of high humidity soak with salt spray and 15 pressure-wash events.