Logistics Leader ACFS deploys Hyster technology nationally

Australia’s largest privately owned container logistics group, ACFS, is enhancing its productivity and cost-efficiency for customers through a fleet of Hyster materials handling equipment deployed across its five mainland Australian sites.

ACFS has built up a fleet of more than 40 Hyster lift trucks through Australian dealer Adaptalift Group. The units – ranging in capacity from warehouse trucks of 1.8-5 tons to reach stackers capable of handling loads exceeding 60 tons – are assisting ACFS as it grows its business rapidly to now well exceed 1.2 million Twenty Foot Equivalent Units (TEU) a year.

The toughness and versatility of the Hyster trucks have paid off in service – “We have definitely had an improvement in productivity, which reflects in cost-efficiency and speed of turnaround for customers,” says Wayne Morris, General Manager, National Operations for ACFS. Hyster’s empty container handler’s capacity to handle two instead of one container further improves productivity and provides a very efficient solution for ACFS, he says.

Hyster-Yale Managing Director Asia Pacific, Mr Tony Fagg, says the machines’ unique technologies, capabilities and backup service are key to moving goods quickly and efficiently for ACFS customers – qualities which are particularly valued at peak times when customers need their stock as soon as they can get it.

An example of Hyster technology in use at ACFS’ 14-hectare Port Botany Facility is the RS45-31 CH reach stacker, which is part of a range of 12 different heavy-duty trucks designed to suit the toughest applications with Intermodal handling (IH) options for stacking in different rail positions and container handling (CH) options for high density container stacking up to 6-high and 3-rows deep.

Capacities of up to 41 tonnes are possible in the 2nd row for CH models, ensuring that there are no container weight limitations in the 2nd row. These reach stackers are available up to EU Stage IV emissions compliant, producing lower emissions and offering up to 25% fuel savings compared to the previous generation of product, significantly reducing lifetime cost. Hyster trades globally under the corporate signature “STRONG PARTNERS. TOUGH TRUCKS.™ Lift trucks for demanding operations, everywhere”

A uniquely wide spaced boom head provides strong support for the spreader which makes light work of handling 20′- 40′ ISO Containers.

Depot Supervisor Stephen Melrose says ACFS chose such Hyster reach stackers for their adaptability and versatility. “These forklifts can do a lot of things that many of the other forklifts cannot. They can get us into tight areas, which helps us with space issues, and it makes the turning around much more efficient,” he says.

Depot Reach-Stacker Operator Cameron Murupaenga says the machinery’s spreaders have some unique operator-friendly features. “I can boom out over a certain length, I can turn or rotate a container. I can reach over containers, so I don’t have to move so many containers to access the one I need. The Hyster truck makes my job a lot easier and more efficiency in operation.”

Hyster says the reach-stackers’ high-performance power train has built in engine and transmission protection system to ensures maximum reliability and a low total cost of ownership. A new boom design is proven to offer increased durability, easier maintenance, as well as less wear and improved component life. This lowers service costs, helping to reduce overall operating costs. The uniquely wide spaced boom head provides strong support for the spreader which makes light work of handling 20′- 40′ ISO Containers

Wayne Morris, left – “If we ever need help, particularly in our peak seasons, Adaptalift Group has the ability to support us in times of need.”

Hyster forklifts used in ACFS operations – including 40,000 sq m of warehouse space at Port Botany – have also founded their reputation on toughness and a low total cost of ownership.

“Hyster equipment is also well supported with service,” says Wayne Morris.

“One of the reasons Adaptalift Group was chosen was that we like to partner with companies with national capability.

ACFS has a national presence, and an expanding operation, so prompt service and avoidance of downtime is very important for us.

If we ever need help, particularly in our peak seasons, Adaptalift Group have the ability to support us in times of need. Their technicians are available 24/7 and they’re always quick to follow up.”

About Hyster

Hyster Company is a leading worldwide lift truck designer and manufacturer and is a division of Hyster-Yale Group, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Hyster-Yale Materials Handling, Inc. (NYSE:HY).  Hyster-Yale Materials Handling, Inc. and its subsidiaries, headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, employ approximately 7,600 people worldwide.