Research and Development

Research and development highlights

We are pushing forward heavy-duty lift truck technology with substantial R&D investment and a close connection to operating realities in the field. We are passionate about improving productivity, eco-efficiency and safety and leave no stone unturned in doing so. Below are some recent technology introductions that make us unique in the heavy-duty lift truck business.

Hybrid reach stacker: first in the industry!

Konecranes is offering the world’s first hybrid reach stacker, the SMV 4531 TB5 HLT for container handling, with a lifting capacity of 45 tons. It features a hybrid diesel/electric driveline and hydraulic lifting system, and a super capacitor system for electrical energy storage. This innovative lift truck will cut diesel fuel consumption and emissions by up to 30% while offering improved performance in terms of acceleration and lifting response.

Diesel fuel consumption reduced by up to 30%

The Konecranes hybrid reach stacker offers substantial cost and environmental benefits with reduced diesel fuel consumption of up to 30%. This is achieved by electrifying all flows of energy through hybridization of diesel and electrical technology across the driveline, the hydraulic lifting system and the electrical energy storage system.

Propulsion and lifting are powered by electric motors. The energy generated by braking and load lowering is recovered and stored for re-use later. This results in a substantial reduction in diesel fuel consumption and environmental impact. Meanwhile, productivity is increased in terms of quicker response and higher acceleration.

Electrical energy storage

A traditional reach stacker has conventional batteries for starting the engine and powering the electrical systems including lights. The Konecranes hybrid reach stacker has a super capacitor system for energy storage that is connected to the truck’s electrics. This system stores electrical energy that has been recovered for re-use later, and boosts the diesel-powered electrical generator at times of peak power demand.

TRUCONNECT® Remote Monitoring and Reporting for Lift Trucks

TRUCONNECT® Remote Monitoring and Reporting for Lift Trucks allows you to track the real usage of your lift trucks through a remote connection. It provides you with an online view and periodic PDF reports that illustrate the actual use of your lift trucks, making it a great tool for scheduling your lift truck fleet’s maintenance actions and consequently improving the fleet’s uptime.

Track the efficiency of your trucks

Get a clear view of your fleet’s efficiency by tracking the peak and average fuel consumption. With TRUCONNECT® you know when your lift trucks have been in use, idling or off-duty. The reports include:

  • Safety alerts
  • Machine status
  • Average fuel consumption
  • Average fuel consumption per lifted load
  • Total fuel consumption
  • Traveling distance
  • Average traveling speed
  • Load spectrum
  • Total load lifted

Increase safety

With TRUCONNECT® you can optimize your lift truck operations by identifying where operator training could improve safety and productivity. You can access the information log about detected safety-related issues:

  • Engine coolant temperature too high
  • Drop in engine oil pressure
  • Transmission overheating
  • Container lifting alarm

Plan maintenance more precisely

The usage information helps you to improve the transparency of your lift truck fleet’s maintenance operations by forecasting the estimated maintenance date from the actual usage. You get information that helps you to allocate your maintenance resources with increased confidence and precision, based on:

  • Usage (driving hours)
  • Next maintenance counter
Contact us

Want to know more?

For parts inquiries please contact [email protected], and for spare parts orders contact [email protected].