Koncecranes’ has introduced four new dynamic upgrades to its Lifetime Advantage package to enhance both safety and productivity of Konecranes lift trucks.
Two of the four new upgrades directly address safety issues – a container checking safety system and collision warning and object recognition camera system – whilst the other two are designed to improve productivity.
Johan Kårhammer, global spare parts operations manager at Konecranes Lift Trucks, said: “Safety and productivity are out highest priorities at Konecranes, so we work hard to include enhancements for both in every Lifetime Advantage release.
“Out latest upgrades are type-specific – for empty container handlers (ECHs), reachstackers or forklifts – offering an additional level of specialised improvements so that our customers have access to the best range of options to suit their particular needs.”
The container checking safety system is designed for Konecranes ECHs and allows drivers or service technicians to check or perform maintenance on containers while the container is gripped by the spreader, thus reducing the downtime needed for container repairs.
It uses mechanical locks to put the driving gears into neutral, block hydraulics and prevent the container from lowering and, as an extra precaution, an indicator light on the fender flashes until the driver deactivates the system.
The second safety upgrade is a collision warning and object recognition camera system for Konecranes reachstackers, mounted on the counterweight at the back.
When an obstacle is detected in the direction the truck is moving, an alarm alerts the driver and gets more urgent as the object gets closer.
The camera provides a clear image of what is in the truck’s path on the control panel so that the driver can adjust direction to avoid the obstacle.
On the productivity side, the two upgrades are designed for Konecranes forklift trucks and ECHs equipped with an MD4 master display.
The first one is an engine shutdown software solution, wherein if the coolant temperature goes over 103°C or the oil pressure goes below one bar, a pop-up message appears on display.
It is then up to the driver to decide to turn off the engine or keep it running.
Managing temperature and pressure increases productivity, decreases downtime and extends the lifetime of the lift truck because the engine stays in good condition for longer.
The second productivity upgrade is a height indicator wherein when a laser senses that the total height of the machine reached a specified limit, an alarm goes off and a pop-up window appears on the display.
Settings can allow the driver to proceed with the knowledge that the height is now at its predefined maximum, or they can prevent lifting the load any higher.
Patrik Lundbäck, director and head of sales and distribution at Konecranes Lift Trucks, said: “The Konecranes Lifetime Advantage programme is intended to support customers in their day-to-day business operations.
“The success of our upgrades is due to the cooperation of our programme team and our global distributor network working together with customers to continuously add value to their container handling operations.”
