New Fantuzzi trusts

New and revised heavy lift truck products are becoming available, and choice is being maintained

The sale of Terex MHPS to Konecranes means there are now three major players in the straddle carrier market.

Pictured is what is believed to be the world’s first fully electric reach stacker, in operation at the Port of San Diego, where it was used by Terminal Lift to handle wind turbines.

Lifttruck manufacturers had a good year in 2014, but some markets have been performing better than others.

The big trucks sector in Europe is being shaken up by newcomers and rationalisation at the same time.

Using reach stackers to handle inland container barges is a well-established, if niche, practice. Both long wheelbase (9m) jackless machines and shorter wheelbase (7m- 8m) with jacks have been deployed. The former type is quicker on the quay, but is less manoeuvrable and less convenient to use on the landside.