A Hyster forklift in Australia standing on pavement outdoors.

Hyster offers a wide range of products, including counterbalance forklifts, reach trucks, pallet trucks and more. Hyster forklifts are designed to meet the diverse needs of businesses across different operation sectors.

History of the Hyster Forklift Brand

Hyster is a renowned name in the world of forklift trucks, with an interesting history that dates back to the early 20th century. The company was founded in 1929 in the United States by E. G. Swigert as the Willamette-Ersted Company. However, it wasn’t until 1934 that the brand name Hyster was officially adopted. The name “Hyster” was used because loggers would cry out “hoist er” as they prepared to lift a load.

Initially, Hyster focused on the production of winches and logging carriers for the timber industry. However, as demand for material handling equipment grew, Hyster diversified its product range to include forklift trucks. These early forklifts were key in revolutionising the way goods were transported and stored in warehouses and industrial settings.

Over the years, Hyster Forklifts have gained a reputation for their ruggedness and innovation. They have been at the forefront of several technological advancements in the forklift industry, including the development of electric forklifts and the introduction of ergonomic designs for operator comfort and safety.

In 1989, Hyster was acquired by NACCO Industries, Inc., a company based in the United States. This merge provided Hyster with additional resources and global reach, enabling the brand to expand its presence into international markets.

Today, Hyster is one of the leading manufacturers of forklift trucks worldwide. The company offers a comprehensive range of forklifts, including electric, diesel and LPG-powered models, meeting various industrial needs.

Hyster Forklift Models

Hyster manufactures and sells over 6 different types of forklifts, each with their own models. The main 6 are:

    • Internal Combustion Penumatic Tyre
    • Internal Combustion Trucks Cushion Tyre
    • Rough Terrain Forklift Trucks
    • High-Capacity Forklift Trucks
    • 3-Wheel Electric Forklift Trucks
    • 4-Wheel Electric Forklift Trucks.

Below are three renowned Hyster forklift models/ranges:

Hyster J1.5-2.0XNT Electric Forklift

One of Hyster’s standout electric forklift models is the Hyster J1.5-2.0XNT Three-Wheel Electric Forklift. The Hyster J1.5-2.0XNT is designed to handle a variety of indoor material operations. Its three-wheel setup has impressive maneuverability, making it suitable for navigating through tight warehouse spaces and crowded aisles. With a lifting capacity of 1.5 to 2.0 tonnes and a service weight of just under 3 tonnes, it can handle light to medium duty loads with ease, while still maintaining that nimble 3-wheel build.

The J1.5-3.5UT Electric Forklift

The J1.5-3.5UT Four-Wheel Forklift range is designed for medium to heavy-duty applications, offering six different capacities ranging from 1,500KG to 3,500KG. Engineered with driver comfort in mind, the UT range features an ergonomically designed operator compartment and a range of standard features to ensure effortless operation. Because it’s made with high-quality components, the forklift boasts reliable operations and lower wear and tear, contributing to a low cost of ownership.

Its hydraulics system includes high-quality cylinders and a full-flow, low-pressure filter to minimise seal and pump wear, reducing service costs. The forklift is equipped with a high-strength overhead guard, a low step height for easy access and a wide-view mast for enhanced operator visibility and safety. Safety features such as a high-visibility mast, secure overhead guard and LED lights come standard, while comfort features include hydraulic power steering, a full suspension seat, and adjustable steering column and seat. The J1.5-3.5UT forklift range has a clear display of speed and power, along with the latest color display integrated with performance selection functions. Service is simplified with AC traction and hydraulic motors, IP54 design for reliability and CANbus communication for troubleshooting.

The Hyster H80-120FT Fortis Series

The H80-120FT series of forklifts offers customisable engine configurations and transmission options to optimise productivity and efficiency. Engine choices include the Kubota 3.8L spark ignited LPG engine, the Kubota 3.8L spark ignited dual fuel engine and the Kubota 3.8L turbo diesel engine.
The forklifts also incorporate industrial strength electronics, leak-free hydraulics and advanced cooling technology to minimise downtime and enhance reliability. The H80-120FT series is equipped with features such as wet disc brakes, CANbus communications and on-demand cooling systems. This Hyster forklift series offers exceptional efficiency, reliability and serviceability to reduce operating costs and increase throughput.

Hyster Forklift Accessories

A wide variety of accessories can be purchased along with the Hyster forklift. Some of these include:

    • Wingback style suspension seat
    • OEM spec replacement seat
    • Forklift slip on jib
    • Bale clamp
    • Paper roll clamp
    • Rotating clamp
    • Forward bin tipper
    • 180 degree bin tipper
    • 180 and 360 degree rotators.

What Engine is in a Hyster Forklift?

Hyster forklifts are equipped with internal combustion engines, typically run on petrol, diesel or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). These engines burn fuel internally to generate power, which is then transmitted to the wheels or hydraulic systems to drive the forklift.

ICE-powered forklifts are well-suited for outdoor use and heavy-duty tasks due to their robust power output and ability to operate for long periods without recharging. They offer much quicker refueling times compared to electric forklifts, making them ideal for busy days where there is not time for recharging batteries.

External combustion engines are less common in modern forklifts, including those manufactured by Hyster. These engines operate by burning fuel outside of the main working cylinder. Examples of external combustion engines include steam engines, Stirling engines, and certain types of gas turbines.

While external combustion engines have historically been used in all types of work, they are generally less efficient and more complex than internal combustion engines. Modern forklifts typically utilise internal combustion engines or electric motors due to their higher efficiency and lower maintenance requirements.

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Hyster Forklift Parts

As with other forklift brands such as Komatsu and Toyota, Hyster sells a variety of genuine forklift parts, available through Australian Hyster dealerships. Some of these forklift parts include:

    • Load rollers
    • Brake shoes
    • Lift chains
    • Air filters
    • Drive axle oil seal.

Using non-genuine Hyster parts may have negative consequences:

    • It can impair the lift truck’s performance and reliability.
    • It can reduce the lifespan of related components.
    • It may lead to more unscheduled downtime.
    • It can increase maintenance costs throughout the truck’s lifespan.

For these reasons, it’s recommended to always purchase official, Hyster forklift parts.

Hyster Forklift Price

For a second-hand 2022 Hyster forklift, prices can range from $30,000 to $60,000. For a used Hyster container handler, prices could range from anywhere between $130,000 to $170,000.

Are Hyster and Yale the Same Forklift?

Both Hyster and Yale are owned by NACCO Industries, and are basically the same forklift. The merging of these two brands lead to the creation of NACCO Materials Handling Group (NMHG), which combined and manages both the Yale and Hyster brands of lift trucks within its company.

It’s important to note that genuine parts from one brand should not be used in the other, unless the company has explicitly stated it is possible and safe to do so.