Testing

End of Line Gearbox Testing - Hyster-Yale

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Project overview

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A global manufacturer in the materials handling sector required a turnkey end-of-line (EOL) gearbox testing solution to support their New Product Introduction (NPI) programme. The goal was to bring gearbox manufacturing in-house and ensure every unit was fully validated before installation into forklift trucks such as the Hyster H1.6–2.0A.

The requirement was clear: develop a 100% end-of-line gearbox test system capable of identifying faults before assembly into the truck – eliminating costly strip-downs and gearbox swaps that would otherwise require many hours of labour.

Project Goals:

  • Deliver right-first-time gearboxes

  • Prevent costly rework after gearbox installation into the truck

  • Provide secure, production-ready test control

  • Ensure 100% functional validation before vehicle assembly

the solution

Incotech delivered a fully bespoke, PLC-controlled end-of-line gearbox test system engineered for secure, repeatable production use.

The machine integrates pressure, speed, clutch fill, torque, and valve testing, alongside controlled oil heating and advanced particle counting for cleanliness verification. Automatic spline engagement and multi-stage filtration ensure reliable operation.

Built under ISO 9001 standards, the system was remotely accepted during COVID restrictions, installed in Northern Ireland, and commissioned with full training. Ongoing technical support continues as production develops.

Core Technologies Integrated

  • PLC control system

  • PWM valve control

  • Heating oil system for temperature stabilisation

  • Pressure testing

  • Speed testing

  • Clutch fill time measurement

  • Input drive torque measurement

  • Automatic spline engagement for input drive

  • Multi-stage oil filtration

  • State-of-the-art oil particle counting for oil cleanliness

  • Full data acquisition and traceability

hyster-test-rig

Key Benefits

  • Early Fault Detection: Gearbox defects are identified before installation into the forklift truck, preventing costly strip-down and replacement.

  • Production Confidence: 100% end-of-line validation ensures every gearbox meets performance criteria.

  • Secure & Robust Control: PLC-based architecture prevents unauthorised changes and ensures repeatability.

  • Advanced Diagnostics: Integrated torque, pressure, speed, clutch timing, and oil cleanliness testing provides comprehensive performance insight.

  • True Turnkey Delivery: From specification refinement to commissioning and training—even during a global pandemic.

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