Overview
EN ISO 23308-3:2025 (Energy efficiency of industrial trucks - Test methods - Part 3: Container handling lift trucks) is a CEN-endorsed test-method standard that defines how to measure energy consumption for container handling lift trucks. It applies to the two truck types in ISO 5053-1: variable‑reach container handlers and counterbalance container handlers. This part of the ISO 23308 series describes test conditions, a repeatable operating cycle, and measurement set‑up to enable comparable, objective energy‑efficiency results for container handling equipment.
Key topics and requirements
- Scope and truck types: Covers variable‑reach and counterbalance container handlers as defined in ISO 5053-1.
- Test conditions:
- Travelling position requirements reference ISO 22915‑9 and ISO 22915‑12: the bottom of the container must be no higher than 0.9 m above the seat index point, and the boom for variable‑reach trucks shall be fully retracted for travel.
- Laden tests use a test load of 70% of rated load; empty‑handler tests use a standard 20 ft container (2 591 mm high × 6 058 mm long, minimum weight 2 200 kg).
- Measurement procedure:
- Measurement starts with the truck loaded and fully supported with twist locks engaged at the travelling position. Variable‑reach trucks may perform simultaneous lift and boom extension.
- Defined operating cycle (start at position A, travel to B, lift to specified height, lower to travelling height, tilt actions for counterbalance types).
- Test parameters include 1 h test duration, 100 m travel distance per cycle, and prescribed numbers of cycles per hour (see Clause 5 and Table 1 in the standard). Lift heights in the cycle are specified (e.g., 4 m at positions B and D).
- Documentation: Clause 6 (new in this edition) specifies test report and declaration requirements to ensure traceable, reproducible results.
Practical applications and users
- Who uses it: truck manufacturers, testing laboratories, market surveillance authorities, fleet operators, procurement teams, and energy/consulting service providers.
- Why it matters: provides a standardized method to evaluate and compare energy consumption across container handlers - useful for product development, energy benchmarking, regulatory compliance, procurement specifications, and lifecycle GHG calculations (see ISO 23308‑1 Annex C for GHG-related guidance).
- Benefits: Enables consistent energy performance data for operator manuals, eco‑labelling, efficiency improvements and total cost of ownership assessments.
Related standards
- ISO 23308-1:2025 - Energy efficiency of industrial trucks - Part 1: General (test procedures and calculation methods)
- ISO 5053-1 - Vocabulary: types of industrial trucks
- ISO 668 - Freight container dimensions and ratings (used for empty container tests)
- ISO 22915‑9 / ISO 22915‑12 - Stability and travelling position requirements for container handlers
Keywords: energy efficiency, industrial trucks, container handling lift trucks, test methods, ISO 23308-3:2025, variable-reach container handler, counterbalance container handler.