As a major contractor in Singapore’s dynamic civil engineering and construction industry, Koh Kock Leong Enterprise (KKL) has established itself as a key player, recognized for its expertise in earthworks, cable and pipe installations, and road reinstatement projects.

With a skilled team of over 1,000 employees, KKL has continually pushed the boundaries of innovation to meet the rigorous demands of its sector. A few years ago, when faced with the need to upgrade its aging fleet of lift trucks, the company turned to Hyster — marking a pivotal moment in their operations.

The Need for Change

KKL’s operations encompass a wide range of tasks, from earthmoving and waste disposal to the transportation and supply of construction materials. For years, these tasks were supported by older lift trucks that, while reliable in the past, had limitations that were increasingly becoming apparent. During the operation, the trucks struggled with restricted lift heights, making it difficult to handle taller loads or maximize vertical storage space efficiently. This limited their ability to fully meet KKL’s growing operational demands.

More critically, the trucks were not suited for use in rough terrain, which posed significant challenges for off-site projects. As a result, KKL often resorted to using alternatives like truck-mounted cranes or even excavators for loading and unloading heavy materials such as concrete road barriers and steel beams.

These workarounds, however, came at a cost. They required more manpower, increased the time taken for certain tasks, and introduced additional safety risks. It became clear that a more efficient solution was needed to support KKL’s expanding operations.

After consulting with a trusted industry contact, KKL was introduced to Hyster, a leading lift truck manufacturer known for tough and reliable material handling solutions. The company made the decision to invest in Hyster products, opting for a 3-ton model for warehouse use, a 3.5-ton rough terrain truck for off-site projects, and a 5-ton truck for larger warehouse tasks. This marked the beginning of a new chapter for KKL.

Meeting KKL’s Demands

Recognising the need for a reliable and efficient solution, KKL undertook a comprehensive assessment of the options available in the market. This process highlighted the strength of Hyster products in both product performance and customer support, which ultimately influenced KKL’s decision.

“After evaluating several brands, none could match the combination of Hyster’s reputation, excellent after-sales service, and robust product features,” said Mr Alex Koh, Manager, Workshop, at KKL. “It was clear that Hyster was the right choice for our operations.”

What set Hyster lift trucks apart was their capacity to provide extended reach heights — reaching up to 5400mm — a feature that proved critical for KKL’s operations. While many forklifts offered comparable load capacities, none could rival Hyster products, with the ability to handle the wide range of heights KKL required across their diverse operations.

Additionally, the 3.5-ton F3.5UT4 rough terrain truck filled a crucial gap in KKL’s fleet. The Hyster team recognized KKL’s need for a solution that could efficiently handle the rugged conditions of off-site construction projects. This model was the only one available in the market capable of tackling the harsh conditions typical of KKL’s work environments with ease, offering improved safety and operational efficiency.

A Seamless Experience with Hyster

Since acquiring the Hyster trucks, KKL’s operations have transformed considerably. In the warehouse, the 3-ton H3.0XT truck seamlessly loads and unloads materials in their warehouse, while the 5-ton H5.0UT truck tackles heavier tasks, such as moving large road barriers and steel beams. The maneuverability of these Hyster trucks allows KKL to optimize space and quickly respond to operational demands, making it easier to handle various materials, from pallets of supplies to large equipment components.

On off-site projects, the rough terrain forklift has proved indispensable, allowing KKL to tackle tasks that previously relied on cranes and excavators.

Mr Koh Yong Zhi, Project Manager at KKL, noted, “The truck’s robust design has been crucial in handling demanding tasks like moving large road barriers and steel beams under tough conditions. As a result, we’ve achieved significant time and manpower savings, with many tasks now manageable by just one operator instead of several.”

Overall, the Hyster products have enhanced KKL’s operational flexibility, enabling the company to effectively manage both warehouse and off-site tasks.

Hyster forklifts also brought with them a range of modern safety features, including a reverse alarm system that wasn’t available in KKL’s older trucks. This added layer of safety has been particularly well-received by KKL’s team, enhancing workplace safety and reducing the risk of accidents in their busy construction environments.

At the outset, KKL experienced difficulties with an attachment on their 3.5-ton truck that was not functioning as intended. However, the Hyster team responded promptly, identifying and resolving the issue with efficiency. Since then, the trucks have delivered consistent performance, reinforcing KKL’s confidence in their partnership with Hyster, further strengthened by exceptional after-sales service and comprehensive operator training at both KKL’s warehouse and the Hyster facility.

Looking Ahead: Growth and Sustainability on the Horizon

Looking ahead, KKL is expanding its presence within the civil engineering space and exploring new opportunities to enhance sustainability practices. With KKL’s operations growing and diversifying, the company is considering the potential of electric vehicles across its fleet, including essential support functions like lift trucks. This focus aligns with the evolving portfolio from Hyster, as the brand advances its range of electric lift trucks, offering the same robustness and versatility that initially drew KKL to Hyster.

KKL’s journey with Hyster is just beginning. As KKL continues to lead large-scale projects across Singapore, the introduction of more advanced, sustainable equipment is inevitable. The company’s experience so far has solidified Hyster as a long-term partner in this endeavor — a brand that not only meets their current needs but also supports their future ambitions. In an industry where efficiency, reliability, and sustainability are key, KKL’s collaboration with Hyster is a prime example of how the right equipment can drive lasting success.