Autumn 2010 marks the launch of a new generation of battery-powered multi-directional reach trucks with electric all-wheel steering. Manufactured by Jungheinrich, this innovative truck makes it possible to economically store and transport long loads in very tight spaces. The ETV Q was premiered as a pilot series truck at bauma 2010.
 
The Jungheinrich battery-powered multi-directional ETV Q20/ETV Q25 reach truck is equipped with electronically controlled all-wheel steering. “Thanks to its standard 360° steering, this truck is capable of travelling in virtually any direction,” declares Armin Holzner, Head of Product Management for Reach Trucks at Jungheinrich. The truck’s free manoeuvrability allows for quick changes in direction and for transporting payloads of up to eight metres in length, even in narrow aisles.

A total of five different travel programs are available for optimised wheel positioning — for example the “improved normal operation” program, which reduces the already small turning radius of the multi-directional truck by up to 34%, thanks to simultaneous load wheel steering. This high degree of steering flexibility translates into smaller aisle width requirements, while at the same time supporting higher throughput rates. “This makes the ETV Q superior to any conventional four-wheel stacker,” comments Holzner.

Optimum Ergonomics, Fast Operation

The new truck’s intuitive operating concept makes it uncomplicated and convenient to handle, especially due to the ergonomically arranged display and operating elements in the ETV Q operator’s cabin. The operator can select the travel programs quickly and easily via pre-defined buttons, allowing him to conveniently steer the forklift with one hand via the steering wheel as normal.

The operator uses a SOLO PILOT lever to activate all of the truck’s hydraulic functions as well as its travel direction and horn. By activating two hydraulic functions simultaneously — for example lifting and reaching — the operator of the ETV Q can achieve very high throughput.

Produced at the Jungheinrich plant in Norderstedt, Germany, the multi-directional reach truck stands for high performance: The ETV Q can transport loads of up to 2,500 kilogrammes and has a maximum travel speed of 14 km per hour. Dependent on the mast, the maximum lifting and lowering speeds without payload are 0.6 and 0.5 metres per second, respectively.

The Right Truck for Any Application

A series of optional assistance systems promotes the new multi-directional reach truck’s long-term productivity. A patented mast forward reach cushioning system, for example, dampens the mast vibrations which can occur during loading and unloading. A special weighing system allows the operator to check the weight of the payload at the push of a button. And the ETV Q also comes standard-equipped with Jungheinrich Curve Control — an innovative system which reduces the truck’s maximum travel speed on corners, dependent on the steering angle.

“In its standard version, this new multi-directional forklift already covers the vast majority of operator needs,” explains Armin Holzner, adding that enhanced future requirements can be met through a series of additional options, including a considerably expanded range of options for series 2 and 3 Jungheinrich reach trucks. An extensive range of battery variants from 620 to 930 Ah is also available which, according to Holzner, “guarantees that the truck can be adapted to handle virtually any application.”

Jungheinrich ranks among the world’s leading companies in the material handling equipment, warehousing and material flow engineering sectors. The company is a service provider with manufacturing operations as well as an intralogistics solution provider, which offers its customers a comprehensive range of forklift trucks, shelving systems, services and consulting. Jungheinrich shares are traded on all German stock exchanges.