RICHMOND, VA – Jungheinrich Lift Truck Corporation will present a technology study in the form of a life-size mock-up of a ride-on pedestrian pallet truck at its ProMAT booth #2019 in Chicago on January 12-15, 2009. This Concept Truck looks different than a traditional end-rider pallet truck, it puts forward a more “floating” type of ride for the operator, and more energy efficiency than today’s vehicles. In fact, the energy efficient characteristics it theorizes would likely exceed even that of the 3-phase AC technology already in use in Jungheinrich trucks by some 15% and could potentially lead to considerably higher throughput in customer applications.

The energy storage system presented in this study is based on the use of lithium ion batteries. This efficient battery technology is expected to be a viable alternative to vehicle power sources based on hydrogen fuel cells, and could lead to a significant cost savings for the user, as well as being good for the environment.

When compared to conventional lead batteries, lithium ion batteries are significantly more efficient, last twice as long, and are maintenance-free. And with approximately one-third of the volume and a quarter of the weight of traditional batteries, the truck itself can be more compact and lighter in weight.

Additionally, a complete recharge of a lithium battery would take only about an hour, and in many cases there would be no need for a battery change. To top off a battery, the operator could drive into a docking station, where electrical contact for charging would be made through the fork tips. The entire charging process would be fully automated. The operator could potentially recharge the truck during a lunch break.

Working in conjunction with its lithium ion batteries, the Concept Truck’s direct drive design could permit considerably longer travel distances and shorter charging times than possible with current designs. Direct drive means gears are unnecessary, resulting in even more efficiency, not to mention a considerable noise reduction.

The advanced ergonomics in the Concept Truck would permit both forward and backward travel directions to be controlled with thumb movements, ensuring fatigue-free handling. In addition, a cushioned, noiseless chassis would afford the operator the novel sensation of “floating” with the truck -- rather than riding on it.

Come see what the future may hold …take at look at Jungheinrich’s Concept Truck at ProMAT, Booth 2019.

About Jungheinrich

Jungheinrich is a world leader in warehouse logistics technology. Founded over fifty years ago, the company has grown from its beginnings as a European manufacturer of materials handling equipment to an international supplier of industrial trucks, warehousing technology and materials-flow products. Today, it is a major supplier of forklift trucks around the globe, and offers a complete range of materials handling equipment, rack systems and services related to manufacturing logistics.

Jungheinrich’s growth has been due in large part to the high value it has always placed on leading-edge design and technological innovation. This is seen, for example, in the company’s proprietary 3-phase AC motor and controller technology, and in a host of productivity and ergonomic enhancements. Jungheinrich has more than 120 strategically-located service support centers and store operations in the U.S., and sales and service companies in countries around the industrialized world.