At CeMAT 2014 the Hamburg-based Jungheinrich firm is presenting its new type ETV/ETM 320-325 reach trucks, which support a maximum lifting height of 13 metres.

The new series 3 reach trucks are capable of lifting and transporting payloads of up to 2,000 kilograms (ETV 320) or 2,500 kilograms (ETV/ETM 325). In comparison with their predecessors, these vehicles boast a maximum lift height over one-half metre higher – and can stack payloads of up to 1,000 kilograms at a height of 13 metres.

A key characteristic of the new reach truck consists of its substantially lower energy consumption, coupled with a higher throughput rate. “Measurements have indicated that, while consuming 10 percent less energy, the latest generation of trucks also performs up to 10 percent higher than before,” explains Joachim Schier, Head of Portfolio Management for Reach Trucks at Jungheinrich.

Panorama Protective Roof Fitted with Safety Glass

A special highlight consists of the reach truck’s new, protective panorama roof made of tinted safety glass, offering greatly improved visibility during storing and picking operations, particularly at high lift heights. According to Schier: “Instead of inconvenient cross members, the operator now has a perfect view of the payload through a special pane of glass and is at the same time protected from any falling payloads, small parts, loose bulk material etc.”

The ETV/ETM 325 series is also fitted with a new electric steering system. “The steering wheel knob is always in the most ergonomic position — i.e. the so-called 9 o’clock position — whenever the truck travels in a straight line,” explains Schier. This is the case even if the steering wheel has been moved while the truck was turned off or was rotated several times in 180° steering mode. “The Jungheinrich steering control always brings the knob right back to the starting position,” he continues.

Position Control: Fast and Easy Stacking at Predefined Heights

The new Jungheinrich reach trucks moreover boast a greatly expanded number of driver assistance systems which make the operator’s work easier and more efficient. The Position Control assistance system for instance facilitates fast and easy stacking at predefined storage heights, while the new integrated “snap” function goes a step further. As Joachim Schier puts it: “When the operator moves the control lever, the truck automatically recognises the right rack level. It is no longer necessary to manually select the height.” In addition, the new stacker assistance system helps prevent damage to goods and shelving.

The Warehouse Control assistance system allows the user to tie each truck directly into the warehouse management system (WMS), enabling data transmission between the reach truck terminal and the WMS. The data are processed in the vehicle and serve as set points for lift height pre-selection. “The Warehouse Control system makes it possible to fully integrate the reach truck with the client’s own warehouse management system,” remarks Schier. “Apart from substantially increasing efficiency, this also virtually excludes any storing and picking errors. Jungheinrich is currently the only company in the world which allows the client to hook a reach truck directly up to the WMS,” he concludes.

The Operation Control assistance system allows the user to monitor the residual lifting capacity, using sensors to continually measure the payload and synchronise this with the respective lift height. If the residual capacity is almost reached, the forklift operator receives both visual and acoustic alarm signals.

The new Jungheinrich ETV 320/325 can also be outfitted with optional packages geared to the particular type of operation. The Efficiency package stands for the longest possible operating times with a single battery charge. Drive Plus is geared to operations with a sizable percentage of long routes. And the Lift Plus package is designed for jobs involving high lift heights.

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