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JUNGHEINRICH
Jungheinrich Unveils New Generation of IC Powered Forklifts
Jungheinrich unveils a completely re-designed generation of IC (Internal Combustion) engine powered forklift trucks at CeMAT (May 2014 in Hanover). Engineered and manufactured in Germany, these general purpose, reliable and rugged trucks deliver above-average throughput rates with simultaneous low fuel consumption. The new generation stackers handle payloads of up to 3,500 kilogrammes, with maximum stacking height of 7.50 metres.
Suitable for Tough Operations in Different Climate Zones
Kubota engines power all of these trucks, which are manufactured at the Moosburg production plant in the German state of Bavaria. “These industrial engines, tried and tested around the world in heavy-duty construction machinery, already deliver high torque at low revs,” says Marek Scheithauer, Head of Product Management for IC Engine Powered Counterbalance Trucks at Jungheinrich. These robust stackers boast high-grade, extremely durable, long-lifetime components and “are ideally suited for extreme, tough operations in different climate zones.” According to Scheithauer, the need for trucks that can operate in harsh operating environments inspired Jungheinrich to apply the latest in-house engineering developments to the new torque converter’s core components. These include innovations to the mast, chassis and steering column.
The counterweight on the new stacker is an integral part of the load-bearing chassis, while the steering column was integrated in the counterweight. “The centre of gravity is not only extremely low but also optimally positioned between the axles,” continues Scheithauer. This lends the forklift truck outstanding stability and makes additional, electronic stabilisers redundant. Marek Scheithauer adds that “this translates into high driving stability and ensures outstandingly good safety characteristics, both when stationary and on the move.”
The proprietary Jungheinrich transmission shaft in the new torque converter features an integrated non-wear wet multi-disc brake. Marek Scheithauer states, “Compared with standard drum brakes, wet multi-disc brakes mean almost no service costs.” Moreover, thanks to the encapsulated design, harsh external conditions do not diminish the performance of the brakes. The high-performance cooling system functions fully even in very high ambient temperatures. The radiator is a single unit made of one-hundred percent aluminium. This ensures that the new truck with torque converter is well equipped to handle dust and other punishing ambient influences.
High Truck Availability
Thanks to the high-grade and rugged components, servicing is fast, easy and economic, requiring minimum technical expertise. Marek Scheithauer explains, “Even in the case of carrying out a servicing job, we can still guarantee high stacker availability and minimise the interruption of internal production and logistics work flows.” The combination of the L-shaped engine bonnet that can be tilted almost 90-degrees and the quick-release side panels provides excellent access to the engine compartment.
During the development work on this new truck generation, design engineers also focussed on the operator’s seat. The slim steering column offers greater leg room compared with industrial trucks fitted with run of the mill steering columns. The truck operator can easily adjust the comfortable seat to his or her needs and reap the benefits of healthy and fatigue-free stacker operation. Numerous options for setting down or storing things, like beaker holder and clip pad, allow the operator to maintain a well-ordered, uncluttered workstation.
The new model ranges feature an electric parking brake as standard, doing away with the previous handbrake lever in the cab. The operator simply presses a button to activate the brake. A new lifting mast design ensures improved view of the payload, forks and general working area. “Good all-round visibility is not only conducive to relaxed, yet concentrated and safe truck operation, but also to higher handling turnover rates,” concludes Scheithauer.
