RICHMOND, VA – If you’re a company that currently operates pantograph reach trucks, you’re likely seeking higher residual capacities at high lift heights in narrow aisles, as well as fewer repairs to the load wheels and the reach mechanisms on your vehicles. If so, the ETM/ETV 214/216 mast-moving AC reach trucks from Jungheinrich Lift Truck Corp. are an excellent solution for you.
The increased load capacity and lift height of these trucks is a direct result of their design function, which inserts and removes loads by moving their masts rather than extending or retracting their forks via a pantograph mechanism. “The absence of a pantograph contributes greatly to improved operator confidence and productivity, since the view afforded the operator through the mast and fork carriage is much better, and the fork tips are easier to see,” adds Greg Mason, General Manager of Products and Training at Jungheinrich.
The ETVs differ from the ETMs in having more widely spaced outriggers (also called base-legs). Both models offer a choice of mast tilt, but the wider ETV is also available with fork tilt above certain lift heights. In addition, both chassis are available with patented mast-reach cushioning, which means the reaching and retracting of the mast assembly is smooth and precise. Integrated side-shifters are a standard feature on the trucks.
“Another way the ETM/ETV trucks differ from pantograph designs is that the operator sits down to drive the vehicle. This configuration is ergonomically preferable in operations where the operator stays on the truck for long periods of time rather than constantly getting on and off,” states Greg Mason. The operator compartment has a low entry height, and the seat, armrest, and steering wheel are all adjustable. The trucks’ centrally-located MULTI-PILOT control lever activates all hydraulic functions, as well as travel direction and the horn. The controls are organized in a logical, highly visible manner, providing greater efficiency via the potential for simultaneous use of two hydraulic functions (e.g., lifting and reaching). The operator display is also centrally-positioned, and clearly shows both operational and safety-related data. It allows various travel programs to be selected or adjusted at the touch of a button.
Since the load wheels on these mast-moving reach trucks have a large diameter, they can negotiate rough floor surfaces better than those on most pantograph models. This means a longer tire life due to less wear, and reduced potential for damage – as well as a smoother ride. And the Curve Control program on the ETM/ETV trucks automatically reduces travel speed when cornering for added stability. This type of speed reduction is not typically found on pantograph-style reach trucks.
Jungheinrich’s proprietary 3-phase AC technology, present in the trucks’ drive, lift and steering systems, offers users higher efficiency and longer operating times per battery charge. Less maintenance, or downtime, is the result of the absence of carbon brushes, brush springs or commutators in the AC motors. Another key operational benefit of AC technology is that it leads to powerful acceleration and quick directional changes without hesitation. Energy reclamation during braking is a standard feature on the trucks, and energy reclamation during load lowering is an option.
For more information about these reach trucks, contact Jungheinrich Lift Truck Corp., 5601 Eastport Boulevard, Richmond, VA 23231. Call: 804-737-7400. Fax: 804-737-7467, or, visit the website at www.jungheinrich-us.com.
