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| Rotating cab: a world’s first from Jungheinrich  The trend in industry is towards transporting large loads, such as one-sided unloading of several pallets from lorries or two box pallets one on top of the other. This results in truck operators having limited visibility towards the front. They are forced to travel longer distances in reverse – with all the negative effects that go with it. The EFG D30 truck with rotating cab from Jungheinrich now sets new standards. On this truck, the operator is seated in an ergonomic position in the direction of travel and his visibility is unobstructed.Jungheinrich AG was the first to launch an electric counterbalance forklift truck with a rotating workplace at the beginning of 2005. The truck was presented to a broad specialist audience for the first time at CeMAT 2005. This entirely new stacker solution – a development of the “Future Truck Study” presented by Jungheinrich in 2000 – is based on a Jungheinrich electric Series 4 stacker with a capacity of 3, 000 kg. The EFG D30’s main difference compared with its “mother” truck, the EFG 430, is its rotating cab (D) that can be rotated by 30 degrees to the left and 180 degrees to the right using the MULTI-PILOT. As the trend towards multiple pallet transport and sideways lorry unloading with loads of up to four pallets or box pallets is increasing, the operators of front stackers frequently have their visibility obstructed despite panorama masts. Travelling in reverse and thus in the long run putting strain on the back has been unavoidable and in some cases dangerous in the past. After picking up the load, the operator can set off immediately and turn the cab by up to 90 degrees at the same time. This position provides sufficient and comfortable visibility to the rear on short to medium distances – comparable with a reach truck. On longer distances, the operator can turn the cab up to 180 degrees, but this is only possible on a stationary truck due to the automatic switch-over of steering and travel directions. A memory system also allows the operator to have his preferred angle set automatically. Practical applications to date recommend an angle of 90 degrees (sideways seat as on a reach truck) and 45 degrees (for entering and leaving the truck). The cab provides the operator with all comforts of the latest forklift truck. The seat is air-cushioned. The steering-wheel is on the left, the MULTI-PILOT – that combines all available functions – is integrated in the armrest on the right. The fold-down left armrest and the large step visible from above facilitate easy and convenient entry and exit. The vehicle can be supplied as an open version or – for outside applications – with an all round glazed cab including heater. The EFG D30 truck with rotating cab offers the same advantages as all of its “relatives” in the electric stacker range manufactured by Jungheinrich. The truck with three-phase AC technology is as productive as an IC engine powered truck. With a service weight of only 5, 100 kg, the truck is able to achieve speeds up to 20 km/h. Added to this is highest throughput efficiency due to top performance during acceleration, travelling and lifting. The lifting speed with and without loads is 0.50 or 0.67 m/s respectively. High efficiency as well as effective energy reclamation also ensure longer operating times. There is also something new in battery changing. On the EFG D30, the battery can be removed from the side. A crane is no longer required. The battery rests on rollers and can be exchanged with a simple changing device and standard pedestrian pallet trucks. A changing station is optionally available. The steering and braking systems are also different from the standard electric stacker range. The steering system is operated electro-hydraulically. Like on all other electric stackers, braking is regenerative with energy feed-back into the battery. However, the brakes on the EFG are purely electric and have three stages: regenerative motor brake with energy reclamation, electric regenerative braking, and emergency stop by activated spring-loaded laminated brake. The stacker with rotating cab provides a high degree of active safety. With Jungheinrich-CurveControl, the travelling speed is automatically reduced on corners. This active safety system – together with the truck’s low load centre – virtually excludes tip-over accidents due to corners being taken too fast. The automatic parking brake is another safety feature. It prevents uncontrolled roll-back on ramps or gradients. As on traditional Jungheinrich electric stackers, the BoardControl unit permanently controls and monitors all EFG D30 functions. Impulse control permits jerk-free driving, dynamic reversing and precise positioning at very low energy consumption. Five individually adaptable operating programs ensure optimum adjustment to any truck application. write your comments about the article :: © 2005 Construction News :: home page |