New reach truck range from Jungheinrich

Jungheinrich has announced the launch of a new addition to its best-selling range of sit-on reach trucks. The new model – the ETV 318 – has a capacity of 1800kg and can lift a 1000kg load up to 11.5 metres. It boasts many of the qualities that have helped establish Jungheinrich as the world's most popular sit-on reach truck manufacturer, but, of course, the ETV 318 also features a number of new design elements.

For example, the ETV 318 comes with a choice of 'configuration packages'. The 'configuration packages' allow each ETV 318 to be tailored to each user's precise needs before it leaves the factory. For instance, if the user's application involves frequent lower level pallet movements with longer travel times between stops, the truck can be set-up to offer faster travel speed. Alternatively, if the user demands higher mast movements with shorter journeys between picks or pallet put-away, the ETV 318 can be configured with higher mast lifting speeds. Like other electric-powered Jungheinrich trucks, the ETV 318 features the latest generation AC technology which offers exceptionally high performance and reduces operating costs to a minimum.

The ETV 318 also benefits from a fully sealed electronic controller and custom-designed onboard software specifically tailored for forklift truck use.  Because it is bespoke the software helps to increase both truck reliability and energy efficiency still further. As a further aid to throughput efficiency, the software employed on the ETV 318 can link the truck to the user's warehouse management system. This enables the ETV 318 to semi automatically raise the forks to the correct height for the operator to perform the pick or pallet put-away operation. So, when linked to a site's WMS, the ETV 318 becomes, in effect, a semi-automated truck.

To further reduce energy usage – and therefore truck running costs – the ETV 318 has both regenerative braking and regenerative mast lowering features (at high lift heights). Every time operators brake or lower the forks, the ETV 318's advanced AC technology reclaims the excess energy and uses it to charge the battery. Of course, it has been well documented that all trucks perform better over a long shift if the operator is made to feel comfortable and Jungheinrich has invested heavily in ensuring that the ETV 318 has the most ergonomically efficient cab. The cab is equipped with a fully adjustable seat and with easy access and a new Panoramic roof offers best-in-class  all-round visibility. Because it is made form the latest high strength laminated glass used on military-grade vehicles, the roof not only offers a clear view upwards but also ensures that the operator is protected from falling objects.

Jonathan Morris, Sales Director of Jungheinrich UK Ltd, commented: "Jungheinrich developed its first reach truck over 50 years ago and, since then, the company has gone on to set new standards in reach truck design. "No forklift truck manufacturer sells more sit-on reach trucks globally than Jungheinrich and the ETV 318 is an exciting upgrade of the world's best-selling sit on reach truck range. Our new reach truck range has been developed in line with Jungheinrich's 'Best Invest' promise – which aims to keep a truck user's forklift fleet operating costs to a minimum. We believe that the ETV 318 offers class-leading productivity and the lowest costs of energy usage on the market. We can back-up our claims with research that compares our reach truck range with some of the other reach truck brands on the market."

Morris continues: "A recent workshop was held to test our reach truck against four competitor models. The trials were based on the internationally-recognised materials handling industry 'VDI' cycle which measures pallets moved and energy consumed during a defined route. On average, our competitors' reach trucks used 30 per cent more energy during the VDI cycle than the Jungheinrich reach truck and achieved an average of 24 per cent less throughput during the same cycle. That's why we can say that the Jungheinrich reach truck range delivers more for less."