New Energy-Efficient Truck With RFID From Jungheinrich

Richmond, Va.-based Jungheinrich Lift Truck Corp. has announced the introduction of a new, much more energy-efficient and versatile version of its EKX 513-515 electric man-up turret trucks to the North American market. The new 3-wheel high-rack stackers are designed for very narrow aisle work in dense-storage warehouses and distribution centers. This series also offers radio frequency identification (RFID) technology as a standard feature.

The new trucks are now 30% more efficient in terms of energy recovery and will get up to 13 hrs. of run time vs.10 hrs. on the previous model.

The new model offers intelligent truck management as a standard, built-in feature. An RF transmitter and receiver goes under the truck and a small capsule-sized transponder is buried in the warehouse floor. The capsule can be programmed to issue a range of commands whenever the truck passes over it—for example, slow down, limit lift height, sound the horn, and so on.

Through this RFID technology, the truck control system knows exactly where it is in the warehouse at all times, so performance can be tailored from spot to spot.

Other impressive features on the new truck include an electrically adjustable operator’s console. The entire console used by the operator to lift and lower loads and drive the machine can be adjusted to a position most ergonomically suitable to the particular operator driving the truck—or to suit the operation being carried out. A press of a switch adjusts the console position, and another locks it in place.

Jungheinrich is a major supplier of forklift trucks around the globe, and offers a complete range of materials-handling equipment, rack systems and services related to manufacturing logistics.