Better STILL
August 1st 2005 The latest additions to its counterbalance and pallet truck ranges hone STILL’s competitive edge STILL unveiled the latest additions to its product range in Hamburg in July, launching the RX 20 electric counterbalance alongside EXU pallet trucks.
STILL believes the RX 20 achieves a balanced blend of technology, safety, speed and agility – and with its most significant innovation, the lateral battery change, it claims a world first in a series of forklift trucks with capacities starting as low as 1.5 tonnes. With the lateral change, swapping batteries is greatly simplified: As a hoist is no longer required, safety is increased – and the risk of injury to the operator is substantially reduced. It also means battery changing is much quicker, increasing productivity.
Building blocks Modular in design – enabling tailor-made load capacities, masts, battery sizes and accessories – there are two RX 20 chassis heights available. The shorter version comes equipped with a 48V, 575 amperehours battery and is available in three and four-wheel versions in 1.5, 1.6, 1.8 and 2.0 tonne capacities.
The taller model is aimed at higher throughput applications (with a standard 48v/700 ampere-hours battery) available in 1.8 and 2.0 tonne capacities and a fourwheel configuration. A key benefit of the taller version is enhanced operator view due to the higher seating position.
Customers can also choose between a high or a low overhead guard. According to the company, the standard high guard provides generous headroom and plenty of cabin space for a luxury, adjustable seat while the low chassis and overhead guard option means the RX 20 can operate safely in restricted height areas below two metres.
The entire overhead guard unit is characterised by slim upright profiles that, according to STILL, provide an unparalleled view: upwards, this improves safety when stacking and de-stacking from high racking.
From the front, the bulkhead is deliberately kept low and the arrangement of the controls has been adapted accordingly so that the clear view to the front is optimised. The rigid driver canopy unit is damped to minimise vibrations and shocks.
Whichever guard height is chosen, the RX 20’s cabin can be fitted with an enclosed cab, totally sealing the driver from the elements and battery gases. A spacious footwell results from the high mounted steering column and suspended brake pedal. The footplate is inclined and has a non-slip surface for added safety.
Five drive programmes The compartment’s ergonomic layout and the enclosed battery ensure driver satisfaction, claims STILL. It says this is furthered by a small diameter steering wheel, adjustable steering column and responsive power steering – facilitating minimal operator effort: The drive direction switch located on the hoist/lower lever allows the driver to change direction without switching hand position or grip; the driver can also quickly select from five drive programs to adapt the RX 20’s characteristics to the load or to switch to personal settings.
The truck’s maintenance-free, threephase drive unit enables drivers to maintain a top speed of 16kph, regardless of load or drive conditions, and ensures power is always available when needed.
Energy returns Regenerative breaking recovers up to 15% of otherwise lost energy. By feeding it back to the battery an extra 1.5 hours of use can be obtained from a single charge – in many cases eliminating the need to opportunity charge or battery change, according to STILL.
The maintenance interval of the RX 20 is 1000 hours or 12 months – achieved through many wear-free components in the rugged design. All control components can be diagnosed via laptop using the single access point, and should errors occur, an error message will be displayed on the console in the drivers’ compartment.
EXU pallet trucks STILL says the new EXU’s robust reliability and operating safety makes it stand out from the competition. Available in three capacities (1.6, 1.8 and 2.0 tonnes) and also as an order picking version (the 2.0 tonne capacity EXU-H – billed as a workhorse for trade and supermarkets), many components were redesigned to boost efficiency and reliability.
With a modular construction, three different battery options, 18 fork configurations – plus various wheels and accessories – can be selected individually at the point of order. Combined with three overall widths and six lengths it can also be supplied with a hinged driver’s stand-on platform or with an order picking lift – a truly tailor-made truck, says STILL.
Speed and safety Safety is also high on the EXU’s agenda: The tiller head is equipped with an anatomically shaped impact switch. Even with the tiller almost vertical, if the impact switch touches the operator, the truck instantly reverses travel direction and then comes to a stop.
All operating functions are integrated into the tiller head for quick working.
The EXU’s drive unit consists of a 1.2kW energy saving motor offering two different drive programs: ‘Hare’ with rapid acceleration and 6kph top speed for high turnover of goods and; ‘Tortoise’, with moderate acceleration and 4kph top speed for tight driving situations and fragile goods. Braking characteristics depend on these modes.
According to STILL the truck’s mono-block forktips are practically indestructible – up to a tonne can be lifted on a fork tip and the tough support castors are shock absorbent.
EXU-H The EXU-H fulfils two additional tasks: as a mobile worktable and also as an order picker. The order picking lift is 690mm, giving a total picking surface height of 780mm – preventing operator back strain.
The basic lift has a capacity of 2000kg; the residual capacity with order picking lift is 800kg at a load centre of 600mm. As with the EXU, the EXU-H can be equipped with a hinged operator stand-on platform. More articles from Still Materials Handling Ltd: | 
