Small footprint, big savings
April 1st 2009

Still says its compact 1.6 to 2.0t RX 70 series of diesel and LPG trucks are its most energy efficient yet and could save 1000 per year per truck in fuel costs alone

The new truck is also the first diesel or LP gas truck available with STILL's latest energy saving innovation, Blue-Q. This allows the driver to make a positive choice towards reduced energy consumption: By switching Blue-Q on, the already low energy consumption can be improved by up to 10%. Saving just one litre of fuel per hour compared to a competitor's truck can result in savings of approximately 5,000 per truck over a five year period (1 litre x 1,000 operating hours per annum x 5 years).

Efficient drive The truck's low energy consumption is the result of several developments. The dieselelectric (or LP gas-electric) drive system uses hybrid technology and consists of an internal combustion engine that drives a generator. The generated electricity is used to power the truck via an intelligent control unit. As the power generated is transmitted by electro-magnetic force, there are essentially no wearing parts, therefore servicing costs and fuel use are reduced.

According to Still, the characteristics of the VW engine and the duel circuit hydraulic pump also help to reduce consumption, as does the intelligent drive management: The RX 70 lowers the speed of the internal combustion engine to the most economic level, ready to accelerate when needed.

This is similar to an overdrive in a passenger car and gives the same positive effect lower fuel consumption and noise levels.

More compact, less maintenance Still claims the new RX 70-16/18/20 range of trucks offers the most compact dimensions in its class. Agile and highly manoeuvrable, the truck handles demanding intralogistics tasks where space is at a premium when unloading trailers, for example. But the firm says it can be individually adapted to suit any environment.

Thanks to its encapsulated drive components, maintenance-free brakes, a hydraulic cooling fan and large radiator, the new truck will get to grips with the task in hand regardless of whether the conditions are cold, humid, dirty or dusty.

Still has also improved maintenance schedules, extending them from 500 hours to 1,000 hours. Engine oil and oil filters only need to be exchanged half as often and the electric braking is totally wear-free. Altogether, maintenance costs and downtime have both been reduced.

Visibly safer The RX 70 has been designed to provide excellent all round visibility. In visibility tests conducted to ADAC guidelines (ADAC is Europe's largest automobile club, Allgemeiner Deutscher Automobil-Club e.V.), Still claims the RX 70 beat the competition to finish best in class. And the company says it's easy to see why: the front screen reaches very low down while the controls have been laid out to allow an uninterrupted view onto the fork tips and road ahead. The overhead guard unit has slim profiles, large roof windows and safety glass to ensure an clear view to the raised load and to the top levels of racking. A steeply raked counterweight delivers compact dimensions and a good rear view.

Putting operators in control...

Drivers are able to work quickly and safely thanks to class-leading ergonomics. Take the new 'mini levers' used for controlling hydraulic functions, for example. Here, drivers can control the lift, tilt, side shift and drive direction, all from levers integrated into the armrest even wearing gloves.

Five individually programmable drive programmes are available for the driver to choose from. These provide greater flexibility and allow the truck to better adapt to its surroundings. For example, one programme may allow the driver to accelerate fast to a top speed of over 20 kph; another might restrict top speed to 5 kph for use inside the warehouse. A cruise control is available as an option, allowing drivers to relax during medium to long distance travel.

...and ensuring they are comfortable Driver comfort is not a luxury, but a prerequisite for fast and accurate materials handling. For this reason STILL makes sure drivers will be comfortable throughout even the longest shift periods.

The user friendly and spacious cabin is suspension mounted to reduce vibrations.

The driver's seat is also damped and can be adjusted to his or her weight. Even the position of the steering wheel has been considered, being placed slightly left of centre for more comfortable operation. All this, says Still, equates to one thing fatigue-free driving enjoyment.

As with all new Still models the new RX 70 follows a modular design principle. This doesn't just cover different engine types and load capacities, but also masts of different types and lift heights, cabin and electrical equipment.

Optional cabin equipment such as heating, different seat variants and a radio/CD player can be ordered to enhance driver enjoyment.

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