Reach for more comfort
October 1st 2007

STILL Materials Handling has replaced its FM range of reach trucks with the all-new FM-X

Continuing STILL's modular design principle, the new FM-X is available in capacities from 1.0 to 2.5 tonnes with cold store, drive-in and two narrow chassis variants. The advantage of such a design is simple – customers can choose a truck which is tailored to their individual requirements.

Many benefits are apparent with the new truck. Not only does it offer regenerative braking – a feature of all STILL electric trucks – but the truck has more powerful drive motors as well as longer servicing intervals (every 1,000 operating hours).

Regenerative braking Under braking and plugging, kinetic energy is converted into electrical energy and fed back into the battery. This comes into effect immediately when the accelerator pedal is released. As the accelerator pedal is released the generator brake becomes active ('foot off the gas braking') and if the operator activates the brake pedal, this generator braking effect is boosted. Under heavy braking, which is only necessary in extreme circumstances, the generator brake is backed-up by a hydraulic loadwheel brake. The result is maximum safety, extremely efficient energy consumption and very low wear.

New drive system: Powerful, clean, quick The new maintenance-free drive system offers high power output with greater sensitivity. Inching can therefore be done easily and with greater accuracy, while maximum speed has been increased to 14 km/h, regardless of load, so that longer journeys can be quickly and efficiently undertaken.

The drive motors have been completely enclosed for optimum protection against the ingress of dirt, dust and moisture. They have also been arranged for easy access for faster servicing – all components are quickly and easily accessible once the covers have been removed.

Improved ergonomics The new design increases comfort and space available to the driver and builds on STILL's established reputation for outstanding ergonomics. Available as an option, the entire driver's compartment unit – seat, footplate, pedals – can be hydraulically damped, actively reducing vibrations and shocks by 57 per cent. This helps to reduce costly driver back problems.

Proportional adjustment of the driver's seat and footplate is also available as an option with manual and electrically operated versions. This allows the operating position to be precisely suited to operators of differing heights. The comfortable driver's seat allows adjustment of the damping to the individual's weight, as well as horizontal adjustment. The seat is also available with a unique 15° tilt, enabling drivers to view past the lift frame without straining their necks. These features ensure each driver can find the optimum driving position regardless of height and weight and remain comfortable over long shift periods.

Multifunction joystick control STILL's multifunction joystick control makes it possible for drivers to simultaneously activate all hydraulic functions without the need to change grip, helping to reduce turnround times even further. STILL understands that developing ergonomic controls is not a luxury, but a prerequisite for safe and efficient operation.

Thanks to new technology adapted and designed by STILL, the FM-X offers customers a high cost/benefit ratio, increasing goods turnround and overall throughput.

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