The perfect drive
July 22nd 2008 New from Jungheinrich, the VFG range of IC engine-powered counterbalance lift trucks features a hydrostatic drive. In simple terms, hydrostatic trucks offer high levels of productivity and are particularly suited to intensive materials handling operations like shuttle work, whereas torque converter trucks are more at home in applications where longer distances have to be covered, claims the company. With the launch of its new hydrostatic range, Jungheinrich has become one of the few companies to produce both types.
The truck’s engine is supplied by Volkswagen and has been designed to offer the lowest noise levels and emissions, while fuel consumption is also particularly low, as Craig Johnson, marketing manager of Jungheinrich UK, explains: “Our test cycles have shown that over the course of 2000 hours of typical operation the new hydrostatic truck will save on average 25% in fuel costs in comparison with a standard conventional torque converter counterbalance truck. This equates to a saving of £2000 – or £1 per hour. The potential economies that companies running large forklift fleets can make with this product are clearly significant.”
The VFG 425-435 series also provides a high degree of safety. Traditionally, counterbalance trucks have been designed with the counterweight at the rear of the truck. This means that the vehicles have a high centre of gravity and can, if driven, inappropriately, be prone to rolling over. By lowering the counterweight and positioning it further forward, Jungheinrich’s engineers effectively changed the truck’s centre of gravity which makes the trucks inherently stable – without the need for additional electronic stability systems.
Ergonomic benefits include a large and comfortable cab, a height and tilt adjustable steering column, and a push button starter motor and parking brake.
The range is capable of lifting loads up to 3500kg up to heights of 7.5m and is available in both LPG (TFG) and diesel (DFG) versions.
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