Still takes RX 60 electric family to 5t capacity

The latest members of Still’s RX60 family of electric forklifts offer capacities from 3.5 to 5t.

For the first time, customers who primarily handle loads indoors, but also have to transport heavy loads outdoors, can also benefit from the electrifying advantages of the RX 60 series. In addition to its agility, manoeuvrability and high driving comfort, the compact 80 Volt electric forklift truck is designed to have outstanding handling performance without exhaust fumes.

Using resources optimally and efficiently is inherent to the Hamburg-based forklift truck manufacturer. Since the company was founded nearly 100 years ago, its work has revolved around the combination of electrical energy and mobility. In the post WWII period it was the lack of fuel combined with the growing mobility of the economy that brought great success – first in 1946 with the Still electric cart EK 2000 and only a few years later with the first Still electric forklift truck EGS 1000. Numerous successful forklift truck series later, it is still the clear focus on customer and industry needs that is at the centre of the latest product development.

The Still Performance System stands for the intelligent linking of all hardware and software components for the lift and travel drive. As a result, the new RX 60-35/50 offers a package of powerful drive components and sensitive operating functions. Within the series, seven different vehicle variants are available to customers with a load centre of 500mm as standard, or 600mm upon request. Furthermore, both lead acid batteries and lithium-ion technology are available. A high-performance variant is available in all weight classes, which for demanding applications where more handling capacity, power and acceleration are required.

The success of the previously launched and smaller RX 60-25 with a load capacity of 2.5t, has led to the successful drive concept being transferred to the new RX 60. This is made possible by two powerful encapsulated three-phase drive motors with active cooling in the front axle. In the high-performance version, the two 11kW motors provide even more power. They increase the drive motor output by 46% compared to the predecessor. As both motors are driven even at full steering angle, the truck is particularly manoeuvrable. Demand-driven active cooling ensures high thermal stability even at maximum handling performance. Robust and maintenance-free fans cool the encapsulated components of the power electronics as well as the lift and drive motors via temperature control, all without filters.

The RX 60 has a top speed of 20km/h and is reliable. This is due to the quick start mode and the automatic spring-loaded parking brake, but also to the Still’s Easy Control on-board computer. This enables the truck to be ready for operation in a matter of seconds and the driver immediately has a clear and convenient overview of all relevant performance functions and truck information.

Because of its low consumption and a battery capacity of 930Ah (59.5kWh), or up to 118.4kWh in the Li-Ion version of the RX 60-50, the power pack can cope with two shifts in a row without interim charging. When it is time for a battery change, the 4mm thick, steel, lateral battery door can be opened 180deg to the rear so the battery can be changed by just one person using an electric pallet truck, which saves space, time, energy and resources.  Optionally, an integrated built-in charger provides even more flexibility for quick and easy interim charging during work.

An ergonomically designed workplace contributes to efficient operation and safe and healthy employees: increasingly important in the context of a shortage of skilled workers. The driver’s visibility and all-round vision play an important role and the larger the loads, the more important and at the same time more difficult it is to have the load well in sight. The RX 60  has a low front body and the controls and displays intelligently positioned. The mast profiles are and designed for optimum visibility create a large field of vision on the transported goods and past the mast.

The driver’s cab not only has 16mm more headroom than its predecessor, its footwell is also particularly spacious. For a fatigue-free leg position for the driver, it is about one hand’s width wider than the predecessor and also offers sufficient freedom of movement for feet up to a European shoe size 50. For greater safety and comfort when getting on and off the vehicle, the enlarged step has an additional non-slip edge. The ergonomically shaped battery cover also provides comfort: even with the seat adjusted to the maximum rearward position, the calves do not touch it. The pedal position alleviates strain on the legs and allows an unimpeded movement between the accelerator and brake pedals.

Choosing the ‘right’ forklift truck is much more than a decision for brand and tonnage, the choice of the right energy system is also important. This can vary depending on the application profile and individual perspective for example: total operating costs, sustainability, digitalisation or service. In addition to lead-acid batteries, lithium-ion batteries are becoming increasingly important. In the context of European policy, which aims at a radical reduction of CO2 emissions from heavy commercial vehicles by 2030, they conserve resources by increasing the efficiency of the overall system. They are, therefore, sustainable with almost unlimited availability and can be charged quickly.

Still says, “With the RX 60 with a load capacity of up to 5t, another segment of the forklift truck market is now given the opportunity to consider electric forklifts in their energy management and to benefit from their numerous advantages overall.”