Jungheinrich AG has introduced electric steering on all pedestrian stackers, a first for pedestrian trucks, a company spokesperson said.

For the past 15 years, electric steering had been available only for ride-on trucks.

The tiller's steering movements are detected by a sensor and transmitted through the steering motor to the drive wheel, producing "effortless steering".

Jungheinrich product manager Oliver Hiekel said effortless steering was necessary in confined areas "for stacking in an aisle, to manoeuvre a truck with the tiller in the upright position" or "applications where steering forces may cause concerns".

A Jungheinrich statement said the electric steering was similar to steering a car.

Electric steering is available on Jungheinrich's EJC212-216 pedestrian stackers as an option for an additional nine per cent of a truck's price. The EJC212 can lift up to 1,200kg, the EJC214 up to 1,200kg and the EJC216 up to 1,600kg. The EJC range is equipped with a 24V three-phase AC motor.