Testing was recently concluded in Hannover, Germany for the 2018 International Forklift of the Year. Forkliftaction News was among the judges and we are pleased to be able to share the detailed results of the testing over the next few weeks. This week, we include two nominees in the Warehouse Truck category.

STILL OPX-L 16

STILL OPX-L 16
With the new OPX series, STILL aims to increase efficiency and reduce picking fatigue.
The large variety of models - nine order pickers in total - is unique. Combined with numerous new functions, STILL offers a solution for every application. During the test week, the STILL OPX-L 16 was put to the test.
During the development of the OPX series, the focus was on the ergonomics of the order picker. The aim was to increase picking performance and to meet the ever-increasing demands of the market. For example, vibrations that are harmful to the body should be minimised by means of a pneumatic platform without having to increase the ascent and descent height drastically. Compared to the predecessor models of the COP and CX series, the difference is a maximum of 5 mm.
The workplace can also be individually adapted to the needs of the operator in order to ensure a comfortable and efficient working environment. The height of the steering column can be adjusted, as well as the backrest with seat option (not available on the test vehicle). The freedom of movement on the platform is sufficient.
For cornering stability, the four-wheel suspension was chosen for almost all models. For trucks with platform lifts, the four wheels offer the additional advantage that they can be lifted safely to a height of 1,200 mm (300 mm more). In addition, the Curve Speed Control automatically reduces cornering speed and provides additional safety while driving.
The new OPX 20 Plus and OPX 25 Plus high-speed order pickers are equipped with a five-wheel chassis and the drive wheel always has sufficient traction, especially when cornering.
Thanks to STILL EASY Drive, a newly developed ergonomic and optionally height-adjustable steering wheel with integrated control and display, the order picker always has an overview of all information such as battery status and operating hours during work. EASY Drive was also nominated for an IFOY Award in the "Special of the Year" category.
A powerful and low-maintenance 24V/3 kW AC motor gives the truck the desired power for high performance with low energy consumption and long maintenance intervals.
STILL has succeeded in reducing energy consumption by more than 50% for all models (according to VDI measurements). The proven Blue-Q energy efficiency mode can save up to seven percent energy without significantly reducing performance. During the IFOY measurement, the saving of Blue-Q seems to be significantly greater and varied between 11 and 18%, depending on the layout of the test track. The OPX performance is slightly below the class average, partly due to high deceleration from Curve Speed Control and low acceleration.
The versatile order pickers with battery capacities up to 620 Ah are suitable for multi-shift operation. On request, the vehicles are also available with lithium-ion batteries, gel batteries and integrated charger. All batteries can be changed sideways or with the help of a crane.

IFOY test verdict:
The new OPX series impresses with the STILL EASY Drive steering wheel, which gives a new dimension to an existing concept. The steering wheel makes the operation of the truck even more intuitive and user-friendly. The productivity performance of the OPX is slightly below average due to the optimised security settings. Energy consumption is better than the market average, especially at maximum performance. Improvements can be made to the OPX when it comes to the sharp-edged surface and the noise generated by the chassis and wheels when driving on less even surfaces.

Jungheinrich ECE 225

Jungheinrich ECE 225 with easyPILOT Follow
According to Jungheinrich, with easyPILOT Follow, the ECE is the first semi-automatic order-picking truck on the market that optimises picking performance with reliable technology, and is suitable for all vehicle variants at an attractive price. The easyPILOT Follow system is suitable for the entire ECE series, including scissor lift trucks, and can also be supplied as a retrofit for trucks already in use.
ECE is the market leader in order pickers. As early as 2015, Jungheinrich introduced the remote-control system, which, according to Jungheinrich, will increase productivity by more than 30%. easyPILOT Follow goes one step further, especially in terms of user-friendliness.
easyPILOT Follow is a semi-automatic solution that allows the ECE to automatically follow its operator. The operator carries the control unit either in a pocket or on a belt, and the system automatically connects the remote control to the vehicle. The user can thus concentrate on the picking process.
The desired stopping point for the pallets or roll containers can easily be selected by a single push on the button of the remote control. This position can be easily changed during the picking process. The stacker always stops at the position specified by the order picker. Ideally, the remote control truck should come to a halt at the picking station at the same time as the operator, so that the person only has to turn around to place the picked goods on the pallet or in the container. During the IFOY Test, the ECE shows that easyPILOT Follow comes very close to this ideal situation.
Thanks to UWB radio technology, there is always a 100% reliable connection between the order picker and the forklift, regardless of optical obstacles or other interfering sources. Safety is ensured by two scanners on the front of the forklift truck, with one of the two scanners also handling the navigation.
The IFOY Test data confirm an optimised pick performance; firstly, because the order picker has both hands free, and also the time-consuming ascent and descent between two consecutive picks is no longer necessary. The measured savings correspond to previous measurements with the manual remote control. However, the easyPILOT Follow is much more comfortable and easy to use. It is also possible to change sides in the aisle without any problems. The system locates exactly where the order picker is located.
Within the system, the testers see optimisation possibilities for fine-tuning the speed and accuracy of the wireless UWB technology. In this way, the truck could arrive at the right place faster and avoid waiting seconds. According to the test team, ECE sets standards in terms of workplace and processing.
IFOY test verdict:
With the easyPILOT Follow, Jungheinrich provides a useful addition to its product range in order to achieve efficient and pleasant picking performance. The order picker has both hands free and can fully concentrate on picking. The truck follows him or her very closely and the system is easy to operate. The savings resulting from walking along can be found in almost every layout of the standard test setup. The closer the picks follow each other, the greater the efficiency gains. ECE offers a particularly pleasant workplace and is designed with great attention to detail.