A bird's eye view of the rotating cabin. The left armrest folds down to enable the driver to exit the cabin. When exiting, the cabin is rotated 45 degrees so the door is positioned towards the step.

Forklift drivers can kiss neck aches goodbye, thanks to Jungheinrich AG’s new rotating cabin forklift.

Jungheinrich has launched the world’s first battery-powered forklift with a driver’s cabin that rotates to different angles on either side.

The EFG D30, which weighs 5.1 tonnes, has a maximum speed of 20kph and lifting speeds from 0.50 metres a second to 0.67 metres a second, is based on Jungheinrich’s 4 series electric forklift with a lifting capacity of three tonnes.

It is distinguished from its predecessor, the EFG 430, by its rotating cabin, which turns 30 degrees to the left and 180 degrees to the right with a multipilot control.

There is a rising trend in industry and commerce towards transporting multiple pallets. This restricts forklift drivers’ visibility and forces them to travel long distances backwards.

With the ability to rotate the cabin, the driver faces the direction of travel and his view is unobstructed.

The forklifts are currently undergoing field trials and production is planned to start in April.

The forklift is driving backwards while the driver is looking forward.