 
The most economical forklift truck in its class worldwide: he Still RX 70 consumes only 2.5 litres per hour, positively affecting the Total Cost of Ownership.
The forklift truck is available in diesel and LPG versions with four load capacities ranging from 2.2 to 3.5 tonnes.
|
|
Hamburg-based Still GmbH, leading supplier of intelligent control of Intralogistics, continues its product offensive unabated with the launch into the global market of the RX 70 – the world’s only forklift truck with hybrid technology.
The combination of two different types of drive has a long tradition with Still. The founder of the company, Hans Still, developed the first diesel-electric drive 50 years ago. The new RX 70, available in load capacities of 2.2, 2.5, 3.0 and 3.5 tonnes and with diesel or LPG fuel, uses this technology to give exceptional economy in operation.
This future-oriented drive system consists of an internal combustion engine driving a generator, an intelligent control unit and an electric motor. The power is transmitted by magnetic force, which requires no contactors and thus is friction- and wear-free, leading to dramatically reduced fuel and service costs.
Built at the Hamburg-Billbrook construction facility, the RX 70 has been ruggedly built to meet the requirements of the most arduous applications – making light work of cold, dirty, wet, or corrosive conditions. Additionally, compact, ergonomic construction enhances the versatility of the truck for efficient operation in all situations.
The RX 70 sets new standards for economic operation and therefore for Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). Still provides all customers with a calculation of TCO from purchase, through service life until the truck is sold on as a used machine. With a fuel consumption of only 2.5 litres per hour (tested with a 2.5 tonne model according to VDI 2198 new, i.e. 60 work cycles per hour) the RX 70 is by far the most economical forklift truck in its class worldwide. Comparable vehicles consume considerably more fuel.
New hydraulic pump: Oil flow on demand
In addition to the hybrid drive concept, the hydraulic system on the RX 70 makes a further contribution to its amazing economy. Still has developed a hydraulic variable displacement pump which provides the highest possible performance by supplying hydraulic oil (and therefore power) to the lifting and steering systems on demand. In contrast to the power-sapping re-circulating systems found on conventional forklift trucks, on the RX 70 the hydraulic oil is accurately delivered – with no waste of power.
In addition, the advanced drive management system features an optimising control to govern engine power output at its optimum and thereby its most economical level, while reduced engine noise is just one positive side-effect.
With TCO in mind, Still has further improved the maintenance concept of the RX 70 compared to its predecessor models: the intervals have been extended from 500 to 1,000 operating hours and because the oil is subject to much lower stresses, hydraulic system maintenance has been extended from 3,000 to 6,000 hours. Not only do these improvements reduce maintenance costs considerably, but they also reduce the negative impact on intralogistic processes caused by maintenance downtime. Put simply, the trucks are available longer.
Testing: Top performance under the toughest conditions
During an intensive testing programme, the RX 70 has proved its suitability to operate under the hardest conditions. Encapsulated drive motors, enlarged radiators for high performance, a sealed and maintenance-free lamella-type brake running in oil, and a hydraulically-driven fan are responsible for the special sturdiness, making the RX 70 especially suitable for operation in foundries, paper recycling, salt mines and the construction industry. And in the detail specification the RX 70 continues with the features which distinguished its predecessor: water-tight plug connections, piped wire harnesses and control units mounted on dampened supports are just a few examples of what has been the Still quality standard in its forklift trucks for many years.
The test winner: Extraordinary view in all directions
Still has also set new standards for the workplace of the forklift truck. The RX 70 offers an excellent view to all sides. In a visibility test conducted by ADAC (German Motorist Club) it scored best among all trucks tested. The low front windscreen and logical layout of the instruments and controls allow an unobstructed view of the forks, the load and the road ahead. Slim roof supports and large windows fitted with safety glass ensure a superb view of the load and the top racking levels. Rearward view has also been improved by the counterweight being designed as flat as possible and with a curved contour.
The driver’s compartment of the RX 70 is spacious and offers an especially generous footwell. For additional comfort, the cabin is supported on elastic mounts and the dampened seat can be adjusted individually for each driver. All the controls are user-friendly. The steering column is placed off-centre to the left, because most of the time the driver steers with the left hand. The small steering wheel and level pedal position have been designed according to ergonomic principles to allow a comfortable position of the arm and feet and to keep the force needed to operate the controls as low as possible. The many options of cabin equipment, heating, alternative seat versions, as well as a radio-CD player, ensure comfortable working conditions. Our aim: working on a forklift truck from Still should be great fun.
Like all new models from Still, the RX 70 is of modular design so that the widest spectrum of customer requirements can be accommodated from the one basic model. Thus, we have made available not only various engines and load capacities, but also different masts, closed mast heights, cabins and electrical systems. |
