Jungheinrich’s commitment to sustainability and innovation drives its development of the POWERLiNE series, tailored to enhance operator comfort, efficiency, and environmental impact.
In today’s rapidly evolving industrial landscape, businesses face mounting economic pressures and growing demands for sustainability. The shift towards more energy-efficient and eco-friendly solutions has driven companies to innovate.
Jungheinrich, a global leader in material handling and warehouse solutions, has responded to this demand by introducing its POWERLiNE series, which is designed to transform warehouse operations while enhancing efficiency, sustainability, and operator well-being.
The POWERLiNE series, which includes the ETV 214i and 216i reach trucks, is based on years of research and development, with a clear vision to provide a more efficient, sustainable, and user-friendly solution for modern warehouse needs.
“The development of the Jungheinrich ETV POWERLiNE is rooted in a thorough understanding of operator needs,” says John Carraro, National Key Account Manager at Jungheinrich Australia.
“Our team in Germany analysed data from 14,000 trucks and conducted numerous site surveys to gain insights into operator behaviour and preferences. Rather than the traditional approach of designing a forklift and adapting it to the operator, we flipped the process.”
Meeting the demands
The development of the POWERLiNE series was driven by a clear
market need.
“Jungheinrich is deeply connected to the Australian market, listening to its needs and developing solutions that enhance safety, productivity, and efficiency,” says John.
As the industry grapples with space constraints and increasing operational costs, warehouse operators require high-performance equipment that maximises storage capacity, boosts productivity, and reduces energy consumption while offering low energy consumption.
The POWERLiNE combines advanced lithium-ion battery technology with an ergonomic and compact design. With fast-charging capabilities, minimal downtime, and maintenance-free batteries, these reach trucks help companies keep their operations running smoothly.
Additionally, the quiet operation of the trucks improves comfort for operators, reduces fatigue, and enhances safety, creating an overall more productive and pleasant working environment.
A game changer for sustainability
One of the standout features of the series is the integration of lithium-ion batteries, a technology pioneered by Jungheinrich over 14 years ago. These batteries are more energy-efficient, have a higher energy density, and last longer than traditional lead-acid batteries.
As a result, they require less maintenance and reduce operational costs, making them an attractive option for companies seeking to lower their total cost of ownership.
Lithium-ion batteries are also environmentally friendly. They produce zero emissions during both operation and charging when powered by renewable energy sources, helping businesses meet their sustainability goals while also reducing their carbon footprint.
This aligns with the growing demand in the Australian market for solutions that contribute to cleaner operations and better air quality.
The batteries are equipped with an advanced Battery Management System, which optimises power distribution for maximum efficiency. This means less energy is wasted, and operators can rely on consistent performance throughout the day. For businesses operating in multi-shift environments, the ability to quickly charge batteries in just 80 minutes ensures that downtime is kept to a minimum.
Designed for performance and operator comfort
Beyond sustainability, the POWERLiNE series also prioritises operator comfort and performance. The ETV 214i and 216i models feature spacious cabs that offer optimal visibility of both the loads and the surroundings. This design helps to reduce operator fatigue as it makes it easier for them to navigate narrow aisles and manoeuvre large loads safely.
The integration of ergonomic features, such as adjustable armrests, low entry steps, and integrated shoulder protection, enhancing operator comfort. A spacious cab design ensures that operators have ample room to move, reducing the likelihood of strain
or injury.
Features like positionCONTROL optimise retrieving and put-away speeds, ensuring efficient handling.
“The trucks also feature a light bar that provides daytime running lights, improving visibility and contributing to greater safety in the warehouse,”
says John.
“The combination of comfort, visibility, and reduced fatigue ultimately supports safer, more focused behaviour, positively influencing safety standards and operator performance”
Optimised for narrow aisles and high throughput
The trucks are designed to navigate tight spaces without sacrificing lifting capabilities. The design incorporates high-strength steel and a low centre of gravity to ensure that the trucks are stable and can lift heavy loads to heights up to 10,700 mm.
These series maintain high residual local capacities. This combination of compact size and high performance allows businesses to maximise storage space, improving operational efficiency and throughput. The trucks are particularly well-suited for environments with limited space, such as warehouses in dense urban areas where land costs are high.
The introduction of liftPLUS and drivePLUS technologies enhances the trucks’ energy efficiency and throughput, providing faster lifting and driving speeds. With a 20 per cent increase in productivity over average reach trucks, the POWERLiNE series enables businesses to get more work done in less time.
Sustainable manufacturing
Jungheinrich’s commitment to sustainability goes beyond product design, with the ETV POWERLiNE series manufactured using eco-friendly practices at its facility in Europe. The facility operates with green energy sources and recyclable materials, reducing waste and lowering its carbon footprint.
In addition to using recyclable materials, Jungheinrich minimises the demand for raw resources and reduces environmental impact by repurposing components at the end of a truck’s lifecycle. This process is energy-