JetPilot steering wheel ready for take-off

• 
• 10th November 2007
• Materials Handling
 

Two years after the concept formed a central part of the company's stand at CeMAT - the Hannover materials handling fair - Jungheinrich has gone into production with its innovative JetPilot multi-function forklift steering wheel.

The JetPilot has been designed to allow all main operational functions - including travel direction, mast lifting and lowering, sideshift and tilt - to be integrated into the steering wheel. It means that operating levers for the truck's mast and forks are no longer required.

"The workplace on a counterbalance truck is getting closer in its design and function to the up-market motor car standard and will continue to change considerably in the future," says Ralf Baginski, head of pre-development at Jungheinrich. "The development of the Jungheinrich JetPilot steering wheel brings previously undreamt-of possibilities for the design of the counterbalance truck workplace. It will make the truck far more comfortable for the operator."

The multifunction steering wheel has been designed so that it only has to be turned by 100 degrees in either direction to achieve full wheel lock. This means that the truck can be effortlessly and precisely manoeuvred with minimal steering movements. The JetPilot also automatically returns to the straight travel position once a corner has been turned - a feature that contributes to safer manoeuvring and a more relaxed operator.

Jungheinrich worked closely with Germany's Kiel University to achieve the most ergonomically efficient design for the JetPilot. By integrating the truck's operating levers within a multifunction steering wheel, Jungheinrich has created improved legroom for the operator and a more spacious cab with extra designated storage areas where an operator can safely keep personal possessions as well as the tools he or she may need during his or her day-to-day work routine.

A high-resolution display integrated into the armrest to the operator's right hand side, clearly depicts the status of all the truck's essential functions, while additional switches and buttons on the armrest control the truck's settings and other secondary functions. 

"The development of the JetPilot is a hugely significant step forward in lift truck design that allows the design of a forklift truck's workplace to be completely rethought," commented Hans-Herbert Schultz, managing director of Jungheinrich UK Ltd. "Our pre-launch tests have shown that fleet operators and, importantly, the truck operators themselves, are very excited about the possibilities that the JetPilot brings."

The JetPilot is now available as an option for all electric counterbalanced trucks in the Jungheinrich EFG 425-430 range.                                                                                                   

Jungheinrch UK Ltd

Tel: +44 (0) 1908 363100