Description

The STILL EASY Drive allows operating warehouse equipment with a completely new control concept. Still has decided to deploy a special steering wheel design instead of the former tiller concept. The new design allows easy and intuitive use of all functions, also while driving and steering. All hydraulic functions are simultaneously in reach of a single hand – independent of the driving direction. The symmetric arrangement of the controls allows operation by left- and right handed drivers alike.

This is a particular benefit when order picking because the operator can fully concentrate on picking, smoothing the customer’s process. The centrally placed display is well visible for the operator at all times, indicating every important function. Depending on the truck and the equipment version, the steering wheel is fitted with paddle switches to enable simultaneous operation of additional hydraulic functions besides driving and initial lift. The STILL EASY Move paddle switches are placed behind the steering wheel so that they are also in reach without changing grip.

Innovations

The major innovation compared to the predecessor model is the steering wheel concept replacing the conventional tiller steering. New as well is the uniformity of the control concept throughout the complete series.

The special design of the steering wheel with a covered steel body protects all its technical components inside against damage by force, dust and spray water. Besides this, all components can be individually replaced. In case of damage, it is therefore not necessary to replace the complete unit. If a component needs replacement, this is easily possible thanks to the service friendly design. All components are individually replaceable and easy to remove and install.

Unique to the market is the ergonomic and symmetric arrangement of the controls. All functions are in reach without changing grip or changing position with the left or right hand and can be operated at the same time. All functions are controlled by magnetic switches or Hall sensors to provide freedom of maintenance, frictionless operation and protection against water and dust.
The simultaneous operation of the driving switch and two hydraulic functions shortens pick times and increases the performance.

The proportional valve technology in combination with the large button movement allow very precise control of the hydraulic functions.

Market relevance

Currently, the STILL EASY Drive is deployed as a control system for the OPX. This truck is at home in many industries. However, across the different industries, the applications as such are very similar. The trucks are mostly used in central warehouses and therefore move indoors only, often in very large halls with long order picking aisles. Order picking is possible from floor level as well as from the first rack level. Besides this, the trucks are also used to move materials over long transport distances. The main areas of application are distribution centres of large retailers and the automotive industry as well as central warehouses for the food industry or third party logistics warehouse worlds.

In 2015, the European market for horizontal order pickers amounted to 19,000 units and in 2016 to 23,000 units and is continuously growing. At a service life of 5 to 7 years, this corresponds to an installed base of approximately 110,000 units in the market. The industry with the largest share are food retailers.

The relevance of the STILL EASY Drive results from the benefits offered by the new control concept. The focus is not only on increasing the turnover speed by enhanced performance, but also on relieving the operator from workload – in many cases this is what leads to the major savings. The possibility to adjust the software makes the steering wheel highly versatile and allows realising individual adjustments to specific customer requirements.

Customer benefits

The new control concept provides better ergonomics and consequently higher turnover performance. In addition, the complete series is fitted with a unique control concept. It makes it easier for the user to operate different trucks, without having to learn different work procedures.

The car-style steering wheel STILL Easy Drive ensures sensitive driving characteristics and allows intuitive control of the truck. In addition, the steering movements require much less effort than with a combi-tiller, for example. This is especially apparent when cornering. The upper part of the body needs to move much less during steering movements compared to the conventional steering-tiller.

All controls, for example, the drive switch or the control for the initial lift are in reach without changing grip or even the position of the hand. As the handle of the steering wheel is only attached at a single point, the operator can hold it in virtually any position. This is especially beneficiary when reversing. To do this, the operator only needs one hand that he places to the top of the steering wheel and at the same time, it is possible to operate the drive switch.

As soon as the operator lets go of the steering wheel, it automatically returns to the neutral position for straight travel, increasing safety when starting to drive. Beyond this, the function supports the driver to keep the truck driving straight on long stretches, keeping the movements of the truck smooth and steady.