IFOY Audit
Finalists undergo the three-stage IFOY Audit as part of the IFOY Audit, which takes place during the TEST CAMP INTRALOGISTICS. This consists of the scientific IFOY Innovation Check, the IFOY Test and the jury test.
The MaxX electric multidirectional sideloader is designed for handling long goods in narrow aisles. With an entry-level price point, the forklift is the ideal alternative to diesel-powered vehicles for combined indoor and outdoor application. Sporting a new design, the MaxX offers best-in-class all-round visibility. It also features a spacious and ergonomic cabin, a clear view mast designed for maximum visibility, a patented HX steering system and a hydraulic levelling system developed by Hubtex.
Product name and company
MaxX electric multidirectional sideloader – HUBTEX
Category
Warehouse Truck „highlifter“







The MaxX multidirectional sideloader is primarily used for handling long goods in narrow aisles. It is specially designed for combined indoor and outdoor application. Many companies in the wood, metalworking and plastics industries are already placing their trust in the vehicle, which is available in three standard variants. In the 3,000 kg load-bearing class, the sideloader is equipped with a 48V drivetrain, while in the 4,500 kg load-bearing class it comes with either a 48V or 80V drivetrain. Each variant is available with a range of different battery sizes, enabling users to find the right balance for medium- and long-term deployments. Customers can also opt for lithium-ion batteries. With six lift mast variants available, each standard vehicle can be customised to meet the required application profile – with lifting heights of up to 7,500 mm.
Driver ergonomics was one of the priorities during the vehicle’s development. The spacious cabin gives the driver ample legroom as well as high all-round visibility, aided by optimal window positioning. The new Hubtex Information Terminal 3, or HIT3, is integrated into the MaxX. The multifunction display provides the driver with important information, such as wheel positions, speed and battery power level, in a clear, easy-to-understand format. Additional assistance systems can also be integrated.
Hubtex has upgraded the MaxX multidirectional sideloader, offering even greater visibility and even longer operation. The vehicle is a step ahead of the rivals in its class thanks to its patented multidirectional steering system, latest-generation HIT3 multifunction display and ergonomic driver cabin offering maximum all-round visibility.
Due to the new clear view mast, the mast profiles are installed closer together, significantly enhancing the driver’s visibility beyond the mast from the cabin. One of the main benefits of this can be seen during the loading process, as driver visibility of the right fork has been substantially improved compared with the previous mast design.
The four-wheel chassis ensures tight turning circles, while the dual load wheels offer considerable protection against wear and tear. A hydraulic levelling system installed for the drive wheels ensures that the vehicle never leaves the ground, boosting shock absorption. The HUBTEX all-wheel-drive steering system ensures that large turning angles and the smallest turning radii are possible in any direction. Used in forwards and backwards mode, the MaxX can quickly transport long materials through narrow gates and aisles, while in sideways operation, the vehicle becomes a frontloader. The patented HX steering system enables drivers to switch between forwards and sideways driving modes without stopping. Thanks to its high manoeuvrability, MaxX helps to increase storage space in the warehouse by up to 50 %.
The three variants of the MaxX multidirectional sideloader cover load-bearing classes up to 4.5 tonnes. It is therefore positioned in the high-volume segment of fourway and multidirectional sideloaders. Despite its innovative equipment, the MaxX has an entry-level price point, which is made possible by its modular design and a focus on the most important variants. The goal behind redesigning the MaxX was to give customers a more cost-effective alternative to comparable electric vehicles in terms of purchase price, thus making it easier for companies to make the switch from conventional vehicles. That’s why the MaxX is also a viable alternative for companies that have previously focused on diesel-powered fourway sideloaders and are now looking for an emission-free, low-noise alternative. The MaxX’ strengths really come into play when handling long goods. And that’s what makes it an interesting prospect for many companies: Typical applications include handling sawn wooden planks and chipboard, as well as transporting aluminium and plastic profiles, sheet metal, building materials and round materials, to name but a few. The MaxX can be customised to meet individual requirements and is designed for combined indoor and outdoor application.
Maximum visibility: The new clear view mast offers major benefits during the loading process, as driver visibility of the right fork has been significantly enhanced. The MaxX offers high all-round visibility, aided by optimal window positioning.
Customisable solutions: MaxX is available in three standard variants with different drivetrains and battery sizes (also available with lithium-ion batteries as an optional extra). Hubtex produces the vehicle in a range of different loadbed widths: 1,000, 1,200 and 1,400 mm. For customised sizes, Hubtex can utilise its standard portfolio of electric multidirectional sideloaders with 25 different series variants.
Ergonomics: A spacious cabin featuring a lot of legroom, a multifunction joystick and HIT3, the latest-generation control terminal devised by Hubtex. The display gives drivers access to all the information they need, such as wheel positions, speeds and battery power level.
Steering system: The patented HX steering system ensures fluid switches between forwards and sideways driving modes, as well as tight turning circles, while also reducing wheel wear and tear.
Ready for Industry 4.0: Numerous assistance systems can be added to the vehicle without any hassle.
Safety: The hydraulic levelling system ensures the forklift’s four wheels are constantly on the ground, while also offering very high stability and reducing vibrations.
Cost-effective solution: Thanks to its modular design, MaxX has an entry-level price point.
| This is a | Vollständig neues Modell |
| Date of market launch | 08/15/2017 |
| Competitive products | Combilift C-Serie (C 4000, C 3000) Bulmor EMU- und BMS-Serie Votex Bison Allround-Serie |
| Special equipment IFOY test device |
|
| Drive type | Elektro |
| Lifting weight max. | 4500 kg |
| Truck weight | 7000 kg |
| Driving speed without load | 11 km/h |
| Lifting speed without load | 0,30 m/s |
| Lifting height max. | 7500 mm |
For handling long loads in narrow aisles and confined spaces, Hubtex developed the MaxX electric multidirectional side loader. The truck has been specially developed for both indoor and outdoor use, as an alternative to the combustion trucks that have been used here until now, partly due to the lower investment costs.
With the MaxX series, Hubtex offers a cost effective electrically driven alternative with some special features, such as the HX steering system and hydraulic level compensation. The patented HX steering system was already used a few years ago for the specials produced by the manufacturer, but is now available for the first time on a series truck. The system enables a smooth change of the driving direction. The time saved per change is approximately 10 seconds. The small turning circles of the four-wheel chassis and the double load wheels ensure minimal tire wear.
The hydraulic level compensation of the drive wheels ensures constant contact between the four-wheel chassis and the ground. The system reduces vibrations and results in stable and safe handling.
The MaxX is available in various basic variants. The side loaders with a lifting capacity of 3,000 kg are equipped with a 48 Volt drive as standard. The heavier models, with a lifting capacity of up to 4,500 kg, are supplied with either a 48 Volt or an 80 Volt drive. For each variant, several battery sizes are available, both with conventional lead acid and lithium-ion technology. In addition, six standard masts with lift heights up to 7,500 mm are available to choose from, making a suitable truck for virtually any application.
The IFOY test truck has a 48 Volt drive, with a 930 Ah battery. The truck has a lifting capacity of 4.5 tonnes and is equipped with a three-stage mast.
The step is a bit high and the undeep steps do not make it easy to get on and off. The footroom is ample but the cabin itself could be a little larger, even though it is spacious for this type of truck.
There is no fixed test protocol for this type of truck, so the IFOY Test team has limited itself to a driving report about the newcomer. During this impression, the advantages of the HX steering system quickly become visible. The truck drives smoothly and the operation is intuitive and enjoyable.
The view on the load and the working environment is excellent, partly due to the high seat, the optimal window layout and the new ‘free view mast’ with integrated camera in the fork carriage. With this mast the mast profiles are placed closer together, which clearly improves the view from the cabin, along the mast and on the fork compared to the previous mast design.
Also the Hubtex Information Terminal 3 (HIT3), which we know from other electric multi-way trucks of the brand – is integrated in the test truck. The multifunction display gives the driver important information such as wheel position, speed or battery status. Optionally, additional auxiliary systems can be integrated.
IFOY test verdict
With the MaxX, Hubtex is bringing a smooth-running and, above all, easy to steer side loader to the market. The HX steering ensures smooth handling and an intuitive way of working. With the easy to dose steering wheel, fine positioning is always possible. Thanks to the HX system, there is no need to wait between program changes, which increases productivity.
| Hard facts | Test Truck IFOY Test | Average other trucks | Value 1 to 10 | ||
| Productivity Max mode | NA | NA | Picks p. 8 hrs | 7 | |
| Productivity Eco mode | NA | NA | Picks p. 8 hrs | 7 | |
| Energy level Max mode | NA | NA | kWh 100 picks | 7 | |
| Energy level Eco mode | NA | NA | kWh 100 picks | 7 | |
| Driving speed with load | 11.46 | km/hr | |||
| Driving speed without load | 11.46 | km/hr | |||
| Lifting speed with load | 20 | cm/sec | |||
| Lifting speed without load | 24.86 | cm/sec | |||
| Sprint speed | 10.6 | time in sec 25 mtrs | |||
| Averages soft facts | |||||
| First impression | 7.60 | ||||
| Load Safety | 6.50 | ||||
| Entry / exit truck | 6.75 | ||||
| Working position | 6.33 | ||||
| Working space | 6.00 | ||||
| Activate truck | 7.50 | ||||
| Hydraulics | 7.14 | ||||
| Steering | 7.17 | ||||
| Sight | 7.40 | ||||
| Driving & Turning | 7.83 | ||||
| Parking truck | 7.00 | ||||
| Safety elements | 7.25 | ||||
| General after test | 7.25 | ||||
| Sustainability | 8.00 | ||||
| Totals | |||||
| Total average soft facts | 8.31 | ||||
| Total productivity | 7.00 | ||||
| Total Energy consumption | 7.00 |
The MaxX electric multidirectional sideloader is of relevance in industries in which long goods are handled both indoors and outdoors and stored in a space-efficient manner. Many fuel-driven devices are currently used for this purpose. The MaxX represents an innovative alternative that has lower buying costs compared to other electrical solutions. This is seen as having significant market relevance.
The main benefits for customers and operators are the increased visibility from the newly arranged mast and the improved drive operation from the HX steering system. The central lift mast allows a clear view to both sides of the load. The use of the gliding transition between longitudinal and transverse travel can be expected to reduce wear, especially on the running wheels. The customer benefits from lower maintenance costs. The HX steering system also enables smooth driving operation, which is expected to increase performance. Hydraulic level compensation is a cost-effective way of achieving static stability in four-wheeled industrial trucks. The operator will not perceive this directly and only through improved driving comfort. Nevertheless, this solution allows the modular principle to be applied, allowing different product variants to be built on the same basis. The result is a cost reduction that makes the MaxX attractive in price.
The integration of the HX steering and the principle of the centrally arranged lifting mast can be classified as new. The two advantages, improved field of vision and improved driving operation with less wear, are the main innovations of the MaxX.
The technical implementation appears in high quality. Despite complex operation, the working movements are remarkably frictionless.
| Functionality / type of implementation | + |
| Novelty / Innovation | ++ |
| Customer benefits | ++ |
| Market relevance | + |
| ++ very good / + good / Ø balanced / – less / — not available | |
Image/video credits: HUBTEX
Finalists undergo the three-stage IFOY Audit as part of the IFOY Audit, which takes place during the TEST CAMP INTRALOGISTICS. This consists of the scientific IFOY Innovation Check, the IFOY Test and the jury test.
In den Statuten sind die Grundwerte und die Standards des IFOY AWARD festgelegt, nach denen die Organisation handelt. Dazu gehören unter anderem Gremien, Wahlomodus, Bewertungskriterien sowie der Code of Conduct.
The International Intralogistics and Forklift Truck of the Year has three bodies: Jury, sponsors, and advisory board.