Automated tow tractor and stacker

HOUSTON – Mitsubishi Caterpillar Forklift America Inc. (MCFA) has expanded its full range of Jungheinrich forklifts and warehouse products to include a new generation of automation capabilities.

The manufacturer has launched two new Jungheinrich Automated Guided Vehicle Solutions, includes the EZS 350a NA, an automated guided electric tow tractor, and the EKS 215a, an automated guided medium-to-high-level stacker.

While this is the debut of AGV solutions for the North American market, Jungheinrich’s full-automation technology has been available in Europe for more than 55 years.

“Our Jungheinrich Automated Guided Vehicles combine proven technology with cutting-edge automation, including accurate navigation technology designed to help increase warehouse and operator efficiency,” said Perry Ardito, general manager for Jungheinrich Warehouse & Automation Products at MCFA.

The EZS 350a NA Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) System, Electric Tow Tractor (11,000 lb.) is based on Jungheinrich’s standard tow tractor and uses laser navigation. The automated handling of repeatable transport processes to production or assembly lines reduces the delivery time to these lines. This model can be used in an automated mode and a manual mode. This provides added flexibility for operator usage when and if required.

The EKS 215a Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) Medium/High Level Order Picker / Stacker (3,300 lb.) is an automated guided vehicle system based on Jungheinrich’s proven vertical order picker design. The EKS 215a AGV can be used in mixed operations mode alongside other manual lift trucks and pedestrians. The EKS 215a model also features adjustable forks for the transport of special load carriers and closed pallets.

The AGV can easily be integrated into a business’ existing IT and software landscape or can be used as a stand-alone system. The Jungheinrich Logistics Interface facilitates a smooth connection to any customer’s Warehouse Management System (WMS) or Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system.

“Customers are continuing to seek new ways to streamline and improve their operation’s efficiency, productivity and cost of doing business,” said Ardito. “Jungheinrich has a longstanding reputation for delivering efficient and advanced lift truck technology for more than 60 years, and we’re excited to partner with them to bring this latest automation technology to our customers in North America.”