Electric
multidirectional side loaders
customized for your use
When handling long items, users face particular challenges. The loads have different dimensions and often have to be transported in narrow aisles. Vehicle concepts which can be flexibly adapted are therefore in demand. And this is where HUBTEX comes in with its multidirectional industrial trucks. Over the past 40 years, the core product has been developed in countless variants. Our multidirectional industrial trucks are suitable for the universal handling of long goods, packets of sheets, chipboard, tools, cable drums, rollers, oversized pallets and round materials in narrow aisle racking systems or are freely movable indoors and outdoors.
Optimizing your workflows
and processes in the warehouse
Thanks to our electric multidirectional industrial trucks
Optimise your warehouse capacities
HUBTEX multidirectional sideloaders make it possible to travel along narrow aisles without any problems, enabling the distance between rack rows to be reduced to a minimum. This is possible thanks to a wide range of track guidance and personal protection systems. Using these creates space for additional rows of racks and increased storage capacity.
Elimination of transition times and reduced wheel wear
Using the HX multidirectional steering system enables HUBTEX multidirectional industrial trucks to switch from longitudinal to transverse travel without stopping. This reduces the time needed to switch wheels and provides excellent maneuverability. A further advantage is the significantly reduced wear on the wheels as the change in direction of travel takes place while the vehicle is in motion, meaning that the wheels no longer turn on the spot.
The appropriate battery system for your multidirectional industrial truck
lithium-ion or lead acid batteries
When purchasing a multidirectional industrial truck, we place special emphasis on the selection of the best battery system. Users with long operating times benefit from a fast return on investment through reduced charging and ancillary costs when using lithium-ion batteries. For applications with lower operating hours, lead-acid batteries are the right alternative. We will be pleased to advise you on the most economical solution for you:
The right electric multidirectional industrial truck
for your operation
our four different product groups offer the most variants worldwide
Our product variety
4 lines - 28 series of electric-multidirectional-sideloaders
- PhoeniX
- ESTL
- MaxX
- BasiX
- EasY
-
1-shift operation
max. 600 hours per year - Standard loadbed width
- Aisle guidance
-
Standard features
(e.g. illumination, RWL, camera) - 1-piece frame with 3 wheels
- more than 600 hours per year
-
1-piece frame with 4 wheels and
hydraulic level compensation - Battery option
- Mast reach dampening
- Multi-shift operation
-
Customized loadbed widths
and loadarm opening - Cabin options
-
Special features
(e.g. postioning, load manager, etc.) -
Bystander safety device (PSA),
wire guidance -
2-piece pendular frame
(mechanical level compensation) - AGV-ready
Automated Multidirectional sideloader
Solutions with future potential
Due to the continuously growing requirements in intralogistics, the semi or full automation of warehouse operations gets more and more in focus. HUBTEX presents the world's first fully automated electric multidirectional sideloader for handling long, heavy and bulky goods: The new PhoeniX electric multidirectional sideloader modular system has already been designed in its basic configuration for step-by-step automation. Based on this core product, the fully automated PhoeniX AGV has now been developed. The vehicle is particularly suitable for long goods transport in the wood, metal and plastics industries. It enables perfect integration into existing warehouse concepts. The basic functions of the vehicle include dynamic mapping, exact positioning and block storage. Object-based navigation uses scanner data from personal protection and machine protection sensors to detect people and objects. An interactive virtual map of the warehouse is used to position and navigate to a storage location. The scan results are used to determine the position of the Phoenix AGV within the warehouse. In addition, a load recognition system enables long goods to be detected and picked up.
HUBTEX checks in each individual case whether a full automation makes sense for the user and what costs are involved.
Discover the advantages for your area of application
We know that, when handling long items, users face particular challenges. To help us provide you with the best possible solution for your area of application, we recommend that you inform us of your individual requirements with just a few clicks.
worth knowing about the multidirectional industrial truck
answers to frequently asked questions
When should a conventional sideloader be used?
2-way sideloaders are especially suitable for use in external warehouses for long goods. Their large tyres provide advantages on poor ground. This is described in detail on our special page.
What is a multidirectional forklift?
The terms multidirectional forklift, multidirectional sideloader, four-way forklift, four-way sideloader as well as 4-way forklift are synonyms for the same group of vehicles. These vehicles are suitable for transporting long goods. For this purpose, you pick up the load from the side. The turning circle is considerably reduced by the multidirectional steering system.
Multidirectional sideloaders with electric or combustion engine?
In order to find the best truck for a particular application, it is not sufficient to consider individual aspects in isolation when selecting the right truck drive for a multi-directional truck. It is worthwhile for users to take a holistic view of the application areas, the total cost of ownership, the performance capacities and the service life. This is the only way to find the best individual solution. The development of electrically driven vehicles is rapid. Particularly in times of increasing environmental awareness of companies and the trend towards automation, it can be said that electric reusable forklifts are entering numerous new areas of application.
At Hubtex, we continue to focus on internal combustion engine vehicles, even though their share in our product portfolio has been steadily decreasing over the last few years and will continue to decrease. The areas of application for electric vehicles are expanding, but there are still application scenarios in which thermally powered industrial trucks are still clearly superior to electric vehicles. Accordingly, we are continuing to work on increasing the energy efficiency of our vehicles. One example of this is the development of our DQ-X model, in which we have placed energy consumption, noise minimization and ergonomics at the heart of the development of a diesel-powered four-way forklift.
Four-way sideloaders as well as 4-way trucks are synonyms for the same group of vehicles. These vehicles are suitable for transporting long goods. For this purpose, they pick up the load from the side. The turning circle is considerably reduced by the multidirectional steering system.
What is the difference between multi-directional sideloaders and four-way reach trucks?
Both vehicle types are basically suitable for long goods transport. Depending on the area of application, however, there are differences between the vehicles due to their construction, function and dimensions. If there is sufficient space available to the user and/or the main part of all loads are Euro pallets and only rarely long goods and if only a hall application is planned, then a customer will certainly tend towards a four-way reach truck or a normal reach truck.
However, if the customer frequently has long goods loads and uneven floors made of asphalt or composite stone paving, then multidirectional sideloaders have clear advantages due to
- narrow width of the machine and therefore small turning radius,
- the load depth and load bed depth of the truck are identical
- the large mast feed = load depth + 100 mm,
- the 4-wheel chassis in a wide and stable frame and therefore better stability,
- the possibility of rail guidance,
- the two-part pendulum chassis to compensate for uneven ground,
- the vibration-damped driver's cab,
- the electronic 4-wheel steering system with 8 steering programs for precise movements,
- the two drive wheels and two double load wheels
- the larger wheel dimensions
- alternatively a soft elastic tyre for use on asphalt,
- the good view of the load or forks,
- of the identical length of the long fork carriage with the frame length,
- Constant vehicle width despite long fork carriage
- smaller "b"/"l2" dimension than for reach trucks
Why does HUBTEX offer vehicles in the same load capacity classes as 48V or 80V versions?
HUBTEX always tries to adapt its vehicles ideally to the respective application requirements. For this reason HUBTEX offers vehicles with 48V as well as 80V voltage, especially in the load capacity classes 3.0 to 4.5 t. As a matter of principle, HUBTEX does not offer vehicles in the load capacity range from 1.5 to 3 tons with a voltage of 80V. Here are some arguments:
PER 48 V (LOAD CAPACITY CLASS 1500 KG - 4500 KG):
- compact short design to allow small turning radii
- and to better enable block storage
- cheaper energy package in case of replacement procurement; also an important factor
- in the analysis of multi-shift operations
- lower weight of the vehicle, which leads to longer battery life
- and less wear on the wheels leads to
- Almost identical energy content with the same installation space
- Comparison of the energy content: 48 V x 930 Ah = 44.6 kW/hour |
- 80 V x 600 Ah = 48.0 kW/hour
- cheaper control components, cheaper spare parts
- for drive technology and working hydraulics
PER 80 V (LOAD CAPACITY CLASS 3000 KG - 10,000 KG):
- higher load capacities
- more performance due to larger pumps and motors
- slightly higher battery power
- Reduction of power losses, as less heat is generated by higher tension
CONCLUSION:
HUBTEX offers both 48V and 80V devices. Each HUBTEX device is designed in such a way that the relationship between required power, load capacity, battery capacity and voltage is optimally matched. For example, we can offer the customer an MQ 30 (2125) with 48 V but also alternatively an MQ 30 (2130) with 80 V. The main price difference is the price of the energy package.
What is an HX multidirectional steering system?
By using the patented, optionally available steering system, it is possible to change from longitudinal to transverse travel without stopping. This reduces the time needed to change the wheels and offers optimum manoeuvrability. A further advantage is the significantly reduced wear of the wheels. As the change of direction takes place during travel, the wheels no longer rotate on the spot, which significantly reduces wheel wear and increases the service life of the wheels. Typical areas of application for the new steering system are applications with a particularly high number of changes of direction in freely movable warehouses, when loading and unloading trucks or in block storage.
What does HUBTEX call HIT?
This is the information display for the driver in the cab. As a component of all electric multidirectional sideloaders, the FluX and MaxX models as well as many special vehicles from HUBTEX, the new HIT3 informs about all relevant operating conditions. The multifunctional display with its new visualisation provides the driver with all information on wheel position, speed and battery condition of the truck in a simple graphic display. Compared to its predecessor model, the new HUBTEX Information Terminal has numerous improved features. Depending on the customer's requirements, for example, truck access control can be carried out directly at the terminal with a personalised code. In this way companies can ensure that only authorised and trained employees drive the trucks.
Which accessories are available for HUBTEX vehicles?
HUBTEX vehicles are always adapted to the individual requirements of the application. This also includes the individual equipment of the vehicle with additional systems. The HUBTEX sales department has a comprehensive list of attachments, load handling attachments, storage aids, camera systems, load weighing equipment, steering systems, rack guiding systems, tyres, personal security systems as well as cabins and lighting equipment.
What is a narrow-aisle warehouse?
The narrow-aisle warehouse is characterised by its small footprint. The working aisle widths are accordingly kept as small as possible. In order to achieve a high degree of space utilisation and maximum storage capacity, the standard heights of the warehouse are also utilised to the maximum. The vehicles used travel with minimum safety distances and are guided in the aisle by track guidance systems. Furthermore, picking solutions can be easily integrated with the advantage that picking can be carried out directly in front of the pallet compartment. Other storage forms are the wide aisle warehouse or RGB or high-bay warehouse.
Which guide systems are available from HUBTEX?
In order to reduce the working aisle widths in a narrow aisle warehouse with minimum safety clearances, the installation of a guidance system is necessary to ensure high travel and lifting speeds and the necessary safety despite the narrow aisles. For maximum utilisation of the available storage space HUBTEX offers three different track guidance systems for narrow aisle solutions. With only 100 mm safety clearance per side the working aisle width is reduced to a minimum.
Here, the reusable stacker is guided by two guide rails fixed to the floor. The rollers, two on the left side and two on the right side, hold the truck in the rails in the middle of the aisle. The inclined entry angle, which can be detected, makes it easier for the driver to enter the lane.
The minimum width for the operation of mechanical guidance via guide rails results from three factors:
- the prescribed minimum safety clearances
- the stacking depth of the load
- and the individual truck configurations
In addition, the guide rails can be divided into high and low variants, whereby a minimum ground clearance of 15 mm is recommended for smooth operation.
Our experts will be pleased to support you in making the right choice for your guide rail system.
Here the forklift follows a stringline laid in the ground. This is fed by a frequency generator with a high-frequency alternating current (low voltage). This generates a concentric electromagnetic alternating field.
This field is detected by sensors mounted on the truck. This means that every change in the position of the truck is registered and an automatic compensating steering is triggered.
The truck is thus guided safely in the aisle.
Our experts will be pleased to help you choose the right guidance system.
The system is supported by the installation of transponders. These are embedded in the floor. As soon as the truck drives over a transponder, a specific function is activated on the truck. Examples of these functions are aisle detection, stopping the vehicle at the end of the aisle or reducing the speed before leaving the aisle.
The optical guidance system (150 mm safety distance per side) is based on the technology of inductive guidance and is used when the required iron-free space in the ground for the stringline is not available.
In the course of automation, Hubtex is also developing a laser-based guidance system.
Shelf guidance via laser localization
Laser navigation is a relatively new process at HUBTEX. The object-based laser navigation uses the raw data, e.g. the personal safety scanner or 2D laser scanner. The HUBTEX vehicle control system creates environment maps on the basis of the acquired data. The vehicle then identifies its own position within the map and is thus able to follow defined routes with an accuracy of up to +/- 15 mm. The procedure is tolerant of changes in the environment.
Automatic vehicle positioning
The horizontal and vertical vehicle positioning is an add-on for laser localization. As an alternative to laser localisation, automatic vehicle positioning can also be achieved by installing a barcode tape on the racking system.
The rack positioning consists of a horizontal and vertical positioning device as well as a touch panel in the cabin. After the shelf position has been manually entered into the HUBTEX touch panel, the shelf positioning is activated. By pressing the joystick for lifting and the accelerator pedal the shelf is approached semi-automatically.
WMS connection
The connection of the multi-directional forklift to the Warehouse Management System (WMS) is the next stage of expansion for automatic vehicle positioning and serves to connect the forklift to the WMS. The target height for storage/retrieval is transmitted directly from the WMS to the automatic vehicle positioning system. The driver only has to activate the lifting function. When lifting, the fork stops automatically at the correct height.
Which personal safety features (for drivers and for employees) are already built into your industrial trucks?
When planning a vehicle with our customers, the evaluation of the safety of the operators, the employees but also of the goods is an integral part of the standard procedure. We offer a whole range of safety systems for our vehicles. We distinguish between passive and active systems. Passive systems are, for example, distance warning sensors, optical and acoustic warning devices, ram and bounce protection devices. They are relatively inexpensive to install, but have the disadvantage that active driver intervention is still necessary in an emergency. For this reason, we offer active personal protection systems as another alternative, such as mobile and stationary personal protection systems, automatic aisle end guards, lift / drive cut-offs, speed reductions or warehouse navigation.
When should I use a personal protection system?
Narrow aisle racking aisles in warehouses are accident black spots in everyday operations. Traffic routes for power-driven or rail-bound industrial trucks must be wide enough that there is a safety clearance of at least 0.50 m on both sides of the traffic route between the outer limit of the industrial truck and the boundary of the traffic route. However, the safety clearances are often not feasible due to the system. For this reason, exceptions are possible if structural measures, access restrictions or protective installations on the industrial truck counteract the danger to pedestrians.
The safety devices differ between stationary and mobile systems. HUBTEX offers mobile systems for its vehicles.
- Alternative to mobile PPE
- automatic protective device
- Protection of persons when using industrial trucks in narrow aisles
- officially accepted
- Cost-effective alternative up to three shelf aisles
- Optional: Escape door monitoring / escape route monitoring
- Shelf aisle monitoring via two laser scanners
- If persons or obstacles are detected in the aisle, your HUBTEX automatically brakes to a standstill
- independent of the number of rack aisles
- two gait recognition systems