Test + video: Jungheinrich EFG BB 216k Back to basics

Back to basics

With the introduction of the BB and BC series Jungheinrich brings a range of basic trucks on the market. Good enough for a light to regular use, but not intended for an intensive working day as the Premium EFG Series can handle. The question is, of course, how basic are they, and how do they perform? We test the compact 1.6 tonne three-wheeler EFG BB 216k.

With the EFG BB 216k, Jungheinrich brings a fully equipped, but basic three-wheeler with 1,600 kg carrying capacity at an especially competitive price.

Not everyone needs a premium truck designed for 24/7 multi-shift operation, Jungheinrich concludes. There is also a market for a competitively priced truck that you use a few hours a day, but which comes with a quality guarantee and a sound service organization and spare parts supply. Jungheinrich offers a wide range of used trucks to meet this demand, but some customers also want a new truck at an affordable price.

With the introduction of the BB and BC models Jungheinrich is now taking that step. The BB is a three-wheeler and only available with a load capacity of 1,600 kg. The truck is only available as a k-version, the compact model. The BC range is a series of four-wheelers with a load capacity of 1,600 to 3,000 kg. Both models are manufactured in the Jungheinrich factory in Qingpu, China, according to Jungheinrich guidelines and quality requirements.

Solid design

First impressions of the BB 216k are positive. At first glance, it is just a Jungheinrich truck as we know it. The same color scheme, stickers, mast type and shape. But if you look again, you’ll see there’s no Grammer seat (of course it’s possible) and there are short, conventional hydraulic levers. The steering column is also different from the Premium model and seen before at previous Jungheinrich series. So are the levers of the mast control and parking brake.

When you look with your “fingers” you can see and feel the very solid materials. The sheet metal is robust, all the plastics can take a beating and the whole setup is logical. The first drawback is the rather high step without extra step. With 545 mm, the distance to the footplate is considerable, but not insurmountable. It is advisable to step down well, in the same way as you step on, but the other way round.

Cab and overview

The seating position on the truck is fine. The brandless standard seat offers sufficient support and is adjustable. The weight adjustment via the rotary knob is not convenient, so will probably not be used much once a reasonable basic setting has been found. The side cheeks of the backrest provide support while driving and are also practical as a handle when getting on and reversing. A handhold on the right rear roof post would be better suited for this and should be a standard safety feature, as far as we are concerned. Even on a basic forklift truck. Jungheinrich offers it as an option, including a push button for the horn.

The footplate offers sufficient space for such a compact truck. The footplate is free of obstacles and both pedals are positioned in front of the right foot. However, we do sometimes feel the clasp of the battery cover piercing the right lower leg.

To the right of the seat, there is a lot of storage space, practically divided into handy compartments.

Mast control

The visibility around and through the mast is fine. We measure a blind spot of 51 cm, which is the case for most masts with load backrest and integrated side shift. The mast design is from the previous EFG series and a proven concept. The operation with the solid handles is just as solid: directly on the valves, so easy to dose. Even with thick gloves on, if necessary. Our test truck is equipped with a triple 4,800 mm mast. The lifting speeds are equal to the market average for this type of truck. The Jungheinrich Premium EFG 216k lifts faster and runs smoother.

We experience the same differences when driving. The ZF drive motors and transmissions of the BB feel and sound just a bit more present than their counterparts in the Premium range. In other words, slightly rawer and louder, but the performance is comparable. The sprint is above average and so is the unloaded forward speed. In reverse, our test truck drives a maximum of 10.6 km/h both with and without a load. This is probably a setup issue in the driving program.

Energy consumption and productivity

Under the solid, steel battery cover we see a conventional lead acid 48V/625 Ah battery. It’s also noticeable that the compartment is neatly arranged, and the components are easily accessible.

Via the simple display that Jungheinrich also places on many of its warehouse trucks, we operate the 5 available drive/lifting programs. With these programs you can set different combinations of driving and lifting speeds. The buttons on the display also control the lighting.

From the conventional 625 Ah the BB gets a practical operating time of over 10 hours at maximum setting 5. At economic setting 3 we get 11.5 hours. The BB owes this endurance to its predictable character, the well-set Curve Control for safe cornering and high regenerative braking power. We drive the truck purely with the accelerator, braking is hardly necessary. This results in above-average energy consumption while productivity is slightly higher than the market average. The Premium EFG 216k has better performance in both areas. It is the logical sum of more sophisticated electronics, smoother operation and higher engine performance.

Conclusion

With the BB 216k Jungheinrich brings a compact, predictable, and well performing three-wheeler to the market. Although basic, the tested BB is fully equipped with lighting and a seat belt safety device. It will appeal to users with light to medium duty use who are looking for a well-priced truck from a reputable supplier. According to Jungheinrich, the BB is priced 20-30% lower than the Premium EFG with lead acid battery.

Given the chassis concept, a lower step is out of the question, but other areas for improvement include better positioning of the battery cover lock and the inclusion of a reversing handle as standard.