Test + video: Jungheinrich ETV 416i When every second counts

When every second counts

Just as we thought we had tested the flagship of Jungheinrich’s reach truck range last year with the ETV 3i series, the ETV 4i has arrived on the market. With liftingPRO, loweringPRO and reachPRO as standard, this is the reach truck for warehouses where every second counts. The new productivity benchmark is here.

With the launch of the ETV 4i series, Jungheinrich has crowned its ETV reach truck line, which now comprises three series. The ETV 2i models: for economical use and lift heights of up to 10.7 metres. The all-rounders of the ETV 3i range: up to 14 metres lift height and 24/7 operation. And the ETV 4i series for applications where every second counts. The series includes load capacities of 1.4, 1.6, 2.0 and 2.5 tonnes for lift heights up to 14 metres.

Multi-Camera System

The ETV 4i trucks come as standard with all the PRO systems that Jungheinrich has to offer. We were already familiar with the loweringPRO rapid lowering system. New additions are liftingPRO and reachPRO. As the layout of the cab and the controls of the ETV 4i are virtually identical to those of the ETV 3i, we will limit ourselves in this test to the effects of the new PRO elements. However, we cannot fail to mention the optional new Multi Camera System. Here, two cameras view the load along the fork/load from the load protection frame, and as soon as you lift, a third camera extends from beneath the fork. On the display, the driver can see not only whether the lift height is correct but also whether there is sufficient space next to the pallet to be picked up or set down. The system is a practical aid both with and without a load on the forks.

A new benchmark

Now let’s get to the heart of the ETV 416i in our test. To be honest, we were a bit taken aback the first time we lifted it. Whilst the forks normally have a maximum lifting speed of between 60 and 65 cm per second, they now shoot up at well over double that speed. Completely shock-free and so fast you can hardly believe it. If you release the hydraulic lever after that initial reaction, everything comes to a surprisingly smooth and controlled halt. Even at maximum lift height, there’s not a hitch in sight. The mast brakes neatly in good time and reaches the end stop gently.

To be honest, the super-fast lifting gets you used to it quickly and immediately sets the new standard. When you then go back to working with a conventional reach truck, everything seems rather slow, even though that was already quite nippy.

Two pumps

To achieve these impressive speeds, Jungheinrich uses not one but two hydraulic pumps and motors in the liftingPRO. One pump ensures a good base speed. Depending on demand, the second pump motor kicks in. With a combined power output of 31 kW, combined with a much higher pump flow rate, the effect is correspondingly significant. Lifting speeds of up to 1.6 metres per second are achievable and depend on load weight, mast type and lift height.

To accommodate this additional motor, pump and larger hydraulic tank, Jungheinrich has enlarged the engine compartment. To achieve this, the cab floor had to be raised by 15 cm. As extra power and heavier duty use can lead to increased heat build-up, the 4i trucks are fitted with dual battery cabling and modified engine compartment cooling.

Higher cab floor

A higher cab naturally means a higher step up and down. Thanks to the spacious step, the workplace remains easily accessible. In our view, the trial with an additional grab rail on the Grammer seat was a success. The rail provides support when getting in. Perhaps the shape could be adjusted slightly so that even slightly broader drivers do not bump against the rail whilst working.

A higher seating position generally requires slightly more movement from the driver and, subjectively, feels like slightly less control when cornering. We also notice this with the ETV 4i compared to the ETV 3i. Thanks to the extra-low centre of gravity of the modified chassis, the adverse effect remains limited.

What are the benefits?

In addition to liftingPRO and loweringPRO, Jungheinrich is taking things a step further with reachPRO. As standard, the mast moves at 0.22 m/s; reachCONTROL increased this to 0.3 m/s last year, and with reachPRO we now reach 0.4 m/s. This applies only within the free lift range and without a load; in other cases, the reachCONTROL speeds apply.

For years, we have observed that smooth reaching is a fundamental requirement for high productivity. You might not realise it, but you reach four times per load. With reachPRO, we measure a gain of approximately 1.5 seconds per movement. That is almost 6 seconds per load.

If we add up all the PRO benefits of reaching, lifting and lowering, it is no wonder that Jungheinrich smashes its own record of 503 pallets per theoretical 8-hour shift with 561 pallets, a substantial 11.5% increase. This is in comparison to the ETV 314i from the 2025 test, which was already partially speed-optimised. If we compare it with an ETV 316i without optional systems, the gain is 21.4%. This is at our standard test height of up to 5 metres, which we reach several times per test cycle. If we increase the maximum lift height in our test to 7.5 metres, the productivity gain rises to 27.2%.

How much does it cost?

All PRO systems come as standard on the ETV 4i models, and Jungheinrich is expected to charge a premium of around 15% compared to the ETV 3i trucks. That’s a good deal if you can potentially save on a truck and driver every fifth or even fourth truck in action. Or if you can still get the work done during extremely busy peak periods. The top scores for the ETV 4i naturally apply to the maximum possible driving mode, P3. However, the much more conservative P1 setting matches the top score in P3 of the ETV 3i range tested last year. So even when driving speeds and acceleration are much lower for safety reasons, you can still achieve excellent productivity with PRO mast functions.

As for energy consumption, everything remains well within reasonable limits. In our test, using the integrated 690 Ah lithium-ion battery on the most powerful P3 setting, we achieved a practical runtime of 9 hours and 38 minutes. Those who want to be on the safe side during particularly intensive use can simply ensure extra endurance by topping up the battery during breaks.

Conclusion

Thanks to its enhanced performance, the new 4i series is the new flagship model in Jungheinrich’s reach truck range. The truck is designed for intensive use and for situations where every second counts, even if travel speed is restricted for safety reasons. The cab is slightly higher but otherwise remains as good as ever. A minor drawback? The lack of standard height adjustment for the steering column. When every second counts, we believe optimal seating should be a standard requirement. Adjustment is now optional.