Compact and powerful trucks

IT WAS my great privilege to recently visit Linde Material Handling’s manufacturing plant in Aschaffenburg, to meet the company’s senior leadership team, see the latest in advanced manufacturing techniques, and most importantly see a powerful new range of forklifts.

Ulrike Just, recently appointed to the Management Board for Linde MH Sales & Service EMEA and taking on a new role as executive vice president sales & service Linde MH EMEA, summed up the approach of Linde perfectly: “Our vision for the Linde brand is to continue to support our customers as a solution provider with products tailored to their needs and requirements for optimising and automating their internal material flow. Thanks to a well-positioned sales and service organisation, our customers can also rely on highly competent advice, top class products, and highly reliable and fast service.”

The new trucks have been designed to offer significant enhancements in ergonomics and performance. In particular, the models with integrated lithium-ion batteries make a significant contribution in this regard.

The largest market segment of all industrial truck classes is comprised of three- and four-wheel electric forklifts with a load range of up to two tons. These versatile vehicles are an indispensable asset in a multitude of settings. Applications are extensive, encompassing everything from just a few transport jobs per day to demanding multi-shift operations with loads that are constantly at the maximum load limit. In other applications, the trucks must operate in confined spaces and contend with challenging environmental conditions such as extreme temperatures, dust and dirt.

To meet a wide range of customer requirements, the new electric counterbalanced trucks are available in an unprecedented variety of models, with load capacities ranging from 1.0 up to 2.0 tons, three or four wheels, and a choice between integrated lithium-ion and trough batteries. All vehicles can be tailored to provide the ideal performance for their intended use, with the highest possible capacities if required, and feature an ergonomic workplace. 

“Linde MH is once again setting the benchmark for this crucial industrial truck sector. Thanks to new technologies and optimised vehicle design, we can now meet our customers’ demands for high-performance, energy-efficient, comfortable and safe vehicles even better than before,” says Torsten Rochelmeyer, senior director strategy & solution portfolio at Linde Material Handling.

Two different versions: Linde Xi and Linde E

The latest 12 models in the Linde Xi range feature an integrated lithium-ion battery and load capacities of between 1.0 and 2.0 tons, offering unparalleled performance and an extended range of applications. An additional 14 variants upgrade the existing standard electric forklifts, the Linde E14 to E20, with load capacities of 1.4 to 2.0 tons and a trough battery. Operators have the option to switch between lead-acid or lithium-ion batteries according to the plug-and-play principle or continue using existing batteries. Furthermore, the E-models have been designed to accommodate fuel cell technology.

The Linde Xi10 to Xi20 models have seen a notable increase in efficiency in everyday use, largely due to the combination of a 90-volt lithium-ion battery and a synchronous reluctance motor. The truck can reach 20 km/h in minimal time and offers lifting and lowering speeds that are up to 20% higher than the average for competitor trucks. A corresponding thermal management system ensures that the full motor power is consistently available, even under heavy loads and in continuous operation. 

In the Linde E14 to E20 models, Linde MH relies on proven 48-volt lithium-ion battery technology and maintenance-free asynchronous motors to achieve a high level of performance.

Driver-focused

The new Linde electric forklifts are therefore a real advantage for human resources managers in their efforts to recruit and retain employees. This is particularly evident in the Linde Xi10 – Xi20 trucks. The integrated lithium-ion battery has provided the engineers with additional flexibility. As a result, the entry step is significantly larger and lower, and the footwell is approximately 30% larger than is typical in this vehicle class, providing additional space for movement. Furthermore, all electric truck versions offer additional headroom. Even individuals of considerable height can operate the vehicle with comfort and ease. The new heating system also represents a unique selling point in the industry. The forklifts can be equipped with an optional air conditioning system. Its integration into the driver’s overhead guard is a first for the industry. 

Another significant contributor to comfort is the damping and decoupling technology integrated into the axles and lift mast. These features effectively reduce shocks and human vibrations, thereby ensuring physical relief and maintaining the driver’s health while preventing rapid fatigue. 

Both the standard 3.5-inch display and the optional 7-inch display are consistent with current interior standards in the automotive industry, providing the driver with a comprehensive range of information. The list of optional extras includes another industry-wide unique selling point, the Linde Steer Control. Optionally, a mini-wheel or a joystick can be fitted instead of the classic steering wheel. With the left arm resting on the armrest, drivers can steer the trucks with minimal movements using only their fingers, which provides additional relief. 

Occupational safety a major focus

The topic of safety is another key priority. An increasing number of forklift functions, available either as standard or optional features, ensure a high level of protection for drivers and their working environment. The Linde Load Assist system, which automatically adjusts lifting and tilting functions according to the weight of the load and lifting height to prevent tipping accidents, is installed in the new trucks as standard. Should the vehicle be fitted with a cabin, electronic safety belt monitoring can be integrated with a door monitoring system. Through software configuration, the service technician can determine whether the seat belt must be worn even when the door is closed or if it is sufficient for the driver to either close the door or fasten the seat belt. The Linde Reverse Assist Radar, the latest safety assistance equipment available exclusively from Linde, can be utilised when necessary. It is designed to detect both moving and static objects behind the truck and, in the event of potential danger, will rapidly apply the brakes to bring the vehicle to a safe stop. Finally, the AI-based safety assistance systems Linde Reverse Assist Camera and Front Assist Camera help to ensure accident-free logistics. The camera systems integrated into the vehicle display are capable of distinguishing between people and objects and can actively intervene by reducing the speed of the truck in the event of danger.

Digitisation and the seamless networking of processes are also contributing to higher productivity. Wireless data transmission between the truck control and cloud-based applications on a data-protected server enables both predictive maintenance and software updates over the air. Further efficiency increases are anticipated by way of integrating the forklift trucks into digital process chains with warehouse management and forklift control systems.

For more information, visit www.linde-mh.co.uk