The Evolution of the Reach Truck

Maximising operator productivity, cost efficiency and space utilisation are key drivers to warehouse operation and product innovation and in 1992 Linde Material Handling launched the first in a new generation of reach trucks setting new industry standards in operator comfort and offering the highest performance at that time.

In 2000 the launch of Linde’s Active Range continued to raise the bar of performance whilst offering much smoother operation through the short Linde Load Control levers. Electric steering was introduced to reduce energy consumption whilst the system used ensured that ‘road feel’ was retained to help accurate and effortless steering.

With the launch of the X range in 2005, Linde revolutionised reach truck design by relocating the battery from its traditional position between the operator and the mast, to the base of the truck underneath the operator’s compartment. This resulted in a doubling of the space available for the operator compared to a conventional reach truck. The extra cabin space enabled a wide full suspension comfort seat to be used incorporating adjustable armrests, where the fingertip control joysticks for hydraulic functions and the steering wheel are located. The ultra-wide mast provided an unrestricted view of loads and racking. The mast is permanently fixed to the chassis in the “reached back” position which, allied to the much deeper mast pack, significantly reduces dynamic oscillations and deflection. The reach function is provided by a reaching carriage which has a much smaller reach movement due to the short reach legs. This speeds up cycle times, enhancing productivity and helps reduce energy consumption thus prolonging shift life.

Maintaining a leading position in this sector, Linde Material Handling has recently launched the next generation of reach trucks, models R 14 to R 20 with load capacities from 1.4 to 2 tonnes. The new shape and brand identity are allied to radical innovations in operator comfort, a wider range of optional equipment and even higher performance levels.

Comfort
Although designed with hard polyurethane tyres to operate on smooth warehouse floors, many warehouses have rough patches and broken sections that create substantial vibration when travelled over at speed. Vibration is a known source of fatigue in humans so much so that EC legislation directed at Whole Body Vibration has affected fork lift design for some years. Operator fatigue leads to loss of concentration increasing the risk of accidents and damage to loads, warehouse infrastructure and trucks themselves. To alleviate this, the operator’s compartment of the R14 to R20 range is fixed to the lower chassis via 4 rubber blocks shielding the operator from harmful vibration. The operator is further protected by an air-suspended seat which automatically adjusts to his or her body weight when the truck is energised. This new standard of operator comfort ensures that the human element of the productivity equation remains alert and motivated throughout a long shift. 

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The seat is fully adjustable forwards and backwards, for height, angle of the seat back and lumbar support. In addition the large L-shaped binnacle that holds the steering wheel, instrument display, Linde Load Control hydraulic levers and armrest can be adjusted forwards and backwards and vertically. This ensures operators with different body dimensions and preferences for driving position can be easily and fully accommodated. Storage compartments allow work tools and paperwork to be stowed within easy reach and power supplies and mounting brackets for data terminals are available to suit site standards. 

Two newly designed mast ranges use stronger steel profiles that limit mast deflection by up to 20% and provide higher residual capacity before deration. As with earlier mast designs from Linde, visibility is an important factor and these new designs offer improved vision over what was already exceptional.

Performance
Compared to its competitors, Linde is at the forefront when it comes to productivity, as proven by the results of the TÜV Nord reach truck performance test. Linde’s leading position is hardly surprising considering the 41% higher lift speed with a load). Unladen lift and lower speeds are also faster in comparison to the previous series. In order to match energy consumption and productivity as precisely as possible to the needs of the application, there are three different driving dynamics settings to choose from: “Performance” for the highest power output, “Efficiency” for the best combination of handling performance and energy efficiency, and “Economy” for less demanding  applications or those where extended shift life is required. The addition of a massive 930 Ah battery will also help in these instances.

Upward visibility at high lift heights is crucial when the operator is stacking and destacking loads. Here the innovative high-visibility armoured glass roof comes into its own. As an alternative to the conventional overhead guard, this option offers an unrestricted view of the load and forks whilst ensuring the operator remains well protected from falling objects. A range of new camera systems give additional vision when load handling.

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