Better order picking

The vehicle architecture of the N20 low-level order picker from Linde Material Handling enables highly ergonomic, flexible, safe picking in the load capacity range from 1.6 to 2.5 tons.

Driving up to the shelf, getting off the truck, retrieving products from the shelf, loading them onto the goods carrier, getting back onto the truck – and off to the next picking position: Manual picking is one of the most labour-intensive, piecemeal tasks in goods handling. Linde Material Handling’s latest N20 low-lift order picker generation improves all these work steps in one go.

“The vehicle optimally supports the employee in all subtasks,” says Linde Material Handling product manager Eloïse Lévêque. 

The operator stands in front of the battery which gives him a couple of advantages compared to the conventional version where the operator stands behind it. It also makes it easier to manoeuvre the unit through narrow aisles and past obstacles.

“This increases safety and at the same time enables the ability to work faster and achieve higher pick rates,” says Lévêque.

The driver is protected by a cast steel front bumper. 

The Linde N20 has a fully suspended operator compartment which reduces the physical strain on the operator. Advanced damping technology absorbs vibrations and shocks.

“We have been able to reduce the driver’s exposure to human vibration transmitted via the steering wheel and operator platform by around 30%,” adds Lévêque.

In addition, there are numerous other new ergonomic features, including a rounded backrest, cushioned knee protection and a height-adjustable steering wheel. The drive switches can be operated from both sides using thumbs and forefingers and the functions of “raising” and “lowering” via a switch above the backrest.

Linde offers a wide range of variants for its new series. A total of ten versions are available, all of them featuring an initial lift function. The Linde N20 B, N20 and N25 or N20/N25 HP models are designed for transporting goods at ground level. With the Linde N16 Li, the operator can lift the load to heights of up to 790mm. 

If two different customer orders are to be picked directly one after the other, the double stacker variants Linde N20 D and N20 D HP can lift loads of up to 1,200kg to a height of around two metres. Picking two jobs is even more efficient using the N20 LoL model variant, which is equipped with extended load arms. In addition, Linde Material Handling customers benefit from a wide range of options with regard to drive technology – proven lead-acid or modern lithium-ion batteries – and in terms of fleet management integration using the “Linde connect” system.

The standard versions of these order pickers, which can reach speeds of up to 14 km/h.