Linde MH has launched new trucks into the popular one-to-two tonne sector. Peter MacLeod reports from their launch at Linde’s impressive Aschaffenburg factory.
Towards the end of last year, Linde Material Handling (MH) invited the world’s media to the launch of its two- and three-wheeled electric counterbalanced trucks with load capacities up to two tonnes. The significance of this product range is that it is the world’s most specified capacity so it was vital for Linde to get it spot-on. And did they? Well, don’t take my word for it, because I am not
a trained, professional forklift operator with a degree in engineering. Sure, I was extremely impressed by the many bells and whistles, the build quality, the electronic mastery contained within, and the manufacturing excellence on display during our tour of the Aschaffenburg facility, and I’m a sucker for laser light shows and dry ice – not to mention the demonstration of acrobatic trampolining that preceded the official unveiling.
No, you have to take Theo Egberts’ word for it, because Theo is Europe’s most knowledgeable and widely respected independent forklift expert, a function he performs as the official IFOY Award
tester. Read this article in the knowledge that the Linde’s collective enthusiasm for its new baby – spoiler alert – has been overwhelmingly endorsed by Theo, as he explains at the end.
Best Seller
Visit any warehouse anywhere in the world and you’re likely to see a three- or four-wheeled electric forklift with a capacity of up to two tonnes in operation. They are the staple of any high-capacity warehouse facility. If the colour doesn’t automatically give the game away, then look closer at the manufacturer, and that’s quite likely to be a Linde (or one of its sister brands), as they are among largest players in this market.
Linde MH has now replaced its existing range of electric forklifts with 26 new three- and four-wheel truck variants with load capacities ranging from one to two tonnes. According to Linde, they are designed to offer significant enhancements in ergonomics and performance above their predecessors and competitors. The nature of the operations in which they are specified means that this class of truck often work with loads at the maximum load limit, operate in confined spaces, or contend with challenging environmental conditions such as extreme temperatures, dust and dirt.
The new trucks meet a wide range of customer requirements, and come with a choice between integrated lithium-ion and lead acid batteries. The vehicles have been designed to be tailored to
provide optimised performance for their intended use, and feature an ergonomic workplace that was ably demonstrated to us by Tomas, a literally enormous – 204cm tall, size 54 boots – German forklift operator from one of Linde’s nearby customers who smoothly entered, operated, and left the cabin as nimbly as would a man half his size.
“Linde MH is once again setting the benchmark for this crucial industrial truck sector,” says Torsten Rochelmeyer, Senior Director Strategy & Solution Portfolio at Linde Material Handling. “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.”
Two Versions: Xi and E
The latest 12 models in the Linde Xi range feature an integrated lithium-ion battery and offer “unparalleled performance and an extended range of applications”, according to Linde. An additional 14 variants upgrade the existing standard electric forklifts, the Linde E14 to E20, with load capacities of 1.4 to 2.0 tonnes 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 90V lithium-ion battery and a synchronous reluctance motor. The truck can reach 20km/h in minimal time and, says Linde, offers lifting and lowering speeds 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 terms of performance, the new forklifts represent a considerable improvement
over previous models and also clearly raise the bar in comparison to the competition,” added Rochelmeyer.
Driver-Focused
“It is becoming increasingly difficult to fill vacancies in logistics and warehousing,” says Rochelmeyer, describing the growing shortage of personnel in this area. “The new Linde electric forklifts are therefore a real advantage for human resources managers in their efforts to recruit and retain employees. The spacious workplace delivers on its promise: Our development engineers have designed these vehicles with the specific needs of the truck drivers in mind and created a product that will optimally support them.”
This is evident in the Linde Xi10 – Xi20 trucks, where the integrated lithium-ion battery provides 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 versus their IC counterparts, as graphically demonstrated by Tomas, our lofty Teutonic friend.
Adjustable heating vents positioned around the driver’s workplace and a 60% improvement in heating performance compared to previous models create a comfortable climate in the cabin, even when operating outside in cold temperatures. For high temperatures, the forklifts can be equipped with an optional aircon system. Its integration into the driver’s overhead guard is an industry first,
Linde tells us.
Another significant contributor to comfort is the damping and decoupling technology integrated into the axles and lift mast. These effectively reduce shocks and human vibrations, thereby ensuring the operators physical comfort. The standard 3.5-inch display and the optional 7-inch display provide the driver with a comprehensive range of information and offer similar levels of experience as when driving a passenger car.
Linde says 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.
Focus on Safety
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 standard Linde Load Assist system automatically adjusts lifting and tilting functions according to the weight of the load and lifting height to prevent tipping accidents. 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 new Linde Reverse Assist Radar 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 AIbased 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.
Theo’s View
So, that’s just about everything I know about Linde’s sparkling new line-up. What does the true expert, the man who has spent a career testing and benchmarking every new truck against its competitors, Buro Andersom’s Theo Egberts think?
“The impression is that it’s very spacious, yet very compact,” he says. Having tested both the Linde 20P 4-wheeler and the xi16 3-wheeler, he adds: “Both trucks are best-in-class (1-2t range), with
the highest productivity in the Andersom test. No truck has ever before been that productive – it’s a new benchmark. Normally a compact truck is defined by a large battery and no footplate to step
on/off. With an integrated battery, you don’t get this compromise. The battery isn’t so big, but that’s not a problem as it can be opportunity charged.
“In our test protocol, we noted that the large battery (there are three battery options – small, medium and large) is large enough to have a practical working shift for eight hours. Of the three drive modes, ‘performance’ gave us the highest benchmark we have ever seen. On ‘efficiency’, the performance is still very, very fast. Even on the lowest setting, ‘economy’, the truck performs above average on our test.”
So there you have it. Independently endorsed as best in class, these new Linde trucks have been exceptionally well designed to meet the needs of this popular yet demanding market sector.
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