Linde Material Handling has further refined its unique vehicle concept with the release of the Linde N20 and N25 horizontal order pickers. This concept, claimed to be unparalleled in the industry, features a battery positioned behind the operator’s stand. The new order picker version with an integrated Li-ION battery could be the most compact on the market, enabling operators to access goods more quickly and manoeuvre more easily in tight spaces. When used in conjunction with other equipment features, the new vehicle type allows warehouse operators to complete order picking faster while working safely and comfortably.
While the adage ‘time is money’ may be a cliché, in the fast-paced and demanding environment of warehouse operations, it holds more true than ever. In daily operations at retail companies and logistics service providers, every second saved during the picking process is paramount. The latest generation of compact horizontal order pickers, with load capacities of 2 or 2.5 tons, has been designed to enhance the efficiency of logistics processes in the warehouse.
Integrated Li-ION battery: A game-changer
Previously, Linde MH customers could already choose between two design variants for horizontal order pickers: the standard design, in which the battery is located in front of the operator’s stand, and another variant, available exclusively from Linde MH, in which the battery compartment is located behind the operator’s stand. The primary benefit of the rear-mounted version is that it gives the operator an enhanced view of the path ahead when turning between aisles, enabling the early identification of potential hazards.
Integrating a Li-ION battery further enhances this design concept, resulting in a significant reduction in size. With a length of 1,243 millimeters excluding the forks, the new design gives the order picker a smaller turning radius for better manoeuvrability in curves and narrow aisles. The more compact design also proves advantageous during the picking process itself.
“The picker operator now saves one to two steps per stop on the way to the goods, and these savings add up over the course of the day, increasing overall productivity,” explains Marc Castro, Senior Strategy and Portfolio Manager for Warehouse Trucks at Linde Material Handling.
Energy options for every need
The vehicles come with an extensive range of battery options. Two capacities are available for use with an integrated Li-ION battery: 3 kWh and 6 kWh. “This covers the vast majority of use cases,” explains the portfolio manager. Additional variants with replaceable batteries are available for companies that require higher-capacity Li-ION batteries or prefer to use lead-acid batteries. “However, we recommend that all customers consider the integrated Li-ION battery option, which is a cost-effective alternative,” emphasizes Castro. Li-ION batteries are ideal for cold storage facilities, food and pharmaceutical warehouses, and other environments with high hygiene requirements.
Faster over long distances
A new feature is the ability of the horizontal order pickers to accelerate up to 14 km/h. “In the typical ‘stop-and-go’ nature of the picking process, this may not matter much. However, when the next stop is at the other end of the aisle or warehouse, it does make a difference in performance,” says Castro. By design, Linde horizontal order pickers are intended for picking at floor level, but that doesn’t mean warehouse staff won’t occasionally need to pick goods from the second level. For this reason, a fold-out step is available as an optional feature, and the operator’s platform can be raised to a picking height of 2.8 meters.
Ergonomics is also a priority, with equipment options such as an adjustable backrest, a folding seat, a pneumatic suspension platform, and a height-adjustable steering wheel. Standard safety features include the Linde Curve Assist and two separate braking systems, while the Linde BlueSpot, which is integrated into the chassis, and the Linde Safety Guard assistance system for automatic speed adjustment are available as optional features.
Shorter Pit Stops
The new order pickers also excel in terms of maintenance and service, as they facilitate the work of service technicians. The engine cover can be removed in just a few simple steps, and maintenance is generally not required until after 1,000 operating hours.
