Linde launches electric trucks up to 18 tonnes

Linde Material Handling (Linde MH) now offers a new range of electrically powered heavy-duty forklift trucks with load capacities from 10 to 18 tonnes. Twelve models in total impress with excellent all-round visibility and provide maximum flexibility with a choice of either lead-acid or lithium-ion battery systems.

Offering load capacities of 10, 12, 14, 15, 16 or 18 tonnes and various load centres, the Linde E100 to E180 trucks are a particularly interesting option for companies operating in the wood, steel and stone industries and the beverage sector. One of the first customers also includes a major furniture company.

“Zero emissions, quiet operation, high serviceability, flexibility in use, and precise and agile driving characteristics – these advantages clearly speak in favour of using the electric drive in the heavy-duty class as well,” says Christopher Reis, Product Manager Heavy Trucks.

“With the electric heavy-duty forklift, our customers get a vehicle that is just as worthwhile for light duty as it is for 24/7 continuous use.” Operators have a choice between lead-acid and lithium-ion battery systems. “However, the special feature is that they can even swap the battery technology at any time without having to change the hardware. This is a truly unique selling point of these vehicles and offers a significant advantage not least in terms of subsequent use,” emphasises Reis.

A special drive concept with four motors – two for the left and two for the right wheel – provides the necessary power for transporting the remarkably heavy loads. This enables the most powerful model, the Linde E180/900 with 18 tons load capacity and a load centre of 900mm, to reach a driving speed of 20km/h within just 10 seconds even when fully loaded.

The electrification of the largest truck series means that Linde MH’s entire portfolio of counterbalanced trucks in the load range from 1.4 to 18 tonnes is now available with the most common types of energy technology. Thus, the intralogistics specialist is able to offer its customers the option of selecting the appropriate drive for the specific application at hand, even in the largest payload class.

The development of the large Linde electric forklifts has been aided by more than 50 years of experience with this drive concept. “The use of proven technology ensures high reliability in operation – which is a particularly important feature for our customers,” emphasises product manager Reis. For instance, the design of the new, compact heavy-duty truck series is based on the eight-tonne range, featuring a double drive, double lifting hydraulics, two batteries and scaled pumps.

The decoupled, rubber-mounted cabin design is borrowed from the smaller forklifts as well, but has been significantly improved once again in terms of all-round visibility: An armoured glass roof and large glass panes in the side doors as well as the front screen and rear windows, in combination with the specially shaped counterweight, provide the driver with the best-possible visibility and thus safety during operation. The driver’s seat is optionally rotatable by 17° and offers an armrest, providing relief when reversing.

The orange seat belt with belt buckle monitoring function helps with implementing the safety belt obligation. To enable the battery system to be adapted to different application requirements, there are various battery and charger versions available.