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Tag: Linde Material Handling

Counterbalance Forklift is Compact Space Marvel

Posted on by David Priestman

The Linde-Xi-Roadster is now available as part of the new electric counterbalance truck series from Linde Material Handling (MH). The lineup has been expanded to include seven more such vehicles, offering a load capacity of up to 2.0 tons and maximum visibility. The three- and four-wheel forklifts are equipped with an overhead guard that eliminates the need for an A-pillar. In addition, the vehicles feature various other design elements that optimize visibility, providing drivers with significantly greater visibility to the front, sides and above. This enhances safety during driving and lifting operations while enabling drivers to work more efficiently and productively.

Richard Bozem, Senior Strategy and Portfolio Manager for Counterbalance Trucks at Linde Material Handling, uses a straightforward formula to describe the correlations in day-to-day forklift handling: Visibility equals safety equals productivity. “The better the drivers can see the route ahead, the surrounding area and the forks carrying the load, the easier it is for them to stay focused and maintain a high level of efficiency,” explains the product expert. People or obstacles approaching can be identified early on, ensuring greater operational safety. Good visibility is also important for quickly and accurately positioning both the vehicle and the load, which helps achieve high throughput in warehouse and production areas.

Customization makes the difference

Linde MH has once again demonstrated its expertise in providing forklift models that are customized to meet specific needs. The Roadster excels in situations that require exceptional visibility, safety and ergonomics. For instance, it is ideal for transporting and precisely positioning large and bulky loads or for serving racking and truck loading areas, which require precise maneuvering and therefore good visibility. Operators benefit from the large windows offered by the Roadster models’ special protective roof, which is exclusively available from Linde MH thanks to the associated overhead tilt cylinders. The most significant enhancement to visibility is achieved by removing the A-pillars, which typically obstruct the view to the right and left of the lift mast.

Additionally, the front panel has been lowered to improve visibility of the fork tips, and slim B-pillars have been added to assist with backing up. To provide the driver with a clear upward view during loading and unloading operations, all the roof struts and cross struts are designed to be as narrow as possible. For a completely unobstructed view, the forklift is available with an optional panoramic reinforced glass roof, which is designed to provide reliable protection against falling objects, as evidenced by compliance with relevant standards and extensive in-house testing.

Another highlight of the new Roadster is the Linde Steer Control, which replaces the standard steering wheel with either a mini-wheel or a joystick. “These two equipment options, integrated into the wide left armrest, improve both visibility and ergonomics and are the perfect match for the new Roadster,” emphasizes Bozem.

Roadster: Based on innovative electric forklift truck series

The Linde Xi14 to Xi20 R (three-wheel) and Linde Xi16 to Xi20 R (four-wheel) models are based on the corresponding standard versions of the new electric forklift truck series with integrated lithium-ion batteries. Despite their compact dimensions, these models offer a very spacious work environment with ample legroom and headroom, as well as a large step for easy entry and exit. Both the standard Linde Xi version and the Roadster are equipped with high-performance yet economical synchronous reluctance motors that provide maximum performance and high residual load capacities. The same applies to all available equipment options, such as seat or mast variants, ensuring maximum customization. Lastly, the new series offers many other advantages, such as a vibration isolation concept on the drive axle, steering axle and lift mast.

Reduced operating costs, increased sustainability

In addition to having maintenance-free large components such as the motors and battery, the vehicle’s entire design is geared toward maximum serviceability. The goal is to minimize operating and maintenance costs while maximizing sustainability. For instance, the interval for replacing hydraulic oil and filters has been extended to 6,000 operating hours, setting a new industry standard. This significantly reduces hydraulic oil consumption, minimizes waste, and decreases downtime over the vehicle’s lifetime.

End-to-end Automation with New Forklifts

Posted on by David Priestman

Intralogistics specialist Linde Material Handling (MH) has expanded its range of automated forklift and industrial trucks, thus completing its updated product portfolio. A standout addition to the lineup is the automated Linde K MATIC k VNA turret truck.

“If customers are storing and retrieving exclusively full pallets in high-bay racking, this forklift eliminates the need for them to purchase a manually operated truck,” explains Pascal Kuster, Sales Trainer Automated Guided Vehicles at Linde MH. Other vehicles set to launch include the Linde R-MATIC k reach truck and the Linde L MATIC AC k counterbalanced pallet stacker with cantilevered forks. These series production models are designed to maximize the benefits of automation projects implemented with Linde MH, reducing planning and implementation times while ensuring greater efficiency and lower costs.

“With the new models, the already launched automated Linde L-MATIC HD k pallet stacker, and the fully automated compact Linde L-MATIC core variant, we can automate our customers’ material flow processes more easily and cost-effectively, while also making them more service-friendly and flexible for expansion,” says Kuster. The ‘toolbox’ that Linde MH’s automation planners use to develop these concepts includes high-quality, energy-efficient and easy-to-program AGVs and AMRs. “Our new vehicles play a key role in our automation solutions. However, good project planning and preparation are just as crucial to success,” Kuster emphasizes. “After all, our customers are investing in a solution, rather than just a product.” The standardization of processes is an essential prerequisite for any automation project. In this context, it’s important to note that processes with manual trucks cannot always be replicated one-to-one with the corresponding automated vehicle models. For example: If a reach truck operator was previously also responsible for transporting goods from the receiving area to the high-bay racking, in the automated system using an automated pallet stacker for this subprocess may be more efficient in order to increase throughput and optimize pallet-handling costs per hour.

A new generation of vehicles for efficient automation

The larger the product portfolio, the more options arise for developing automation solutions that are precisely tailored to customers’ specific needs. Linde MH capitalizes on this by offering the industry’s most comprehensive range of vehicles. The Linde K-MATIC k stands out in the premier league of warehouse technology. With a load capacity of 1.5 tons and a maximum lift height of 14.5 meters, this very narrow aisle (VNA) truck is designed to optimize warehouse capacity usage. “Since the truck primarily operates in rack aisles, using an automated vehicle is a sensible choice,” explains product trainer Kuster. “This allows employees to focus on higher value-added activities.”

The Linde R-MATIC k reach truck is ideal for automated replenishment in wide-aisle warehouse sections. Three models are available, with load capacities of up to 2.3 tons. To optimally customize the trucks for individual needs, they can be equipped with a wide selection of modular mast variants, offering maximum lift heights of up to 10 meters. Automated shuttle and storage solutions round off the extended range of vehicles.

Innovative technology boosts productivity

Both VNA trucks and reach trucks use state-of-the-art reflector technology for navigation. They feature a sensor-based pallet positioning system with “intelligent” forks for precisely storing and retrieving qualified load carriers such as Euro pallets, mesh boxes and CHEP pallets. The system not only detects whether a rack location is empty but also identifies any obstacles in the way. If pallets are not correctly aligned, the forks adjust accordingly. Furthermore, the system ensures that the goods are precisely positioned in the rack before the forks withdraw from the load carrier. The trucks are powered by either lead-acid batteries or the latest generation of lithium-ion batteries for maximum energy efficiency. Both battery types can be combined with all available manual or automatic charging options. A clear, colored touchscreen simplifies human-machine communication and makes entering control commands easier. Numerous standard features such as 360° scanners, emergency stop switches, lights and acoustic signals ensure maximum operational safety. Optional functions are available to supplement these features, including 2D curtain lasers and other lighting solutions such as BlueSpot and Red Warning Lines.

Integrated software platform MATIC:move

All new vehicles have been developed in-house and are designed to map key intralogistics processes end-to-end. VNA trucks and reach trucks are digitally networked with the pallet stacker variants. Automated trucks are controlled via the Linde MATIC:move (or MATIC:move+) software platform’s uniform user interface, which allows for real-time monitoring, display of open orders, predictive maintenance and standardized connection to WMS and ERP systems. Additionally, the Linde Warehouse Manager facilitates the networking of automated and manual vehicles and their integration into operational safety assistance systems such as the Linde Safety Guard. “However, cooperation with our customers is a key factor for success,” emphasizes Kuster. “We provide comprehensive support to decision-makers throughout the entire process, from the conceptualization phase through implementation. We assist in standardizing processes, defining key performance indicators and simulating material flow with the help of our digital twin. This approach ensures a solid foundation for successful project completion and a swift return on investment. And after commissioning, our experienced service technicians and the high density of our sales and service network ensure that customers can rely on fast response times for maintenance and repairs.”

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[Podcast] Safety First: How to ensure Safety in Intralogistics

Posted on by David Priestman

Warehouse safety is a growing concern, with thousands of industrial truck accidents reported annually—many happening while reversing. In this episode of Logistics Business Conversations, experts Elke Karnarski and Fabian Zimmermann from Linde Material Handling break down the biggest safety risks in warehouses and Intralogistics and what can be done to prevent them.

From AI-powered cameras that detect pedestrians to speed control zones and real-time monitoring, we reveal the latest innovations designed to cut down on injuries and fatalities. Plus, why investing in safety now saves companies thousands in the long run. Tune in to find out what’s really happening behind warehouse doors—and how to stay ahead of the risks.

Fabian and Elke from Linde Material Handling - Intralogistics Safety

One of the most shocking insights? Even food warehouses can be high-risk zones for explosions, requiring specialized, explosion-proof forklifts to prevent disaster. Meanwhile, AI-driven safety tech is making waves, with Reverse Assist Cameras and wearable pedestrian detection helping to reduce collisions in busy warehouse environments. As speed-related accidents rise, smart Speed Control Zones are balancing safety with productivity. And with major players like Nvidia stepping into warehouse safety, the future of logistics is getting smarter—and safer.

Are warehouses doing enough to prevent accidents? Listen now to find out what’s really happening behind the scenes—and how to stay ahead of the risks.

Click here to listen to this episode and more

Software Solution to Automate Intralogistics Operations

Posted on by David Priestman

The ‘MATIC:move’ software solution from Linde Material Handling (MH) enables companies to automate their intralogistics operations in a faster and more cost-effective manner by significantly simplifying the implementation and control of AGVs. The software is now also being used in the ‘Linde L-MATIC core’, a fully automated pallet stacker scheduled to be launched in February 2025. The truck also incorporates an integrated lithium-ion battery and, due to its compact design, is well suited for operation in confined spaces within warehouses and production environments.

“There is considerable interest in automation solutions. Many decision-makers in companies are facing a number of challenges, including shorter delivery times in e-commerce, mounting pressure on prices due to high energy costs, increasingly stringent sustainability and safety standards, and, not least, a shortage of skilled personnel. At the same time, there are material flow processes almost everywhere that are very well suited for automation,” states Pascal Kuster, Sales Trainer Automated Guided Vehicles at Linde MH. “On the other hand, high costs and personnel requirements cause hesitation and reluctance,” he elaborates. “Linde MH addresses this dilemma with the ‘MATIC:move’ software, which enables small and medium-sized businesses to enhance efficiency in goods handling with automated industrial trucks.”

Simple implementation and planning

The primary advantage of the ‘MATIC:move’ software is that it enables the straightforward planning and accelerated implementation of automated material flow processes. “This goes as far as allowing a simple route transport between two points to be set up in a single day,” says Kuster. Maintenance or service work can be performed by trained service technicians, eliminating the need for dedicated robotics specialists. The truck is navigated through the area by means of reflectors that are placed at key points in the infrastructure, such as corners, pick-up points and storage locations, as well as charging and service points. To populate the software with data, the automated industrial truck traverses the route and generates a digital map of the warehouse environment. Subsequently, the pick-up and drop-off points for the truck and the routes can then be planned on the computer screen using drag and drop.

The software is designed for smaller fleets of up to five industrial trucks of the same type that use standardized load carriers such as Euro pallets or pallet cages. A particular focus was placed on horizontal transport in warehousing, production, receiving and shipping areas. Additionally, the software can also be utilized to implement mixed traffic involving manually operated industrial trucks and pedestrians. The solution offers a significantly lower initial investment compared to other systems. “In many cases, the return on investment period is approximately two years,” says Jan-Niklas Freund, Manager Automation Sales Steering at Linde MH.

New fully automated pallet stacker

The ‘MATIC:move’ software is already being used in the Linde L-MATIC HD automated pallet stacker. The automated and manually operated truck has a load capacity of 1.6 tons and a lift height of 3.8 meters and is suitable for use in wide-aisle warehouses or for the supply of narrow-aisle applications. The next truck to be equipped with the new software solution – the fully automated ‘Linde L-MATIC core’ – will be launched on the market in the near future. This compact, game-changing model with a load capacity of 1.2 tons and a lift height of 1.78 meters features an integrated lithium-ion battery and the elimination of the tiller. The vehicle is capable of navigating aisles with a width of less than 2.5 meters.

To ensure operator safety, the ‘Linde L-MATIC core’ is furnished with a 360° safety zone as standard, along with an emergency switch that can be used to halt the truck from multiple sides with a single button press. Optional safety features, such as the Linde BlueSpot or the Linde Red Warning Lines, can be added to the truck as required. The battery can be charged manually or automatically via an induction charging system.

Gradual expansion

Should the project involve a higher degree of complexity or plans for an automation expansion, customers can seamlessly connect to MATIC:move. The comprehensive range of industrial trucks and the ‘MATIC:move+’ software, which can be used to automate fleets of up to 150 vehicles, are available to meet such needs. The advanced software is compatible with a range of business systems, including warehouse management, warehouse control and enterprise resource planning systems, via established interfaces. Its capabilities range from visualizing the current status of the vehicles, including their availability and utilization, to battery management.

“The software’s scalability allows us to provide the optimal solution to each customer – whether they are implementing a brownfield application in an existing facility that has grown over time or a new greenfield development,” adds Kuster. Moreover, companies can begin with a minimal investment and gradually expand their automation capabilities.

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New Forklifts Designed for Application-specific Performance

Posted on by David Priestman

Linde Material Handling (MH) is replacing its existing range of electric forklifts with a total of 26 new three- and four-wheel truck models with load capacities ranging from 1.0 to 2.0 tons. The new trucks have been designed to offer significant enhancements in ergonomics and performance. In particular, the models with integrated lithium-ion batteries make a significant contribution in this regard.

The largest market segment of all industrial truck classes is comprised of three- and four-wheel electric forklifts with a load range of up to two tons. These versatile vehicles are an indispensable asset in a multitude of settings, including beverage stores, distribution centres, food production facilities and the building materials trade. Additionally, they are well-suited for use in metalworking shops, chemical production facilities, paper manufacturing plants and woodworking operations. Applications are extensive, encompassing everything from just a few transport jobs per day to demanding multi-shift operations with loads that are constantly at the maximum load limit. In other applications, the trucks must operate in confined spaces and contend with challenging environmental conditions such as extreme temperatures, dust and dirt.

To meet a wide range of customer requirements, the new electric counterbalanced trucks are available in an unprecedented variety of models, with load capacities ranging from 1.0 up to 2.0 tons, three or four wheels, and a choice between integrated lithium-ion and trough batteries. All vehicles can be tailored to provide the ideal performance for their intended use, with the highest possible capacities if required, and feature an ergonomic workplace.

“Linde MH is once again setting the benchmark for this crucial industrial truck sector. Thanks to new technologies and optimized vehicle design, we can now meet our customers’ demands for high-performance, energy-efficient, comfortable and safe vehicles even better than before,” said Torsten Rochelmeyer, Senior Director Strategy & Solution Portfolio at Linde Material Handling, at the product launch event.

Two different versions: Linde Xi and Linde E

The latest 12 models in the Linde Xi range feature an integrated lithium-ion battery and load capacities of between 1.0 and 2.0 tons, offering unparalleled performance and an extended range of applications. An additional 14 variants upgrade the existing standard electric forklifts, the Linde E14 to E20, with load capacities of 1.4 to 2.0 tons 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.

Performance at its best

The Linde Xi10 to Xi20 models have seen a notable increase in efficiency in everyday use, largely due to the combination of a 90-volt lithium-ion battery and a synchronous reluctance motor. The truck can reach 20 km/h in minimal time and offers lifting and lowering speeds that are up to 20 percent 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,” states Torsten Rochelmeyer. In the Linde E14 to E20 models, Linde MH relies on proven 48-volt lithium-ion battery technology and maintenance-free asynchronous motors to achieve a high level of performance.

Driver-focused

“It is becoming increasingly difficult to fill vacancies in logistics and warehousing,” says portfolio manager 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 particularly evident in the Linde Xi10 – Xi20 trucks. The integrated lithium-ion battery has provided the engineers with additional flexibility. As a result, the entry step is significantly larger and lower, and the footwell is approximately 30 percent larger than is typical in this vehicle class, providing additional space for movement. Furthermore, all electric truck versions offer additional headroom. Rochelmeyer refers to this as a genuine space marvel, noting that even individuals of considerable height can operate the vehicle with comfort and ease. The new heating system also represents a unique selling point in the industry. The adjustable vents positioned around the driver’s workplace and the 60-percent improvement in heating performance compared to previous models create a comfortable climate in the cabin, even at cold outside temperatures. To compensate for high temperatures, the forklifts can be equipped with an optional air conditioning system. Its integration into the driver’s overhead guard is a first for the industry.

Another significant contributor to comfort is the damping and decoupling technology integrated into the axles and lift mast. These features effectively reduce shocks and human vibrations, thereby ensuring physical relief and maintaining the driver’s health while preventing rapid fatigue. Both the standard 3.5-inch display and the optional 7-inch display are consistent with current interior standards in the automotive industry, providing the driver with a comprehensive range of information. 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, which provides additional relief.

Occupational safety a major focus

The topic of safety is another key priority. 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 Linde Load Assist system, which automatically adjusts lifting and tilting functions according to the weight of the load and lifting height to prevent tipping accidents, is installed in the new trucks as standard. 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 Linde Reverse Assist Radar, the latest safety assistance equipment available exclusively from Linde, can be utilized when necessary. It 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 AI-based 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.

Networking as a key factor in achieving further efficiency gains

Digitization and the seamless networking of processes are also contributing to higher productivity. Wireless data transmission between the truck control and cloud-based applications on a data-protected server enables both predictive maintenance and software updates over the air. Further efficiency increases are anticipated by way of integrating the forklift trucks into digital process chains with warehouse management and forklift control systems.

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How to Stop Forklift Workplace Accidents

Posted on by David Priestman

While the rate of fatal workplace accidents involving a lift truck has been on a downward trend in recent years, the number of serious forklift-related incidents recorded in the UK remains stubbornly high at around 1500 every year. Indeed, if you type ‘forklift truck accident’ into your search engine you’ll get a seemingly endless list of links to stories that highlight the injuries suffered by workers when the materials handling equipment that they had been operating or were working close to was not operated safely and correctly.

Workplace accidents often come with a huge physical and psychological cost for the victim and their family, and any employee or employer found to have contributed through their negligent attitude to workplace safety can expect to receive a stiff penalty.

When, for instance, the action – or, more usually, the failure to act – of an irresponsible employer is considered likely to have been the main contributor to a serious workplace accident, a charge of criminal negligence can be brought against the ‘duty holder’. The ‘duty holder’ is usually a director of the company or a member of its senior management team and in extreme cases, this person can be sent to prison if the company has fallen critically short in its ‘duty of care’ obligations to its staff.

Generally, however, the punishment handed down by the courts to a company or individual deemed responsible for a forklift-related workplace accident is usually a financial one.

The sums involved are significant: the average fine imposed by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) for health and safety breaches has more than doubled in the past five years and now stands at nearly £98,000. Plus, of course, compensation claims arising from the incident will almost certainly add significantly to the final total.

Training is key

Given that most lift truck related mishaps tend to be a result of operator error, the management and training of drivers is clearly vital if the risk of an incident is to be minimized.

Forklift operator training has three stages:

•      Basic training which covers the fundamental skills and knowledge required to operate a lift truck safely and efficiently.

•      Specific job training to give drivers an understanding of the operating principles and controls of the lift truck – or trucks – that they use and how it will be employed in their workplace; and

•      Familiarisation training which applies what has been learnt, under normal working conditions – ‘on the job’

Basic and specific job training can be combined but should always take place away from the warehouse environment, while familiarisation training must be done ‘on the job’, under close supervision. 

While there are many issues which will impact upon the speed at which everyone learns, courses typically last 3 to 5 days. Operators with some experience of lift trucks or relevant experience of similar vehicles may need less extensive training than those with no experience, however it should be remembered that an operator with basic training on one type of lift truck or handling attachment cannot safely operate others on which they have not been trained without additional conversion training.

Good training not only produces safer forklift operators: skilled operators will also perform more effectively throughout their shift. For example, throughput efficiency is enhanced while accidental damage to the truck, goods and the infrastructure of the building caused by a careless operator is reduced. And by driving in a professional way an operator puts less strain on the truck’s engine and other essential components, so truck downtime is cut and fleet running costs are minimised. A truck that is driven carefully also uses energy more efficiently too – further boosting profitability.

And, yet, despite the substantial advantages that trained operators bring to a business it is surprising how many warehouse managers or supervisors treat training as an afterthought or just another unwelcome business cost. 

Training you can trust

It’s important to use forklift operator training provider that is accredited to one of the recognised warehousing and logistics transport training accrediting bodies.

The UK has four main training accreditation organisations serving logistics and supply chain equipment operator training providers – AITT, ITSSAR, NPORS and RTITB. In simple terms these accrediting bodies ensure that training providers – such as Toyota – deliver up-to-date and highly relevant courses that are aligned with industry standards that give ‘students’ the knowledge and skills they need.

In other words, training providers who are accredited either by AITT, ITSSAR, NPORS or RTITB have demonstrated that they consistently deliver training programmes that surpass the highest industry standards. For instance, this means that they only use registered instructors who are regularly monitored to ensure that they not only possess exceptional knowledge but also have a first-class teaching style.

Don’t get complacent!

Naturally, it is easy to become less focused on a task if you have been undertaking the same activity eight hours-a-day, five days-a-week, 52 weeks-a-year for several years. 

But complacency is considered the single biggest cause of lift truck accidents and if forklift operators are too relaxed deficiencies are likely to creep in to their driving and they may even become slow to notice potential hazards that put themselves and their co-workers at risk.

To help avoid complacency becoming an issue and because even the most diligent forklift operator’s skills fade over time, it is hugely important for even the most experienced lift truck operators to be given regular refresher training.

While there is no legal requirement for operators to receive refresher training at set intervals it is recommend that they are re-assessed and retrained on key aspects of their job every three to five years to ensure that they continue to operate lift trucks safely and perform at optimum efficiency every day. 

Of course, if warehouse managers become complacent about training, they’re risking their company’s bottom line profitability and, most importantly of all, the health and wellbeing of every person in their team – there are courses for warehouse managers and supervisors too!

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Compact helpers for storing and transporting goods

Posted on by David Priestman

Linde Material Handling is making it easier to maneuver in confined spaces in logistics, retail and production with new compact double stackers and a pallet truck. All vehicles are optionally equipped with an active foot protection guard to prevent injuries. The pallet truck offers an ergonomic lift for order picking that is gentle on the back and knees.

“In settings such as supermarkets, warehouses or production environments, space is almost always an issue. The compact design of the new Linde double stackers offers a significant advantage for short- to medium-distance transportation, as well as for tasks such as truck loading and unloading, order picking, and the restocking of supermarket shelves,” says Marc Castro, Senior Strategy and Portfolio Manager for Warehouse Trucks at Linde Material Handling.

The Linde D06 to D10 models, which can simultaneously move loads of 0.6, 0.8 or 1.0 tons on the free lift and an additional 1.0 ton on the initial lift, are available with different battery versions to suit specific requirements. In versions equipped with a compact lithium-ion battery, the distance between the chassis and fork face (l2 dimension) is notably reduced: The Linde D06 has a length of just 592 mm. The latest addition to the range is the Linde D08 M double stacker with a mono-mast. This model offers a load capacity of 0.8 tons on the free lift and 1.0 tons on the initial lift, with a lift height of 1,590 mm. Its compact design, enabled by the inclusion of a compact lithium-ion battery, makes it an ideal choice for settings such as retail environ­ments, where it can be used for transporting goods from the storage area to the sales floor and for stocking shelves. The mono-mast provides an extended view of the load and the truck’s surroundings, enabling the driver to work more efficiently and safely. All vehicles in the new double stacker series feature a five-point contact configuration with a centered drive wheel, ensuring optimal stability when driving over uneven ground or ramps. The special Linde OptiLift mast control allows operators to precisely control the lifting speed via a lever on the tiller head.

Pallet truck model designed with a special focus on ergonomics

Stacker

The new pedestrian pallet truck Linde T16 L has been developed to improve comfort when picking orders in e-commerce or when restocking shelves in supermarkets. The ergonomic lift is designed specifically with these requirements in mind. Controls on the tiller and on the sides of the truck allow the forks to be raised to a maximum working height of 675 millimeters, enabling the operator to place the goods on the truck in a position that is gentle on the back.

Both the double stackers and the pallet truck are extremely compact, measuring only 1,742 mm in length (l1 dimension) and 720 mm in width. This makes them even more maneuverable than their predecessors. The vehicles are available with either lithium-ion or lead-acid battery power options. The lithium-ion batteries, in turn, are offered tray based or as compact version, the latter allowing for a particularly compact truck design. The powerful drive motor provides ample power and provides up to 20 percent climbing ability. The latest addition to the safety features is the optional active foot protection guard. It senses contact and automatically stops or stops and reverses the truck. Standard features include the low chassis skirt, which prevents the operator’s feet from being trapped under the truck, and the low-set tiller arm, which ensures that the operator is at a safe distance from the truck. For added convenience, the autolift function is available. This equipment option automatically lowers the forks during loading or automatically lifts the forks when removing parcels from the pallet on the forks, thus saving the operator time. 

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Versatile Pallet Stackers for Warehouses

Posted on by Keith McKinley

With the Linde L10 – L16 B pallet stacker, Linde Material Handling (MH) is launching a new, extremely compact pedestrian truck. Offering load capacities of 1.0 to 1.6 tons and lift heights of up to 5.47 meters, the models are designed for a very wide range of handling tasks in warehouses and production environments. Their compact design also makes them ideal helpers when it comes to handling goods in narrow aisles and loading zones. Two other models are capable of moving pallets with closed bases and various types of small containers.

“Hardly any other product group in the warehouse equipment segment is as versatile as the manual electric pallet stackers,” says Marc Castro, Portfolio Manager Warehouse Trucks at Linde Material Handling. These proven all-rounders cover a wide range of warehouse applications: They stack and move pallets in staging areas and in buffer zones and transport materials to production lines, they store and retrieve goods and help with replenishment in supermarkets, and they can also be used as work bench. Whatever the application, the manoeuvrability of the vehicles is critical because space is almost always an issue – whether in marshalling areas, in narrow aisles or at the assembly line. “Each centimeter reduction in truck length helps the driver get the load to its destination more quickly and safely,” explains product expert Castro.

Flexible application options

For this reason, special attention was paid to the dimensions of the Linde electric pallet stacker series. “They are among the most compact models in the entire competitive environment,” emphasizes Castro. The shortest version of the Linde L10 B, equipped with an integrated lithium-ion battery and a simplex mast, measures just 568 millimeters from the chassis to the fork carriage (l2 dimension), with a turning radius of 1,420 millimeters. The model series is also available with a battery tray and lead-acid batteries with rated capacities of 200Ah and 250Ah as well as lithium-ion batteries with capacities from 3kWh to 6kWh. In addition to a variety of different chargers, the vehicles can optionally be equipped with an integrated charger, which enables intermediate charging at any power outlet.

But that’s not all. “The new Linde pallet stackers are designed with the overarching goal of being one truck for all conceivable requirements,” emphasizes Castro. To achieve this, five different mast types are available to adapt the trucks to individual conditions in the customer’s company. In addition, there is a wide range of equipment options to ensure that sales consultants can configure the trucks for every application: The initial lift provides more ground clearance when negotiating uneven surfaces and driving over ramps while the double-decker function, for example, allows the simultaneous transport of two pallets over longer distances. The Linde L10 – L12 AS straddle stackers with 1.0 and 1.2 ton load capacity are available for handling pallets with closed bases or special load carriers.

Safety, ergonomics and fleet management offer multiple advantages

Two key elements are essential for achieving productivity: maximum operating comfort and tailored safety equipment that protects the operator, the load and the warehouse infrastructure. The Linde-typical asymmetric tiller head proves its worth in this respect, automatically keeping the operator within the truck contours. Additionally, the long tiller arm ensures that the operator is at a safe distance from the truck when it is in motion, traveling at speeds of up to 6 km/h. The deep-drawn chassis also enhances safety by preventing the operator’s feet from being trapped under the low steel skirt. The active foot bumper is a new equipment option. It senses contact and automatically brakes the truck in response. Another variant actively moves the truck away from the operator in the event of contact.

The Linde Load Management system is available in two versions. In the standard variant, the system determines the load weight on the forks. The advanced version additionally monitors the remaining load capacity in real time and alerts the operator to critical conditions with visual and audible warnings. If the load weight exceeds the maximum load capacity, the system blocks the lift function, preventing further lifting. Travel speed and acceleration are also controlled based on lift height, load weight and steering angle. Another important feature is networking with two-way data transmission: This allows software upgrades and remote diagnostics ‘over the air’, increasing vehicle uptime.

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