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Tag: Linde

High Performer in High-rack Warehouses

Posted on by David Priestman

Soon to be launched on the market, the Linde V modular is a new, powerful player for high-rack warehouses. The truck offers a load capacity of 1.2 tons and is an ideal option for warehouse operators who aim for even more effective goods picking on various different racking levels. Some of its key features includes the ability to reach picking heights of up to 14.5 meters, a visibility-optimized triplex mast with or without free lift, a comfortable driver’s cab, and a high level of safety thanks to improved stability, a new type of Linde personal protection system, and special lighting solutions. Another advantage is its design as a modular system and the large number of variants and equipment options available. The chassis, mast and cab can be perfectly customized to application-specific requirements. The new trucks will be launched for sale at the LogiMAT trade show in Stuttgart at the end of April.

With increasing frequency, both large and small high-rack warehouses are reaching their capacity limits: “Online retailing demands high goods availability and fast deliveries,” says Anna Keilbach, Senior Product Manager for VNA Trucks and Vertical Order Pickers, explaining one of the reasons for the larger inventory. Another aspect is the desire for greater individualization and the associated growing number of product designs. However, as more storage space becomes needed, many operators prefer to increase the height of their racking systems instead of building new warehouses due to the high cost of floor space – especially in metropolitan areas. “As a consequence, this requires vertical order pickers with conducive working heights and performance capability,” the product manager states.

Performance makes the difference

The new Linde V modular is designed to meet precisely these requirements. For the first time, drivers will be able to reach picking heights of up to 14.5 meters from the platform – 2.5 meters more than before. In addition, the new truck offers a 22 percent increase in lifting speed and a 20 percent faster lowering speed – resulting in time savings when raising or lowering the cab, which has a positive impact on productivity. To meet the varying conditions in the warehouse, the triplex mast is available in two versions: The mast featuring a free lift is suitable for warehouses with diverse ceiling heights. Two lateral lifting cylinders instead of one centrally positioned lifting cylinder ensure optimized visibility. In the variant without a free lift, the mast extends faster because there are no deceleration phases during mast transitions. Added to this is the very good mast visibility provided by the design.

New features for enhanced safety

Along with the Linde V modular, Linde MH is going to launch its own personal protection system (PPS), which will be used in all VNA equipment from Linde MH in the future. The new Linde PPS meets all the requirements of DIN standard 15185-2, which prohibits the simultaneous presence of people and vehicles in narrow aisles and prescribes special protective measures in the event that this should happen accidentally nevertheless. Equipped with a laser scanner at the front between the load wheels and at the rear on the drive side, the Linde PPS detects people in a protective zone of up to nine meters. As soon as a person enters the area monitored by the scanner, an alarm sounds and the vehicle comes to a safe stop. Additional warning fields ensure that the order picker’s speed is reduced even before the protective zone is reached, so as to enable the smoothest possible braking process. In the transfer aisle, the Linde V modular can be operated alongside other vehicles due to its safety equipment. Here, the warning fields of the laser scanners provide assistance as well by throttling the travel speed when obstacles appear.

LED stripes provide even better visibility for the vehicles. Located at the front and rear of the lift mast, they ensure optimum distribution of light at close range. In the direction of travel, the stripes emit white light; at the rear, they shine red. Pedestrians and other forklift drivers can thus see from a distance in which direction the truck is moving.

User-friendliness is a top priority

It’s no secret that picking goods is one of the most physically demanding jobs in the warehouse environment. The Linde V modular effectively supports the picker in this regard by means of various features. First and foremost: the spacious driver’s cab, which allows plenty of freedom of movement. Added to this is the soft floor mat, which cushions vibrations and prevents fatigue. The ergonomic control panel can be mounted on the load side, the mast side or on both sides. Recently, this choice has also been extended to the positioning of the color display, which shows the driver all relevant information. This includes speed, lift height, residual capacity and steering angle, as well as other information from optional features such as Linde’s warehouse navigation system. Optionally available tilting barriers give the driver 50cms of additional reach when retrieving goods from the rack. The auxiliary lift function is another helpful feature: At the push of a button, the forks move down a defined distance so that the driver can deposit the packs of goods retrieved from the rack as easily as possible.

Solutions Benefit Climate, Handling Performance

Posted on by David Priestman

Intralogistics specialist Linde Material Handling (MH) is supporting its customers on their path to a more sustainable future, providing innovative products and software solutions as well as a range of precisely tailored services. The focus is on the goal of reducing CO2 emissions, saving energy and cutting operating costs while maintaining high handling performance. The various offerings in this regard are subsumed under the motto “Green Performance”. Measures range from high-performance truck models with lithium-ion batteries and the first fuel cell developed in Aschaffenburg all the way to battery charging and energy management solutions, HVO fuels, software-supported consulting services and battery recycling.

“The search for cost-effective, climate-friendly energy solutions presents our customers with major challenges,” says Stefan Prokosch, Senior Vice President Brand Management at Linde Material Handling – an insight he gained from numerous discussions with industrial truck operators and network partners. Forklift trucks and warehouse equipment are expected to make a significant contribution to reducing greenhouse emissions, while at the same time continuing to deliver their usual high performance and providing cost savings wherever possible.

Linde MH has taken a first major step in this direction with its latest truck generation: For the first time, Linde X electric forklift models are now on a par with their IC-powered counterparts, even when it comes to demanding outdoor applications, and they combine the advantages of both drive options. Emission-free in operation, potentially climate-neutral, ergonomic, quiet and easy to service, these trucks with lithium-ion batteries are the perfect alternative to diesel or LPG powered forklifts. From April 2023, when the next larger series is set to be launched on the market, these advantages will no longer be limited to trucks with 2 to 3.5 tons of load capacity but will also be available for the 3.5 to 5 ton capacity range. The fact that Linde MH is serious about switching to clean electric trucks was already demonstrated last year when the manufacturer electrified its heavy-duty trucks in the load capacity range of 10 to 18 tons. Thus, an electric drive variant is now available for all Linde truck models. Linde MH has also taken another important step forward in terms of battery recycling. In the future, a strategic cooperation with the company Li-Cycle will ensure the environmentally friendly recovery of materials for all lithium-ion batteries delivered. “Linde MH customers can rest assured that the batteries will be recycled at the end of their useful life in such a way as to ensure that up to 95 percent of the raw materials will be recovered and returned to the material cycle,” Prokosch explains.

Hydrogen is also gaining in importance as another viable type of energy. This is because it can also potentially be obtained from regenerative sources such as the sun, wind or water and is therefore sustainable. At the LogiMAT trade fair in Stuttgart, Linde MH will be presenting its first own self-manufactured fuel cell system. Once launched on the market, the stacks with 24 volts of voltage and 1.8 kW of power will be used in order pickers and tow tractors, and in the future, they will also be used in Linde brand pallet trucks and double stackers. “With Linde HyPower, we have developed an exceptionally robust, powerful and user-friendly fuel cell system and can now offer our customers in the warehouse equipment segment a complete ‘one stop shop’ solution consisting of vehicles, fuel cell systems and servicing,” announces Linde MH’s top brand manager. Hydrogen-powered forklifts are particularly impressive due to their short refuelling times, their suitability for both indoor and outdoor use, and the fact that they are emission-free. The vehicles bring their advantages to bear particularly in multi-shift operation entailing many operating hours.

“For those customers who, for various reasons, continue to prefer diesel trucks, we offer an option in the form of hydrogenated vegetable oil (HVO), which enables them to reduce the CO2 emissions of their vehicles by up to 90 percent,” Prokosch points out.

However, the claim of “Green Performance” does not refer exclusively to products. Software solutions and consulting services make their contribution as well. For example, the intelligent battery charge management system Linde connect:charger helps customers to avoid peak demand in energy and to adjust the charging strategy according to the specific situation – always with the goal of optimizing energy consumption and energy costs while maximizing equipment availability and making the best possible use of renewable energies. The company-wide integration of all energy-relevant aspects succeeds thanks to the Linde Energy Manager. “Determining energy consumption in advance, taking into account all producers and consumers, and planning energy purchases helps to achieve a reduction in both CO2 emissions and energy costs,” summarizes Stefan Prokosch.

Enhanced Ergonomics for Higher Productivity

Posted on by David Priestman

Horizontal order picking still holds great potential in terms of optimization, especially with enhanced ergonomics. Corresponding measures are aimed at achieving the shortest possible walking distances between the vehicle and the rack location, as well as maximal ergonomics, in order to provide the best possible support and assistance for employees. The three new mast variants of the Linde N20 C SA semi-automated order picker enable operators to comfortably raise the truck’s forks to working height so that they needn’t bend down when handling the goods. This conserves the employees’ strength and energy and protects their physical health.

“Process and supply chains that are becoming more digitized, a growing number of product variants and, last but not least, demands for the highest possible pick rates mean that logistics managers in warehouses and distribution centres are increasingly looking for automated solutions,” says Manuel Seidel, Product Manager Automation. “While the actual picking process, i.e., retrieving the goods from the rack and placing them on the goods carrier, needs to be done manually, the Linde N20 C SA semi-automated order picker can at least assist the operator with moving in the rack aisle. This saves time and energy and increases productivity,” says Seidel, outlining the main advantages.

With the three new mast variants, the semi-automated order picker now offers operators even more benefits in the form of enhanced ergonomics. The compact Linde N20 C L SA is designed for order picking from the lowest rack level onto a pallet that can be loaded with 1200kg of weight. The forks on this model can be raised to an ergonomic height, allowing the operator to place the picked goods on the pallet while maintaining a posture that is easy on the back. Owing to its compact design, the order picker proves to be extremely manoeuvrable even when fully loaded. The Linde N20 C D SA, which offers a maximum load capacity of 1200kg on the main lift, can pick up two pallets separately and transport them one above the other in a space-saving manner. This mast variant is particularly suitable for longer transport distances. Heavy goods are transported on the initial lift, fragile goods on the main lift. The Linde N20 C LoL SA order picker enables the filling of two pallets in just one order picking cycle thanks to its long load arms and the additional liftable fork. The operator starts with one pallet at the desired height, while the second pallet is secured vertically to the back of the fork with a special safety device. As soon as the first pallet is filled, it is lowered onto the load arms and placed at the front of the fork. The second pallet is then transferred onto the forks and can also be loaded at a height that is easy on the back. In the process, the mast can be controlled to the right and left of the backrest.

More efficiency through semi-automated driving modes

The new mast variants expand the Linde N20 C SA’s range of applications. The main characteristic of the semi-automated order picker is the choice between two driving modes that are geared towards the two main customer applications: In the first, the worker moves in a U-shape in the rack area, initially picking only on one side and then switching to the other. The truck follows the operator through the aisle, avoiding minor obstacles and stopping automatically at the end of the aisle. If the operator stops to load up goods, the truck stops as well; if the employee moves forward, the truck continues on automatically. This saves operators a lot of walking, as they do not need to return to the driver’s platform each time to move the truck to the next rack position. The second travel mode is used when picking is taking place on both rack sides at the same time, resulting in a Z-shaped path. In this case, the operator sends the vehicle ahead using a remote control. At the end of the rack aisle, the operator gets onto the order picker and drives to the next aisle.

When asked for whom the semi-automatic order picker option pays off, Manuel Seidel says: “Depending on the application, an increase in efficiency of between six and 15 percent can be achieved. If you calculate an increase in productivity of around ten percent, the additional investment will have paid for itself in about a year in a two-shift operation with standard industry wage costs.” Another advantage is that the vehicles can be seamlessly integrated into the customer’s existing processes.

Safety at the highest level

To ensure a high level of safety, the semi-automated vehicles feature integrated high-performance safety scanners at the front that detect people, obstacles and other trucks and can thus prevent collisions. The vehicles also maintain a minimum distance of 50 centimetres from the rack to ensure a safe and comfortable working space for the operator.

New Linde Solutions for Growing Challenges

Posted on by David Priestman

Recommendations, advice and solutions with regard to upcoming investments – this is what visitors to the LogiMAT trade show can expect to find at a total of three exhibition areas of Linde Material Handling (MH). In keeping with the motto ‘Green Performance’, the focus this year will be on the topics of energy and sustainability. Further key issues will include automation, the well-being of drivers and numerous vehicle innovations.

From April 25 to 27th, solution provider Linde MH will be presenting its extensive range of industrial trucks and software as well as consulting and other services on a total of 552 square meters throughout various areas in Hall 10 (Booths B21 and B17) of the Stuttgart trade fair grounds. In addition, a spacious outdoor area between Halls 8 and 10 will be used for vehicle demonstrations and to offer visitors the opportunity to test selected forklift trucks and warehouse technology equipment for themselves. Furthermore, the goods handling specialist will be showcasing its wide range of available energy and drive types in a third area in the Rothauspark, which connects the two wings of the exhibition centre’s halls. Under the slogan ‘Right Energy’, Linde MH subsumes the claim of being able to offer the most suitable type of drive or battery for all individual operating conditions. Corresponding software solutions help of the process of selecting the right system.

“Solutions in the form of industrial trucks from Linde MH stand for maximum performance in goods handling,” emphasizes Stefan Prokosch, Senior Vice President Brand Management at Linde Material Handling. “By offering innovative technologies and measurable improvements, we ensure even greater productivity for our customers.” One example in case is the wide range of solutions designed to optimize energy consumption, with which operators of industrial trucks are able to not only improve their carbon footprint but also keep energy costs under control. “In this way, we combine performance, sustainability and energy cost efficiency, thus ensuring our customers’ competitiveness,” Prokosch emphasizes. The Linde connect:charger, an intelligent software application that makes transparent the power consumption of chargers and controls said consumption to avoid expensive power peaks, will be presented for the first time. Another application, the Linde Energy Manager, allows this principle to be extended and enables the power requirements for the entire company to be actively planned. “This is particularly advantageous if the company produces its own energy (e.g. by means of a photovoltaic system) and there is a willingness to become an active player on the energy market,” explains the chief brand manager.

The new Linde X35 to X50 series of electric counterbalanced trucks is another prime example of green performance that will be launched at LogiMAT. Powerful, just as suitable for outdoor use as their combustion counterparts, and on a par with these in terms of robustness and ergonomics, the new trucks additionally offer the environmental benefits of featuring electric drives and potentially CO2-neutral operation. “Thus, Linde MH is currently the market’s leading manufacturer when it comes to having equally effective, networked and economical counterbalanced trucks with both electric motors and combustion engines in its portfolio,” Prokosch emphasizes.

Various themed areas on the main exhibition stand in Hall 10 will provide the setting for presenting numerous other innovations that will make their debut at the trade show. The highlight for storage and retrieval applications is the new Linde V modular vertical order picker with a liftable platform, travel speeds of up to 13 km/h and gripping heights of up to 14.5 meters. Designed for maximum picking performance, there is a choice of various payload versions, cab designs, assistance systems, mast variants and battery sizes. Most notably, safety and ergonomics are given top priority in the new vertical order picker for guided and un-guided applications. For example, the control panel of the V modular can be mounted on the mast side, load side or on both sides as required. Furthermore, its redesigned chassis and improved load arms ensure greater stability and the greatest possible manoeuvrability.

For loading and unloading applications, the new Linde T20 SP pallet trucks are waiting in the wings. Unique in the industry, these models allow the operator to stand at a 45° angle in the truck for a better view in both directions. The new series increases travel speed to up to 14 km/h. The D12 HP SP double-stackers impress with improved lifting and lowering speeds.

The Transport sector is responding to the increasing demand for automation solutions – triggered by a shortage of skilled workers and the search for further possibilities to optimize processes, greater flexibility in the flow of goods and greater operational safety. Demonstrating a dynamic application, Linde MH will show trade visitors how individual intralogistics challenges can be solved. Linde Material Handling’s range of products and services extends from autonomous, mobile transport robots to standard applications using automated industrial trucks to complex solutions implemented hand in hand with sister company and automation specialist Dematic.

When it comes to manually operated industrial trucks, the operators themselves are the measure of all things. The better they are supported and protected on the job, the faster, safer and healthier they can work. That’s why Linde MH will dedicate a separate outdoor area exclusively to drivers. Solutions on display will include innovative alternatives to the steering wheel in the form of a mini-wheel or joystick, the decoupling of the driver’s workplace on forklifts and warehouse trucks to provide protection against human vibrations, and various safety and assistance systems.

“As a holistic provider of material flow solutions, we are determined to fulfil any customer wish. That’s why our network partners’ sales consultants and the product experts from Linde Material Handling at LogiMAT will do everything in their power to help visitors find customized, future-proof solutions,” says Prokosch.

Greater Flexibility, Safety and Productivity: Fully-automatic

Posted on by David Priestman

They never get sick, make no mistakes and work tirelessly around the clock: Automated industrial trucks offer a wide range of clear advantages.

Linde Material Handling has updated its comprehensive product range  wih the second-generation Linde R-MATIC reach truck and an additional Linde L-MATIC HD model. The experience Linde has gained from past projects involving over 50 vehicles has gone into the further development of its reach trucks. The resulting performance characteristics ensure greater productivity, safety and flexibility.

 Pallet warehouses play a central role as material buffers both in industrial manufacturing processes and in distribution centers. Storage and retrieval operations in high-bay racking systems are usually standardized processes entailing a high degree of repetition. As a rule, the narrower the distances between the rows of shelves and the more precise the positioning of the individual pallets, the more efficient the warehouse. This is exactly what makes pallet storage systems the ideal field of application for automated equipment such as the Linde R-MATIC reach truck and the Linde L-MATIC HD pallet stacker.

The new Linde trucks can work with maximum precision even in the tightest of spaces: With a length of 2,520 millimeters and a width of 1,565 millimeters, the Linde R-MATIC (1.6-ton load capacity) is the only automated hybrid reach truck on the EMEA-market that can maneuver in aisles as narrow as 2.90 meters. Software-controlled, the vehicle can store pallets with extremely high accuracy even at lifting heights of more than eleven meters. “The design, maneuverability, load handling and precision of these automated industrial trucks are decisive for the performance of the overall system,” says Alexandra Mertel, Product Manager Automation & Intralogistics Solutions at Linde Material Handling: “These criteria are crucial for enabling the pallets to be placed precisely at the intended storage locations and for pick-and-drop cycles to be improved.”

With the help of an infrastructure-free laser navigation system, the trucks dynamically steer their way through the warehouse, receiving transport orders directly from the warehouse management system via the central control unit.

The trucks receive a noticeable productivity boost from the auto-calibrating 3D camera that is equipped with a new software generation. Not only does this camera recognize the dimensions of the pallet markedly better, it can also see deeper into the pallet, which makes picking up the pallet and placing it down much more precise – whether on the ground, on roller conveyors or on the shelves. At the same time, the automated vehicles are able to transport a greater variety of pallets. This is ensured by relative image recognition algorithms developed exclusively for Linde Material Handling that have been validated in extensive tests.

As is standard practice at Linde Material Handling, the automated trucks meet the highest safety requirements. Four scanners are integrated into the vehicle at floor level, producing a 360-degree safety field around the vehicle and constantly screening for obstacles. The standard equipment also includes additional emergency stop switches, the well-known Linde Blue Spot and the Dynamic Mast Control system, which provides valuable assistance at great lifting heights. Optionally available equipment includes a sensor that detects overhanging loads and a second, higher-positioned 3D camera that can generate time savings in load handling.

The two Linde L-MATIC HD models with 1.6- and 2.0-ton load capacity feature all around safety equipment as well, including side bumpers, standard and optional scanners, emergency stop switches and optical and acoustic warning systems. Here too, load detection is via the innovative 3D camera.

Reach trucks and pallet stackers are designed as a hybrid solution, allowing the operator to take control of the truck at any time and switch to manual mode. Another new feature is the autonomous charging ability. Equipped with fast-charging batteries, the automated industrial trucks drive to the charging station independently for recharging.

“In addition to the appropriate technology, a provider’s consulting expertise also plays a decisive role in automation projects,” says Product Manager Alexandra Mertel from Linde Material Handling. In order to find a suitable solution for a particular customer, numerous parameters must be checked during the planning stage. “We first need to completely understand the customer’s expectations. Only then can the system be developed and the trucks configured in detail.” Here, specialists from Linde Material Handling work closely with different departments on the customer side (e.g. Purchasing, Logistics, Engineering). “For this purpose, we have set up our own implementation team to ensure the reliable commissioning of the vehicles. This enables us to provide comprehensive support to our customers,” emphasizes Mertel.

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