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Tag: lithium ion

New Electric Series Forklift Introduced

Posted on by David Priestman

Yale Lift Truck Technologies introduces the new ERP2.2-3.5N electric lift truck series, designed to help warehouses optimise efficiency and flexibility with the power of battery electric forklifts. With a versatile range of optional features, the Series N forklifts can lift up to 3.5 tonnes, delivering the performance and flexibility to meet specific operational needs.

“The new Yale® Series N electric forklift is built on a foundation of proven performance, delivering the reliability that warehouses will recognise from Yale, but reinvented for the challenges of today’s dynamic operations,” says Fraser Brash, Regional Product Manager, for Yale Lift Truck Technologies. “In its standard configuration, the new Yale Series N electric lift trucks enhance productivity, and ergonomics. However, every materials handling operation is unique. So, these forklifts also empower businesses to specify the features they need to tackle their specific requirements.”

The new Series N electric models can flex to both indoor and outdoor tasks, making them well suited to a wide range of industries, including auto parts, 3PL (third party logistics), retail, furniture, food, beverage, and pharmaceutical industries, and many others. The introduction of the new electric Series N lift trucks follows the launch of the Series N IC models in 2022. Both share many smart design features that contribute to an enhanced operator experience and excellent visibility, boosting confidence and efficiency.

“Flexibility is at the heart of Yale Series N trucks,” says Brash. “Both the IC and electric Series N trucks are designed with various optional features, to help the end user match their trucks to the specific needs of their individual operation.”

Reliable, Reinvented, Recharged

Like their IC counterparts, the new Series N electric models offer a spacious cabin with a user-friendly touch screen as standard. Further customisations for the operator environment include dual joystick hydraulic controls, and a variety of comfortable seat options.

Meanwhile, the mast offers excellent visibility through the two channels, considered best in class. What’s more, a zero-turn radius, provides better manoeuvrability in tight warehouse spaces.
To support safe operation in certain applications, the Dynamic Stability System (DSS) option helps to enhance stability and reduce the likelihood of tip overs. It delivers audio and visual alerts and restricts the truck’s performance when operated outside set parameters. Such as limiting traction speed when the mast is raised to a certain height.

The Yale ERP2.2-3.5N Series N electric lift trucks are also engineered to allow for the integration of Yale Reliant™ operator assist system (OAS). This optional technology may help certain operations to manage risk, reduce damage, and encourage correct operator behaviours.

“A key innovation with this Yale electric forklift is the ability for customers to specify the motor option that best suits their application and priorities. The standard option includes AC induction motors for both the drive and hydraulic pump, ideal for many warehouses. However, the enhanced motor package may be better suited to those with higher intensity operations,” explains Brash.

The enhanced motor option includes permanent magnet drive motors and a permanent magnet hydraulic pump. This provides higher performance and better energy efficiency, which may help certain operations to reduce the total cost of ownership (TCO) over time.

The new Series N models also provide potential savings and lower TCO by helping to reduce maintenance expenses. Electric forklifts feature fewer drivetrain components and less complexity, lowering overall maintenance requirements. Battery flexibility allows businesses to select the battery that excels for their operations while managing costs.

A choice of lithium-ion, lead acid, or TPPL (Thin Plate Pure Lead) batteries meets differing requirements. For instance, the battery box replacement (BBR) design for the lithium-ion battery option may minimise long-term costs by enabling easier battery replacement and second-life use. Additionally, zero exhaust emissions in operation, can also contribute towards a company’s sustainability goals.

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Yale launches configurable Series N

 

From Heritage to High-Tech Forklifts

Posted on by Peter MacLeod

In an interview with Stefan Budweit, President and CEO of Clark Europe, Peter MacLeod detects the brand shifting strategically in a more high-tech direction.

As the global materials handling sector undergoes seismic shifts – driven primarily by sustainability mandates, technological innovation, and evolving customer demands – Clark Europe is on a mission not just to keep up but to leap ahead. At the helm of this ambitious transformation is Stefan Budweit, its President and CEO, whose three-decade career spans major names like Jungheinrich, Toyota, and now, Clark, having replaced Rolf Eiten on 1st January this year. In an exclusive interview with Logistics Business, Budweit discusses the brand’s growth strategy, product innovation, and how a century-old name is reinventing itself for the electric age.

Growth-Driven Challenger

Budweit’s career journey mirrors the evolution of the industry itself. Starting in parts sales with Jungheinrich before taking on international sales roles, and later leading global key accounts at Toyota, he’s no stranger to operating at scale. “The transition to Clark was a chance to build something new,” Budweit explains. “At Jungheinrich and Toyota, you’re maintaining a large ship. At Clark, we saw the opportunity to grow from a lower base with fresh thinking. We had nothing to lose – only ground to gain.”

Now, with his promotion to CEO, Budweit is tasked with steering the next chapter in Clark’s storied history. “Taking Clark from a global ranking of around 14 or 15 to a top-10 position, that’s a task that excites me.”

Clark’s strategy isn’t about chasing every trend or copying market leaders. Instead, it focuses on aligning its products with customer needs, especially those of its core base: small to mid-sized businesses with fleets of up to 20 units. These customers, often underserved by larger OEMs, are facing the same pressures to cut carbon emissions and improve efficiency as the major logistics players.

“The role of the forklift hasn’t fundamentally changed – it still moves pallets from A to B,” says Budweit. “But the environment in which it operates has. That’s where we see opportunity.”
One of Clark’s key growth initiatives lies in its newly-announced crossover models, electric trucks designed for outdoor use, previously a stronghold of internal combustion (IC) vehicles. These rugged, high-clearance trucks can handle conditions where diesel and gas once reigned supreme, such as mud, rain, and uneven ground.

“These crossover models meet customer needs for performance and sustainability,” Budweit notes. “And because many big players don’t yet offer a comparable product, we see a real chance to carve out market share.”

Sustainability with Substance

For Clark, sustainability is a sales imperative. Across Europe, emissions regulations are accelerating the decline of IC trucks. Meanwhile, companies of all sizes face growing pressure to report on their ESG metrics.

“Even smaller customers now need to reduce their carbon footprint and report it in their annual reviews,” Budweit says. “We’re helping by providing electric alternatives and also by offering transparency in our own production and logistics emissions. ESG is now a core part of our value proposition.”

This shift is most visible in Clark’s electrification strategy. While IC trucks remain important in less regulated markets like Africa and parts of the Middle East, in Europe, electric models dominate, particularly in warehousing where electric account for around 65% of the market.

To serve this demand, Clark offers both lithium-ion and lead-acid battery options across its electric range. “Flexibility is key,” Budweit says. “Many customers start with lead-acid and upgrade later. Our trucks are designed to accommodate both.”

Another sign of Clark’s transformation is in branding. Gone are the cryptic model names, and in come the bold new product lines Raider and Renegade introduced at LogiMAT.
“The names help us position products for specific markets,” Budweit explains. “Raider is the entry-level option, cost-effective and durable. Renegade is for more demanding applications, with advanced features and premium ergonomics.”

The differentiation also allows Clark to tailor offerings across regions. While Eastern Europe may favour budget-friendly models, Scandinavia expects high-end features and comfort. With centralised product groups now coordinating global development, Clark is better equipped than ever to deliver region-specific solutions.

Going Digital

As the forklift industry evolves beyond the mechanical into the digital, Clark is embracing the shift. Its new fleet management system – developed in-house rather than outsourced – is a response to changing customer profiles and the rise of larger fleet operators.

“In the past, our customers didn’t necessarily demand fleet management,” Budweit says. “But as our client base grows to include bigger operators, we’re providing smart solutions, factory-installed, and fully integrated.”

Looking ahead, Clark sees potential in leveraging AI for predictive maintenance and safety features, particularly in real-time hazard detection. “AI is already playing a role in fleet optimisation,” Budweit says. “We’re integrating these capabilities to meet the demands of a more sophisticated user base.”

The Brand Comes Home

Founded in 1917, Clark invented the modern forklift. Today, Budweit sees that legacy as both a differentiator and an asset. “In many countries, when people say ‘forklift,’ they still say ‘Clark,’” he notes. The company is tapping into that heritage with a symbolic move: on 10th April, it officially returned its global headquarters to Dallas, Texas. “Clark is coming home,” Budweit says with a smile. “We’re reopening our US manufacturing base and reconnecting with our American roots.”

From rugged electric crossover trucks to AI-enabled fleet solutions, Clark is reimagining itself for a future that demands sustainability, flexibility, and performance. And under Budweit’s leadership, the company is not just talking about transformation, it’s building it one truck and one customer at a time. “The sky is the limit,” he concludes. Clark has no pretences to become another Toyota or Jungheinrich – it’s cornering a healthy market where a heritage brand meets future-ready thinking.

Brighter Battery Technology Future

Posted on by David Priestman

In this article, battery technology leader EnerSys says transitioning to electric equipment can help strengthen sustainability and customer relationships.

With a recent Forbes report revealing 67% of companies plan to hold supply chains accountable for environmental key performance indicators, sustainability has become a critical priority for businesses aiming to align with their customers’ requirements.

For industrial operations that utilise forklift equipment, adopting resourceefficient technologies is an essential step toward achieving these goals and maintaining customer relationships. Advances in battery technologies are changing how companies transform their material handling equipment – becoming more sustainable and strengthening compliance with their customer delivery and sustainability requirements.

Driving Sustainability & Productivity

As recently as a few years ago, forklift equipment with strenuous hours, special attachments and other demanding conditions needed to be powered via combustion, as traditional lead-acid batteries fell short of the energy capability to support them. But recent advancements in battery technology now deliver the performance needed for demanding applications, providing the option
to become more sustainable while improving productivity.

By eliminating combustion equipment, operations can reduce dramatically their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by over 50% while also eliminating byproducts such as contaminated drivetrain lubricants, filters and coolant. While productivity is improved by replacing LPG tank changing during working times with opportunity charging batteries when equipment is not being used anyway.

LPG tank changes can take up to 15-20 minutes, depending on a variety of factors. That roughly amounts to an additional operator break per shift or 45-60 non-productive minutes per day in a three-shift operation. How many pallet moves or picks would that cost your operation? How much productivity is this costing you when you consider the size of your fleet and working days?

Using routine quiet periods to simply plug-in and recharge your batteries keeps your working time focused on actual work, better positioning you to align on both your customer’s delivery and sustainability goals.

Battery Choices

Picking the optimal battery technology for your forklift operations depends on having the widest breadth of choices; EnerSys says it is the only source of all three major battery technologies for material handling applications – including traditional lead-acid and maintenance-free options.

Battery Technology
Battery Technology

It describes its traditional lead-acid batteries as some of the hardest-working in the industry. From its standard Perfect Plus batteries to its low-maintenance Water Less batteries and hard-running
IRONCLAD batteries, EnerSys says you can expect solid performance and years of productive service life. Powering your electric equipment with its flooded batteries also provides a solid initial step towards sustainability by reducing your GHG emissions by over 50%.

If your operations aim to enhance energy efficiency while eliminating battery maintenance concerns, EnerSys says its NexSys battery portfolio offers two powerful solutions: NexSys Thin Plate Pure Lead (TPPL) batteries and NexSys iON lithium-ion batteries, each tailored to meet the specific energy demands of your equipment. For light and medium-duty applications, NexSys TPPL provides a great maintenance-free option and solid performance. NexSys TPPL batteries are also more energy efficient and can reduce your energy costs and GHG emissions an additional 10% versus traditional flooded lead-acid batteries, according to EnerSys.

In demanding, heavy-duty applications, EnerSys believes the outstanding energy performance of its NexSys iON batteries are a superb fit. With multiple configurations and a dual-cable option for faster recharging, NexSys iON batteries are ready to handle high lifts, long runs, heavy loads and specialised attachments. NexSys iON batteries are the most energy efficient batteries in its
portfolio, reducing GHG emissions an additional 12% versus traditional leadacid batteries.

If reducing water consumption is part of your sustainability requirements, both NexSys TPPL and NexSys iON batteries also eliminate watering – saving up to 676 gallons of water per year for each battery versus traditional flooded lead acid.

Energizing The Future

By investing in electric forklift equipment with advanced battery technologies, supply chains not only fulfill environmental responsibilities, but also help bolster their customer relationships. Thus, deployment of sustainable technologies paves the way for both productive operations and relationships in a world increasingly conscious of environmental impact.

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EnerSys to Offer Lithium-ion Options in NexSys Range

 

 

Hyster Impact Live Showcases Clean Power

Posted on by David Priestman

From 8th to 10th October 2024, Hyster dealers and customers from across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) gathered at the Hyster test centre in Weeze, Germany, for Impact Live – a three-day event demonstrating how Hyster is ‘Powering Your Possibilities’ with equipment, solutions, and support to overcome challenges in tough industries.

Attendees had a special opportunity to experience a wide range of dependable Hyster equipment and learn how it supports the specific needs of different industry applications, such as those in ports and terminals, the paper supply chain, and heavy industries such as wood, steel, and construction. It also presented an ideal forum for dealers and customers to have conversations with Hyster experts on how to scale available solutions to their unique handling requirements.

Innovative Lithium-Ion Solutions Previewed

A highlight of Impact Live 2024 was the preview of lithium-ion battery-powered trucks, emphasising the company’s commitment to delivering Clean Power that Means Business. For example, attendees had a chance to get up close with the Hyster® J10-18XD electric lift truck series, engineered for ICE-like performance in heavy-duty applications and lifts up to 18 tonnes.

“At Hyster, we are committed to helping operations overcome their most demanding challenges, with an appreciation that sustainability is of ever-increasing importance to many businesses across EMEA,” says Robert O’Donoghue, Vice President of Marketing EMEA, at Hyster. “This event was a great opportunity to showcase how matching the right clean power solution, with the right application, means there is no need to compromise on performance or productivity.”

With a focus on power, exclusive event sponsor EnerSys also presented its range of energy storage solutions for the range of Hyster equipment and showcased the benefits of its NexSys Thin Plate Pure Lead (TPPL) battery technology for demanding materials handling operations.

Heavy-Duty Demonstrations

The event also featured live demonstrations of some of the most powerful Hyster equipment, including Reach Stackers and empty container handlers. These not only showed their robust capabilities in ports and terminals, but addressed how Hyster trucks can tackle specific challenges, from shrinking margins to digitalisation and how the lowest Total Cost of Ownership can be achieved.
In the heavy industry themed zone, attendees got to see a direct comparison between a 12-tonne Hyster ICE truck and its electric counterpart being driven and operated side by side.

Visitors also saw the positive impact of up-to-date Hyster solutions from operator assistance systems to telematics and fleet management. Moreover, Impact Live provided an ideal platform for those using or specifying lift trucks to engage with Hyster and dealer experts to discover solutions that address the unique operational challenges of their businesses.

“Strength and durability are what Hyster is known for, but Impact Live was about more than just showcasing our tough trucks,” says Robert. “By bringing together hundreds of people from both dealers and customers, we had a great opportunity to learn and collaborate, and that enables us to deliver the application-specific solutions that ultimately help businesses succeed.”

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Hyster Adds Platform Stacker to General Purpose Ops Range

 

New lithium-ion options for Hyster® UT forklift range

Posted on by Will Priestman

The choice of lithium-ion forklift options is set to step up a gear with the launch of several new competitively priced models from Hyster. The new four-wheel UTL and three-wheel UTTL lithium-ion counterbalance forklifts provide the dependability and strength expected from the Hyster brand, and are bolstered by unmatched aftermarket support, warranty, and fast parts supply.

“Forklift buyers can now have all the benefits of lithium-ion on a no-nonsense forklift they can depend on, with lift capacities up to 3.5 tonnes and a reach up to 6m,” says Robert O’Donoghue, Vice President Marketing and Product Solutions, EMEA for Hyster. “What’s more, these zero-emission trucks are easy to maintain, provide a low total cost of ownership and are supported by one of the strongest lift truck distribution networks in the market to keep industrial businesses moving.”

The new models include the J1.5-3.5UTL series alongside the J1.6-2.0UTTL series, and will be available across Europe, Middle East, and Africa. All the models feature long-lasting lithium-ion batteries that are integrated via a battery box underneath the seat, with various options available.

“Users can expect a fast, full charge in about two and a half hours on most models providing a responsive performance, consistent lifting power and travel speeds up to 16km/h,” he says. “The batteries can also be opportunity charged in available breaks to fully meet the application requirements, even over multiple shifts.”

The new forklifts are ideal for stacking and moving goods around yards, storage areas, or loading bays in various manufacturing and materials handling operations, inside and out. There is reduced time on maintenance with no cleaning or watering required, and the fast charging does not have any adverse effects on the battery life. Furthermore, space-eating battery charging and changing stations are no longer needed.

The lithium-ion battery, which is factory fitted, has an attractive 5-year warranty (or 7500 hours) as standard. The battery box can also be replaced if required (e.g. for a lead acid battery) later in the truck’s lifecycle.

“These lithium-ion forklifts are another demonstration of how Hyster is powering your possibilities. They are highly dependable, easy to operate, simple to maintain and meet local emissions standards, supporting businesses in their own sustainability goals,” Robert says. “And with the strong Hyster dealer network, customers have the peace of mind that there is aftermarket support and parts readily available for any units in need of immediate repair, alongside the protection of a fully backed warranty.”

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Smart e-performance Forklift

Battery Economy & Safety: Li-Ion vs Lead-Acid

Posted on by David Priestman

Automated internal logistics platforms, including automated guided vehicles (AGVs), autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), and cleaning machines, are powered by an internal power source. This power source could be a lead-acid or lithium-ion battery. Both offer different performance, but they also have significant differences in terms of economy and safety.

There is no single li-ion battery type. Instead, there are several different chemistry types, each of which significantly impacts key characteristics.

Lithium-ion batteries generally come in three types, divided by their chemistry: NMC (nickel manganese cobalt oxides), NCA (nickel cobalt aluminium oxides), and LFP (iron phosphate).
On the other hand, lead-acid batteries differ in electrolyte carrier and construction. The main types of lead-acid batteries are valve regulated lead-acid (VRLA), absorbent glass mat (AGM), and gel battery (GEL).

Safety Differences Between Li-Ion and Lead-Acid

Li-ion batteries are equipped with a battery management system (BMS). This protects the battery against overvoltage and overcurrent, both of which would otherwise represent a fire hazard.
What’s more, the typical li-ion battery is double protected. The BMS monitors the current in real time, but there is also a fuse or self-control protector (SCP). Both are crucial to the safety of li-ion batteries.

Lead-acid batteries do not have a BMS, meaning that they’re solely protected by the charger. While exceeding the maximum voltage isn’t as dangerous as it would be in a li-ion battery, it can still result in the destruction of the battery. A fuse protects them from short circuits, but overcurrent protection must come from the application. What’s more, lead-acid batteries can release hydrogen while charging, meaning that they should be charged in a specific area where they can be monitored. This is not the case with li-ion batteries.

Cost Differences Between Li-Ion and Lead-Acid

The life cycle of li-ion batteries is typically longer than those of lead-acid batteries. Due to their low durability, lead-acid batteries generally only last around 500 shallow cycles, and even fewer deep cycles.

On the other hand, an LFP battery can easily cope with 2,000 cycles or more. NMC batteries offer fewer cycles, but you should still expect around 1,000 cycles. Also, the BMS in a li-ion battery will be able to monitor battery health and inform the user when a change is required. So, while a li-ion battery might have a higher initial cost, the savings over the lifespan of the batteries makes li-ion the more affordable choice for many.

Li-Ion or Lead-Acid?

Choosing which battery is best for your specific application is usually simple: li-ion batteries win in almost all areas. Li-ion batteries offer exceptional levels of safety, plus they also cost less in the long term – although the initial outlay will be higher. What’s more, li-ion batteries are more convenient, as they require less charging and replacing.

To re-cap main differences between lead-acid and high quality li-ion batteries:

As shown above, in most areas switching to li-ion provides clear advantages without compromising safety, providing high quality batteries are used. To achieve ~24V in typical battery size, two lead-acid batteries must be connected in series. Let’s analyse a simple example looking at products available on the market, comparing a 12V 50Ah lead-acid battery with a Johnson Matthey Battery Systems 21.8V li-ion battery:

Johnson Matthey Battery Systems is a leading producer of lithium-ion batteries for AGVs, AMRs, and cleaning machines. The company provides a range of li-ion options, tailored to the specific needs of the customer, all built in Europe using high-quality components and guaranteed to have exceptional performance. A European manufacturer, with a comprehensive range of services, including testing and validation, all provided under one roof. In-house laboratories allow Johnson Matthey to offer customers advanced and cost-effective testing, along with battery certification.

Third Award for Reggio Emilia Battery Firm

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Reggio Emilia, Italy’s Flash Battery has won the ‘Enterprises for Innovation award for the third time, awarded by Confindustria to 12 Italian companies that successfully invested in research and innovation. The Sant’Ilario d’Enza-based company – one of Europe’s leading manufacturers of lithium batteries for industrial machinery and electric vehicles – took to the highest step of the podium, standing next to giants of the pharmaceutical, computer and aerospace industries.

“The satisfaction we are feeling is huge,” said Flash Battery CEO Marco Righi (pictured), “but I think it’s the same for the entire small and medium enterprise segment of which we are a part and which sees in this award the recognition of its decisive role in generating innovation in our country and turning it into jobs and development for the local communities.”

Flash Battery has been on a fast growth trajectory since it was launched as a start-up in 2012, reaching in 2022 a revenue of €22.3 million, international sales of €4.6 million and a staff of over 100 strong (20+ in the nine months into 2023).

“Our development has been driven by our continued investment in young people, research and innovation with the mindset that sustainability must be built into the products as well as the processes, and it has also translated into a number of social initiatives embraced by all our collaborators,” explained Righi.

The Enterprises for Innovation award to Flash Battery comes right at a time when the company is making a substantial investment into its Sant’Ilario d’Enza headquarters, inaugurated just two years ago by Emilia-Romagna region governor Stefano Bonaccini. “Our revenue and staff have practically doubled since then,” said Righi, “and today we are involved in an expansion project that will further strengthen the sustainability features of our facility and processes and gear up the company for its next technological and volume leap.”

This new accolade from Confindustria (an award created in collaboration with the Giuseppina Mai Foundation and Audi, the support of Fondimpresa and Il Sole 24 Ore, and the technical support of the Associazione Premio Qualità Italia) adds to Flash Battery’s impressive number of prestigious honours, positioning the company as one of the most dynamic in Reggio Emilia in terms of innovation, development intensity, and recruitment of young people – in fact, the average age of the company’s 105 employees is less than 34.

Battery Intelligence for Industrial Trucks

Posted on by Keith McKinley

UgoWork™, a Canadian lithium-ion energy solutions provider specialized in the material handling industry, is proud to introduce UgoPilot™, an innovative energy and battery intelligence management platform designed exclusively for industrial vehicle fleets. With a focus on real-time insights and data-driven decision-making, UgoPilot heralds a new era in energy management, empowering organizations to maximize fleet efficiency while prioritizing performance, safety, and sustainability.

“We’ve cultivated intelligence and harnessed our energy expertise through meticulous data collection from our cloud-connected batteries since Day 1,” said Philippe Beauchamp, president and CEO of UgoWork. “Today’s industry is shifting towards high performance products to meet safety, productivity and sustainability goals. The UgoPilot software suite is all about providing clarity. It generates the data-driven insights operations managers need to maximize the use of their fleets and enter into a new era of energy management that truly reduces carbon footprint and costs. Thanks to UgoPilot, batteries are not just black boxes anymore.”

Pioneering fleet management transformation

Capitalizing on proven field results, UgoPilot will unlock multiple opportunities that include:

• Secure: Safe and efficient equipment operation through real-time data
• Reduce: Comprehensive fleet data to confidently eliminate underused equipment
• Optimize: Predictive analytics to maximize fleet throughput and asset life
• Support: Instant access to energy experts dedicated to helping you boost operational performance and achieve your mission-critical KPIs

A better battery is just the start

Beta testers are already praising UgoPilot as a game-changer for the industry. An early adopter of UgoWork solutions and beta tester operating one of the largest 3PL operations in Canada shared, “UgoPilot’s analysis of raw data provides insight that translates into action. Its prioritized features such as real-time fleet status, instant notifications, and personalized reporting have revolutionized our operations. UgoWork’s Energy Experts provide unparalleled support, helping us reach our fleet reduction and productivity goals.”

UgoPilot is set to reshape industries such as food and beverage, third-party logistics (3PL), warehousing and manufacturing. Designed for companies operating medium to large sized fleets, with each truck logging over 2,000 operational hours annually, UgoPilot stands as a beacon for businesses seeking enhanced fleet visibility, optimized performance, and significant energy savings.

Elevating industrial battery management

UgoPilot redefines energy management and battery intelligence for industrial trucks. With a phased rollout to select existing customers that started in the summer, the platform is now globally available, providing organizations the tools to harness actionable insights for unparalleled fleet performance.

Companies interested in transitioning to lithium-ion batteries, optimizing fleet performance, or seeking comprehensive energy management solutions can connect with UgoWork’s energy experts to explore UgoPilot’s detailed feature list and pricing.

Pallet Productivity Boost at the Ramp

Posted on by David Priestman

With ten technically improved models of pallet trucks, pallet stackers and double stackers, customers of Linde Material Handling (MH) can now make their loading and unloading processes even more productive. In all model variants, the stand-on platform is decoupled from the chassis as standard to protect operators from vibrations and impacts. An innovative swivel castor system provides additional stability during transport and load handling. Offering more advantages such as travel speeds of up to 14 km/h, a further developed, ergonomic power steering, and innovative safety and energy solutions, the trucks make a noticeable contribution to increased handling performance.

“Goods in and dispatch are the warehouse areas associated with the most demanding tasks in the intralogistics flow of goods,” asserts Peter Klug, Product Manager Warehouse Technology, Linde Material Handling. At these interfaces of internal and external logistics, especially at peak times, many people and industrial trucks work simultaneously in a limited space, moving large quantities of goods. To ensure that everything runs smoothly and, above all, safely between truck ramps, docks, containers and storage areas despite considerable time constraints, the equipment must be precisely designed to suit operators’ requirements. What is needed are powerful, ergonomic and safe vehicles that are service-friendly and digitally connected. “The new Linde models with fixed and folding driver’s platforms are geared towards meeting these high customer demands,” states Klug.

A unique product on the market

“The design of the SP model versions with a fixed driver’s platform is a truly unique selling proposition throughout the industry,” Peter Klug explains. A characteristic feature of the 2.0- and 2.5-ton capacity pallet trucks (Linde T20 SP and T25 SP), 1.4- and 1.6-ton capacity pallet stackers with a maximum lifting height of 5.3 meters (Linde L14 SP and L16 SP), and 1.2- and 1.4-ton capacity double stackers (Linde D12 SP and D14 SP, and Linde D12 HP SP) is the steel apron that extends far around the driver’s platform. It keeps the operator within the vehicle contour, provides a stable, padded backrest and effectively protects against injury in the event of jostling and collisions. Another notable feature is the slightly rotated position of the operator who stands at a 45° angle to the direction of the forks. This allows him to keep an eye on his surroundings in any direction of travel without having to change his body position or turn his head. This relaxed posture not only aids in driving manoeuvres during day-to-day operations, but also prevents tension and long-term health problems in the back or neck area.

While the SP models with fixed platform are designed to frequently cover longer distances, the AP models demonstrate their advantages in narrow areas that are difficult to access. For example, to reduce the turning radius in very tight spaces, the stand-on platform of the Linde T20 AP and T25 AP pallet trucks (with load capacities of up to 2.0 and 2.5 tons, respectively) and the Linde D12 HP AP double stackers (with a load capacity of up to 1.2 tons) can be folded up. For a higher level of safety, the creep speed function can be activated which adapts the travel speed to the tiller’s angle of inclination.

Power for loading and transporting goods

Both the models with fixed and folding driver’s platform are optimized to deliver maximum performance. A 3 kW three-phase motor enables the vehicles to accelerate up to 14 km/h without load. To effectively absorb vibrations and shocks caused by uneven ground, the driver’s platform and the tiller are decoupled from the chassis as standard on both AP and SP trucks. This unique feature is exclusive to Linde. It offers the advantage that drivers stay alert and focused for longer and their health is protected in the long term. Additionally, an innovative castor system has been developed to keep the load as stable as possible on the forks. Large swivel castors with shock absorbers compensate for vibrations and automatically adapt to the driving situation and speed. This ensures a high level of safety and increases productivity.

If particularly high power is needed on the ramps, the High Performance (HP) double stacker models come into play. They offer high travel and lifting speeds, while at the same time featuring a stable 5-point configuration with a centred drive wheel, and either mechanically sprung or hydraulic castor wheels.

New options for individual customer requirements

The SP version models are equipped with another safety feature: the Linde Feet Detection assistance system. As soon as the driver’s feet leave the sensor-protected area, the truck slows down in a controlled manner. To alert pedestrians and other drivers of an approaching vehicle, the SP versions offer the newly integrated ‘Linde BlueSpot’ warning light emitter. Both the SP and AP models will feature a new module of the ‘Linde connect’ fleet management solution from next year: ‘Zone Intelligence’ allows individual zones to be defined. If a vehicle enters a defined storage area, the travel speed is automatically reduced.

Wide and deep storage compartments, which can be used to store wrapping paper, work gloves, writing utensils etc., ensure effective workplace organization. The range of holders has been expanded once again to keep the necessary work materials close at hand. Another new option is the colour multifunction display. Thanks to the higher contrast, information on operating hours, battery status and maintenance status is clearly visible even in difficult lighting conditions.

New, so-called trough batteries have been designed for both lithium-ion and lead-acid batteries so that customers can choose and retrofit as they wish. Integrated on-board chargers are available for both battery options. The digital vehicle architecture enables predictive maintenance, and new functions can be added to the vehicles at any time via software updates. Finally, all data can be transparently managed via the digital twin.

Linde Material Handling GmbH, a KION Group company, is a globally operating manufacturer of forklift trucks and warehouse trucks, and a solutions and service provider for intralogistics. With a sales and service network that spans more than 100 countries, the company is represented in all major regions around the world.

Extra Power for Intensive Applications

Posted on by David Priestman

Clark has given the PPFXS20 electric low-lift truck with integrated operator platform a face-lift for intensive applications. In the process, the materials handling vehicles specialist has not only improved the ergonomics and user-friendliness of the truck, but also the performance: for particularly intensive operations, the low-lift trucks are now also available with lithium-ion technology.

The PPFXS20 with a load capacity of two tons has an integrated operator platform with padded side walls. This provides the operator with maximum comfort, especially on longer journeys. The low-lift truck is thus ideal for use in the transport of goods by road, the loading and unloading of trucks via ramps as well as for the order picking of a wide variety of goods in industry, trade, and distribution.

Powerful and safe

The PPFXS20 is equipped with a maintenance-free and enclosed 1.6 kW three-phase traction motor. This provides powerful acceleration and high speeds of up to 10 km/h. The powerful 2.2 kW lift motor guarantees maximum efficiency when lifting and lowering loads. Thanks to the high battery capacity of 375 Ah for the lead-acid battery, the pallet truck achieves optimum battery life. The pallet truck is available with side battery change as standard. The quick and easy battery replacement via a roller bed guarantees high availability of the truck. For particularly demanding applications or for multi-shift operation, the PPFXS20 is also optionally available with a 205 Ah lithium-ion battery. The Li-Ion battery can be recharged at any time and within a very short time – for example during breaks – without damaging the battery or shortening its service life. Recharging the battery is possible at any 230-volt socket. In just 10 minutes, 7 % of the battery capacity can be recharged. This reduces the downtime that would be necessary to change the battery. After only three hours, the battery is fully charged again. Li-Ion technology not only increases productivity, but also saves costs for maintenance, infrastructure, and replacement batteries. This makes a Li-Ion vehicle worthwhile for anyone who wants to operate a maintenance-free, long-lasting, and fast-charging battery with a high safety standard.

Improved ergonomics ensure intuitive operation

For handling work and horizontal transport over long distances, the generous side access with an opening range of 445 mm enables the operator to climb up and down from the vehicle quickly and safely. While driving, the operator can comfortably lean against the padded backrest of the generously designed operator’s platform. The operator’s platform is fully suspended and guarantees vibration-free operation so that the operator can concentrate fully on his work. The ergonomic tiller is height adjustable.

All controls can be operated intuitively and without fatigue by both left- and right-handed operators. The rounded fork tips allow safe and speedy threading into the pallet and thus contribute to a high turnover of goods. The all-electric power steering is smooth. This allows the vehicle to be manoeuvred precisely and safely even in the tightest of spaces, for example in narrow racking aisles. For greater safety when cornering, the automatic reduction of the driving speed is proportional to the steering angle. This reduces the centrifugal forces acting on the operator.

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