Linde MH: Productivity boost at the ramp

With ten technically improved low-lift, high-lift and double-deck loader models, customers of Linde Material Handling (MH) can now make their loading and unloading processes even more productive. In all model variants, the operator’s platform is decoupled from the chassis as standard and protects the operators from vibrations and impacts. An innovative support roller system provides additional stability during transport and load handling. Together with travel speeds of up to 14 km/h, the further developed ergonomic steering unit and new safety and energy solutions, the trucks make a noticeable contribution to increased handling performance.

“Incoming goods and dispatch are among the most demanding tasks in internal material flow,” says Peter Klug, Product Manager Warehouse Technology Germany at Linde MH, with conviction. Because at the interfaces of internal and external logistics, especially at peak times, many people and industrial trucks work simultaneously in a limited space and move large quantities of goods. To ensure that everything runs like clockwork and, above all, safely between truck ramps, docks, containers and storage areas despite time pressure, the equipment must be designed precisely to meet the needs of the operators. What is needed are powerful, ergonomic and safe vehicles that are also service-friendly and digitally networked. “The new Linde models with fixed and folding operator platforms are aimed precisely at these high customer demands,” describes Klug.

A unique product on the market

“The vehicle design of the SP model versions with a fixed operator platform is a unique selling point throughout the industry,” Klug describes. Characteristic of the low-lift trucks with 2.0 and 2.5 tonnes capacity (Linde T20 SP and T25 SP), the high-lift trucks with 1.4 and 1.6 tonnes capacity and a maximum lift height of 5.3 metres (Linde L14 SP and L16 SP) as well as the double-deck loaders with 1.2 and 1.4 tonnes capacity (Linde D12 SP and D14 SP as well as Linde D12 HP SP) is the steel apron that extends far around the operator’s platform. It keeps the operator within the vehicle contour, provides a stable, padded backrest and protects against injuries in the event of jostling and collisions. Another special feature is the slightly rotated standing position of the operator at a 45-degree angle to the direction of the forks. This allows for a quick change of view from one direction of travel to the other without having to change the body position or turn the head. This relaxed posture not only helps him or her during riding manoeuvres in hectic everyday life, it also prevents tension and long-term health problems in the back or neck area.

While the SP models with a fixed platform are designed to frequently cover longer distances, the AP models show their advantages in narrow areas that are difficult to access. For example, to reduce the turning radius in very confined spaces, the stand-on platform of the Linde T20 AP and T25 AP pallet trucks (payloads up to 2.0 and 2.5 tonnes respectively) and the Linde D12 HP AP double deck loader (payloads up to 1.2 tonnes) can be folded upwards. The Linde Safety Speed system automatically adjusts the travel speed to the tiller’s angle of inclination.

Power for loading and transporting goods

Both the fixed and folding platform models are designed for maximum performance. A 3 kW three-phase motor accelerates the units up to 14 km/h without load. To effectively absorb vibrations and shocks caused by uneven ground, both the operator platform and the tiller are uncoupled from the chassis as standard on AP and SP. This is only available from Linde. The advantage: drivers stay fit and concentrated for longer and their health is protected in the long run. To keep the load as stable as possible on the forks, an innovative support roller system has also been developed. Large support rollers 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 a lot of power is needed on the ramps, the “High Performance (HP)” double-deck models come into play. On the one hand, they have high travel and lifting speeds. On the other hand, the mechanically sprung or hydraulic support rollers in combination with a centred drive wheel form a highly stable five-point support.

New options for individual customer requirements

The SP version models have another safety feature: a foot detection assistance system. If the operator’s foot leaves the sensor-protected area, the machine brakes in a controlled manner. Pedestrians and other drivers are also alerted to an approaching vehicle by the newly integrated “Linde BlueSpot” optical warning device on the SP versions. From next year, both the SP and AP models will have the new module of the “Linde connect” fleet management solution: “Zone Intelligence” allows individual zones to be defined. If a vehicle enters one of these defined storage areas, the driving speed is automatically reduced.

Wide and deep storage compartments, in which, for example, wrapping paper, work gloves or writing utensils can be stowed, keep the workplace tidy. The selection of holders has been expanded once again to keep the necessary work materials within easy reach. Another new option is the colour multifunctional display. Thanks to the higher contrast, information on operating hours, battery status or maintenance status is clearly visible even in difficult lighting conditions.

New, so-called trough batteries are designed for lithium-ion and lead-acid batteries, customers can choose and retrofit as they wish. There are also integrated on-board chargers for both battery options.

The digital vehicle architecture enables predictive maintenance, new functions can be added to the vehicles at any time via software updates and all data can be transparently managed via the digital twin.

For more information, please visit: https://www.linde-mh.com/en/