The new reach trucks from Linde

With an unobstructed upward view and no distracting load backrest, the new Linde reach trucks can be kitted out with an optional, end-to-end, panoramic toughened glass roof, which also protects the driver from falling objects.
Photo by Linde Material Handling

Comfortable, safe and efficient, right up to the highest rack level

At the start of March, Linde Material Handling is launching its new generation of Linde reach trucks, which encompasses models R14 to R20 for a load range of 1.4 to 2 tons. With their compact, manoeuvrable design, the new trucks enable an even more productive flow of goods into the warehouse, as a whole host of new technical solutions make the trucks more comfortable, more powerful, safer and easier to service. The considerably wider range of models for mast/chassis/battery combinations and the optional features allow customer-specific solutions to be derived from series production.

Stable and safe at great heights

Reach trucks represent the premium class when it comes to warehouse technology. These trucks are primarily used as back-up at lower order picking levels and for high-rack storage. The trucks can now manage a lift height of 13.0 metres, ensuring that additional pallet storage locations can be reached. The technology behind this feature is a new lift mast concept with stronger profiles that reinforce the mast and enable a reduction in mast deflection in combination with a residual load capacity that has been increased by up to 20%. The skilful assembly of mast profiles, chain guides and lift cylinders provides an optimised view through the mast.

Comfort of the highest standard

Personnel costs represent the largest expenditure category for every truck operation. What’s more, operators greatly influence the handling performance of their equipment. For these reasons, Linde focused on improving truck ergonomics during the development of the new reach trucks. The resulting improvements take the pressure off drivers and help to protect their health. Drivers can adjust the unit, which includes the steering wheel, display, joysticks and armrest, to suit their body dimensions, using the highly adjustable operating console. Vibrations caused by uneven road surfaces, bumps or poor floor coverings are shielded from the operator by air-sprung seats, which also allow the seat height to be adjusted within a range of 110 millimetres. Depending on the weight of the driver, automatic positioning for optimum spring travel is also available. These features represent an innovation for seat comfort in this truck class throughout the industry. What’s more, innovative damping features protect the driver from bangs and knocks as the work space is uncoupled from the rest of the chassis. Storage compartments of various sizes allow work tools and paperwork to be stowed away within easy reach and thanks to the optional integrated power connection, drivers can charge their mobile phones as they work.

Storing and removing materials at great lift heights is easier when the operator has a better view of the fork arms and the load. With an unobstructed upward view and no distracting load backrest, the new Linde reach trucks can be kitted out with an optional, end-to-end, panoramic toughened glass roof, which also protects the driver from falling objects. Additional safety features (some of which are optional) also include the side hoop guard at shoulder height, the optional Linde BlueSpot with LED technology to warn the operator about pedestrians or truck drivers at confusing intersections, and the standard four-wheel braking system including holding brake for very short braking distances in scenarios where the operator needs to stop the truck abruptly.

Fully equipped as standard

Many of the new functions and features of the reach truck are already part of the series equipment. For example, the height-adjustable air-sprung driver’s seat with automatic weight adjustment for optimum spring travel is provided alongside the adjustable shock absorption feature for mast extension and retraction, the fixed mast with fork carriage tilt and the lifting height display above the free lift.

The best productivity levels in its class

Compared to its competitors, Linde is at the forefront when it comes to productivity with the new reach trucks, as proven by the results of the TÜV Nord reach trucks performance test. Linde’s leading position is hardly surprising considering the new trucks offer lifting speeds with a load of up to 0.55 metres per second (m/s), which is an increase of up to 41% in comparison with the previous series (the new trucks can also lift at up to 0.7 m/s without a load, which is an increase of up to 27%). The lowering speed without a load has also improved to up to 0.55 m/s, an increase of up to 22% in comparison with the previous series. In order to match energy consumption as precisely as possible to the power output, there are three different driving dynamics settings to choose from: “Performance” for the highest power output, “Efficiency” for the best combination of handling performance and energy efficiency, and “Economy” for simpler applications.

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

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