Electric heavyweights

Over the past three years, Linde Material Handling (MH) has gradually modernised its range of electric counterbalance trucks, replacing models with more powerful, more efficient and more ergonomically sound equivalents.

The new series Linde E60 to E80 comprises four models with load capacities ranging from six to eight tonnes, as well as one version with a load capacity of eight tonnes and a 900-millimetre centre of gravity. This series was unveiled for the first time at the “World of Material Handling” customer event held in Mainz, Germany – an event that spanned several weeks.

For many operating companies – such as those in the sensitive food industry – electrically powered trucks have become the solution of choice when investing in intralogistics thanks to their lack of emissions and quiet operation. At the same time, this segment is also seeing the trend for higher load capacity classes, with a view to handling larger volumes of goods per cycle and increasing productivity. Linde MH is meeting this growing demand head-on with its extensive new range of electric forklift trucks.

To enable loads weighing up to eight tonnes to be transported quickly and safely – as well as lifted at the maximum lift height – the 80-V trucks are equipped with a powerful encapsulated drive unit with two 11-kW three-phase AC traction motors integrated into the front axle. Maintenance-free oil bath multi-disc brakes with energy recovery and co-ordinated power modules also form part of the specification of the trucks, which feature the typical Linde design. Two extremely quiet 21-kW three-phase AC lift motors move the lift mast at lifting speeds of up to 0.46 m/sec. and lowering speeds of up to 0.56 m/sec. What’s more, thanks to the dual-motor front-wheel drive, the truck is extremely easy to manoeuvre and turns within a turning radius of just 3 metres at a length of around 3.5 metres. To enable the trucks to be as economical as possible during operation, various drive modes can be selected to provide the ideal blend of performance and (energy) efficiency.

Forklift truck drivers can feel more than safe behind the controls of the Linde E60 to E80. The overhead guard and chassis on the compact trucks form a complete, fully enclosed, solid unit, providing a protective space around the operator. At the same time, the slimline profile of the lift mast ensures drivers have a good view ahead and allows loads to be handled safely. The spacious cab is the same as the equivalent series of Linde trucks equipped with internal combustion engines in terms of their design and features. Features include a larger footwell and the hydraulically dampened driver’s seat, which is spring-loaded as standard and offers a host of adjustment options, as well as the scope to be upgraded to the air-sprung super comfort driver’s seat with seat heater and backrest extension. The vehicle speed and lifting/working hydraulics are controlled with precision and sensitivity via the ergonomics concept with dual-pedal control and Linde Load Control – the same ergonomics concept used for all Linde forklift trucks. The Linde Curve Assist is also available to drivers as standard. This system reduces the speed of the truck in bends depending on the steering angle.

Another feature is the automatic parking brake, which can be set to automatically apply the handbrake at certain times and when the truck comes to a standstill. This feature prevents the truck from rolling away in an uncontrolled manner on slopes and is deactivated by pressing the accelerator pedal again. Using the display of the battery’s remaining useful period – which is accurate to the minute – drivers can accurately plan for the next battery replacement or charge and avoid deep discharge and subsequent damage to the battery. This information is made available to drivers via the multifunction indicator. What’s more, thanks to the active ventilation – in which any gases from the battery are conducted away via the rear of the truck – the truck can even be charged with the doors closed, meaning less space is required for the charging process. Wide, soft steps that are visible from above and a handle on the A pillar and battery hood ensure safe entry into and exit from the cab. The tried-and-tested BlueSpot feature that warns against approaching trucks is available as special equipment.

Get on the train

At the World of Material Handling event Linde also presented two new ‘train’ solutions. The Linde Logistic Train and Linde Factory Train are both designed for the modern, cycle-based flow of materials. The trains comprise a compact tow tractor capable of pulling three, five or six tonnes, together with one or more load trailers and/or modules. 

The two trailer train solutions from Linde represent completely new designs, with both the Logistic Train and the Factory Train boasting a high level of directional stability and manoeuvrability. What’s more, in contrast to the majority of solutions available on the market, both trains come without a centre axle, making the trucks extremely flexible in terms of the containers to be carried.

The Linde Logistic Train is mainly intended for use in halls with relatively level floors. Each individual wheel on the load trailer, which is modular in design, is spring-loaded to compensate for uneven road surfaces, while thick treads on the wheels absorb bumps. These two features together ensure a stable ride that is gentle on the load. However, due to the wheel diameter of 200 or 250 mm, the Linde Logistic Train is fairly limited when it comes to outdoor use. With the introduction of the new series, the range of trailers has also grown. In addition to the C frame, bridge frame and platform design, bespoke customer solutions are also possible, both for trailers (e.g. a bridge-type trailer without lift) and pallet roller frames (known as “dollies”).

The second trailer train system, the Linde Factory Train, is modular in design, featuring standardised basic modules. The train in its entirety is made up of an initial module, one or more main modules and an end module. With this concept, various goods carriers such as C-frame, E-frame, QS-frame or bridge-frame models are interlocked without play in between two standardised modules. As the carriers can be replaced at any time, the operator retains full flexibility in the face of changing requirements. The module’s electrical functions, i.e. steering, lifting and lowering, are achieved by means of a CAN bus controller.

In contrast to the Linde Logistic Train, the Factory Train is also suitable for transporting materials on uneven surfaces outdoors between production halls. This is possible thanks to the relevant ground clearance offered by the modules, which are equipped with superelastic tyres with a diameter of 250 or 306 millimetres. As such, with this trailer train solution, great focus has been placed on the optional weather protection and its ergonomic means of operation. The operator can open the automatic curtain on the weather protection cab using just one hand, without having to bend down.