New Year,new products

Marking an exciting start to 2011, Linde has slated three product releases for the early part of the year - a pallet truck; an electric counterbalance truck; and a heavy duty diesel counterbalance truck

Despite the challenging market environment, Linde Material Handling, has maintained its focus and investment in developing customer-oriented product solutions. 2011 is set to be a significant year of product development at Linde, with a series of breakthrough new product launches, to reinforce its status as a market leader and innovator in the materials handling industry.

Three new truck launches are planned for the early part of 2011, commencing with the CiTi truck. A ground-breaking product creating a category all of its own between hand pallet trucks and electric powered pallet trucks. CiTi truck is designed to make light work of delivering goods in urban environments. And with numerous applications, where maneuverability in confined areas and the ability to overcome difficult terrain are key, it offers a unique and innovative solution for the final stages of delivery and movement of goods across retail environments. Customers wishing to register product interest ahead of its February 2011 launch can do so at www.cititruck-demolist.co.uk Intelligent energy management Early 2011 also sees the launch of Linde's new E20-E50 series electric counterbalance truck range, to deliver even greater levels of performance and productive operating experience, whatever the application. The 2 to 3.5 tonne lift capacity series will launch in early 2011, followed by the 3.5 to 5 tonne lift capacity series later in the year.

Both series offer a host of innovations and features for optimum operator comfort, intelligent energy management and superior productivity. For example, the new electric counterbalance trucks have been ergonomically designed to deliver the best possible operator comfort and safety. The chassis suspension system offers new realms of protection by optimising all isolation points to shield the operator from vibrations, bumps and noises.While the new seat and armrest are fully adjustable for added all round comfort and levels of onboard storage have been improved.

All E20-E50 trucks are fitted with an Ecomode setting as standard. This advanced energy management system offers a choice of three operating modes - Performance, Economy and Efficiency - allowing the user to strike the perfect balance between performance and energy consumption in accordance with their own specific application. Battery charging requirements have also been addressed with an intelligent on-board driver display. This shows the remaining driving time in minutes, to allow the truck to be driven right up to its next battery change or recharging cycle, putting the user fully in control of energy management.

Battery changes can be easily performed from above or the side of the truck as well as onboard re-charging removes the need to open doors, battery hoods or windows.

Taking inspiration from the automotive industry, these new Etrucks also provide traction control as standard. A forklift first, this removes the problems of snow, ice and slippery surfaces, by redistributing power and torque between the wheels for optimum traction whatever the weather.

Class leading performance in heavy segment Finally, Linde is launching a new 10 to 18 tonne diesel engine counterbalance series to service the heavier end of the forklift truck market.Manufactured at Linde's Heavy Truck Division in Merthyr Tydfil, South Wales, the new H100-H180 series is designed to provide class-leading performance, with optimal speed and precision through a unique hydrostatic drive system.

The cutting edge operator's compartment ensures precise load control and unrivalled operator comfort & safety, as well as clear, all round visibility.While the side tilting cab enables fast and simple access for servicing and maintenance to help reduce operating costs to the lowest levels in this class.

These three truck launches in 2011 underline Linde's commitment to investment in new product development, even during tough market conditions, and are all designed to add value and increase efficiency for customers.