Masters of mast control

Linde’s DMC sensor-controlled system provides highly effective support for reach truck operators, allowing for a stress-free and highly efficient working environment.

Thanks to the system’s precise electric linear actuator system in the reach truck’s motor compartment, the Linde DMC automatically compensates mast oscillations and mast deflection through precise and seamless counter-movements of the reach carriage. An additional benefit of the system is that it is electric as opposed to hydraulic and this offers more accuracy and a reduction in total energy consumption.

This innovation in reach truck systems means that operators benefit from significantly reduced waiting times than those usually associated with mast oscillations and deflections. Operators can therefore store pallet loads faster, accurately and more safely - resulting in faster cycle times, and less risk of damage to the rack or to the loads stored.

When placing pallet loads onto a rack, usually the operator must first wait until the dynamic mast oscillations have ceased, because even with small oscillations it is difficult to position the load accurately into the rack location. This makes the operator’s task much more challenging and in the worst-case scenario, the load could damage the rack or displace the load stored behind.

As racking in warehouses becomes taller the requirement for reach trucks to go higher is also increasing the mast deflection. The bigger the mast deflection, the more likely it is that the pallet load will be placed too deeply into the rack space and the load/pallet faces in the racking will therefore not be uniform along the aisles.

When the reach truck approaches a rack position to retrieve such pallet loads, it is not possible for the forks to be positioned completely underneath the pallet on the first approach. This means the operator has to bring the pallet forward slightly before lifting it off the rack and this increases the cycle times. In addition, there is a possibility that the deflection of the mast while lifting the pallet load from the rack could cause the pallet load to impact with the rack or with the load stored behind, especially if the load behind is also positioned too deeply.

For an example if you lift up to 11.5m and operate two shifts a day, seven days a week this feature will allow you to do the same job up to 7.4% faster. This equates to £7,034 saving per annum or 7595 more pallets per annum. This test is based on nine pallet movements per cycle using a truck with electric reach & dynamic mast control compared to an identical reach truck without these features. These figures come from Linde’s practical test retrieving and storing a 1000kg load.

"The market trend for ever higher storage racks in warehouses and distribution centres is continuing apace,” says Alexander Schmidt, Head of Reach Trucks & Tractors Linde Material Handling. "This means there is an increasing demand for reach trucks with lift heights of over eight meters. While only 38 percent of all Linde reach trucks sold in 2005 were designed for such heights, this increased to 52 percent last year.”

This new innovation is unique to Linde and was recognised with the award for Technical Innovation at the 16th annual UKWA (United Kingdom Warehouse Association) Awards.

The Technical Innovations Award aims to recognise bold and innovative responses to the changing market place; from the introduction of a new technology or product to the implementation of new processes and procedures.

Andrew Daly, Director, Commercial Operations said: "The UKWA Awards recognise the achievement of those in the 3PL sector, and emphasise the importance of logistics within today’s economy. We are therefore absolutely delighted to have won the Technical Innovations Award for our Dynamic Mast Control system from such a prestigious association.

"We have seen increasing demand in the sector for reach trucks with higher lift heights in retail and 3PL sectors.

"Our DMC innovation provides a powerful and valuable tool for our customers to meet the daily challenges of delivering highly efficient and cost-effective logistics, safely, and on time, every time.”

Linde are delighted to announce that on going to press that DMC has been nominated as a finalist in the Innovation category at the FLTA awards. To place your vote please go to www.fork-truck.org.uk.