Saving with E-zone
August 1st 2006

Combining technology and innovation, Linde's new compact electric range offers performance to match that of IC engine powered trucks, as well as reduced operating costs and environmental benefits

Launched under the banner of "Enter the E-zone", Linde's new electric counterbalance range is said to combine technology and innovation to bring substantial benefits in terms of comfort, safety and productivity. Just as importantly, the new product is designed to reduce operating costs and also incorporates features that address operational and environmental issues.

The new series replaces the existing compact range and is available in both 24 and 48V versions with capacities from 1.2 to 2.0t and, depending on the model selected, offers a choice of either three-or four-wheeled configurations.

Significant market sector

The compact electric counterbalance truck forms a significant sector of the UK forklift market and can be found in virtually every type of industrial and commercial application carrying out a vast variety of handling tasks and providing an essential link in the supply chain of countless businesses.

With 15 basic models in its new range, Linde covers the full spectrum of capacities and specifications to suit every type of application. Maintenance-free AC drive and pump motors provide high torque flexibility and performance.

One of the key characteristics of these models is that they have been designed to provide a higher work throughput while at the same time significantly reducing energy consumption by up to 20%.

In addition to indicating the battery state of charge, the energy management system monitors the battery condition to ensure that each individual cell is functioning to its maximum capability for optimum work throughput during each shift.

The new range is able to operate for up to 3000 hours between routine service schedules – way above the industry norm.

This leads not only to optimum utilisation ratios but also significantly reduced operating costs and lower consumption of consumable parts, which has significant cost saving and environmental benefits.

For smaller businesses with limited space and intermittent usage, the availability of a built-in charger as an option is a valuable and practical solution that will simplify their day-to-day handling processes.

A world first for electric counterbalance trucks is the unique resilient maintenancefree suspension of the front axle in the new range. A similar suspension was first introduced in the Linde 39X series of engine trucks and has been highly successful.

The resilient suspension system provides a comfortable cushioned ride for the operator by absorbing road shocks and vibrations. Wear on major components such as the drive axle and mast is minimised and the load handling process is also smoother and safer.

The resulting cushioned comfort in the cab also contributes to a stress-free working environment for greater operator efficiency.

Another design innovation is the lateral battery changing facility where the battery is removed from the side using auxiliary handling equipment or on rollers for pit stop changeovers in multi-shift applications. For additional flexibility the battery can also be lifted out vertically using a hoist.

Tilt stability

The unique top mounted tilt cylinders on the overhead guard provide the optimum geometric control and stability of all tilt movements for safe, precision load handling and, additionally, this unique design has enabled the cab floor space to be increased for additional operator comfort.

The full suspension comfort seat optionally swivels through 10º enabling reverse travel movements to be carried out without strain. The seat also has an adjustable armrest incorporating integrated fingertip joystick controls, which provide an intuitive operational interface for seamless load handling. The cabin space available to the operator has been increased in height, length and width without incurring a larger turning radius.

The four-wheeled models incorporate the benefits of the well-proven Linde combi axle which, combined with proportional hydrostatic power steering, gives this versatile model similar manoeuvrability characteristics to that of a three-wheeled truck. This results in outstanding flexibility in applications which entail working in confined internal areas as well as travelling over hard, uneven ground outside.

According to Linde, its new electric counterbalance range delivers leading-edge technology in a simple format designed to motivate the operator by creating an outstanding working environment. It also claims to reduce operating costs through greater productivity, advanced energy management systems, shorter service intervals, optimum uptime and extended component life to provide a package which represents particular value for money.

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