K enhances VNA range
May 1st 2011 A new VNA truck pays close attention to order picking needs, while Linde’s CeMAT stand also showcases the manufacturer’s prototype lithium ion pallet truck
Linde has designed a new truck for use in very narrow aisles. The Linde K family (pictured), featuring a 1.5- tonne capacity rating and a lift height of over 16 metres, will be launched on the market in autumn this year. The company says: “This enhanced design boasts more convenient options in the cab and the ability to integrate RFID tags for displaying gear safety functions and zone detection. As with all industrial trucks from Linde, the K family was developed in cooperation with the Porsche design team.”
The driver’s cab is described as a true innovation. Due to the increasing number of order picker processes in very narrow aisles, the designers paid close attention to improving order picking conditions. The cab has been enhanced with the driver in mind so that pallets on the forks as well as goods on the shelves can be accessed more easily. To make this possible, an optional tilting barrier has been developed, helping the driver to grab order picker goods more quickly and ergonomically, including those on the rear shelves.
As they deposit the relevant goods, drivers can brace themselves in the ideal position using the knee supports on the front section of the cab. The new K truck also features an optional split operating panel.
This arrangement allows drivers to work between the two operating panels on their left and right while retaining access to the cabin front. This is especially useful when picking largevolume order items. Thanks to the flexible adjustment options, drivers are also able to control the truck just as comfortably from their seats.
RFID technology provides the truck with yet more functionality. Gear safety functions, such as final gear braking and speed reduction, and zone detection can be configured and modified exactly as required. For example, uneven surfaces and obstacles can be integrated as zones in the truck parameters.
Lithium-ion prototypes
The benefits of using lithium-ion batteries in forklift trucks were demonstrated by Linde at CeMAT, in the form of two ready-touse prototypes: a Linde T16 pallet truck with 1.6 tonnes load capacity and an electric forklift from the new Linde E20 to E50 model line with 2.5 tonnes load capacity.
In the battery version that is on show, the tiller-driven Linde pallet truck benefits above all from the greater energy density of the lithium-ion rechargeable battery, says the firm. A very small battery with an energy content of 2.1kW/h (the same as a 120 Ah lead battery) in combination with an integrated fast charger enables the equipment to be used throughout the day. This would require the battery to be charged during breaks in use. It is thus suitable, for example, for use in the food trade or smaller businesses.
More leg room for the driver and a larger step are the most striking features of the electric forklift. These ergonomic improvements were made possible by the design freedom offered by the lithium ion battery, which requires less space yet has the same energy content. The reason being, while conventional lead batteries mostly comply with specified standard parameters, the cells of the lithium-ion battery can be arranged freely in their mounting position. Entry to the truck and workstation can therefore be made just as conveniently as in Linde IC trucks.
“With the two trucks on show, we want to demonstrate to our customers and other interested parties that Linde MH is technologically able to offer electric forklifts and warehouse trucks with lithium-ion batteries,” says Ralf Dingeldein, head of sales division new trucks at Linde MH. “For warehouse trucks economic efficiency will be reached in the near future.We are planning to launch the version on show at the trade fair at short notice. The same applies to further models from the range of pallet trucks, order pickers and tow tractors.”
The properties of the lithium-ion battery are highly promising – especially in comparison to lead batteries, says the company. First, this is because the LI-battery is voltage-stable. In other words, it consistently provides full power throughout the duration of use until shortly before reaching the discharge state. Secondly, because recharging or equalisation charging of the battery after the actual charging process is not necessary to protect the battery. This saves energy. In addition, the LI-battery can be charged more quickly. The small battery in the T16 model on show can be charged to 80 per cent in only half an hour, while large LIbatteries can reach this battery capacity after just a few hours.
“If the battery is topped up at a power socket during breaks in use, the forklift will generally be able to last for two shifts with one full battery charge”, adds Dingeldein. “Many of our customers would like that.” Linde is cooperating with the Saft Group in the field of lithiumion batteries. More articles from Linde Material Handling (UK) Ltd: | 
