Productivity increase at the loading platform

New pallet trucks, pallet stackers and double stock stackers from Linde Material Handling for efficient loading and unloading

Motrac has expanded its product range to include ten technically enhanced models of pallet trucks, stackers and double stock stackers from Linde Material Handling (MH). This allows customers to make their loading and unloading processes even more productive. In all variants, the stacking platform is decoupled from the chassis as standard to protect operators from vibration and shock. Innovative stabilizer wheels provide additional stability during transport and load handling. And the trucks offer even more advantages, such as travel speeds of up to 14 km/h, further developed, ergonomic power steering and innovative safety and energy solutions.

"Goods receiving and shipping are the places in a warehouse with the most demanding tasks in intralogistics," states Peter Klug, Product Manager Warehouse Technology, Linde Material Handling. At these hubs of internal and external logistics, especially at peak times, many employees and trucks are in a limited space at the same time to move large quantities of goods. To ensure that everything runs smoothly and above all safely at the loading bays, containers and storage areas, despite the considerable time pressure, the trucks must be precisely tailored to the requirements of the drivers. What is needed are powerful, ergonomic and safe trucks that require little service and can be adjusted online. "The new Linde models with fixed and folding operator platforms are aimed at meeting these high customer demands," Klug states.

"The design of the SP models with a fixed operator platform is really a unique selling point across the industry," Peter Klug explained. Characteristic of the 2.0- and 2.5-ton capacity pallet trucks (Linde T20 SP and T25 SP), the 1.4 and 1.6-ton capacity stackers with a maximum lift height of 5.3 meters (Linde L14 SP and L16 SP) and the double stock stackers with 1.2- and 1.4-ton capacities (Linde D12 SP and D14 SP and Linde D12 HP SP) is the steel chassis placed far around the driver's platform. It keeps the operator within the contours of the truck, provides a stable, padded backrest and effectively protects against injury in the event of shocks and collisions. Another striking feature is the driver's slightly rotated position, which is at a 45° angle to the direction of the forks. This allows him to observe his surroundings in any direction of travel without having to change his body position or turn his head. This relaxed posture not only helps with driving maneuvers during daily work, but also prevents tension and health problems in the back or neck in the long run.

While the SP models with fixed step platform are designed to travel longer distances frequently, the AP models prove their advantages in tighter spaces that are difficult to access. For example, to reduce the turning radius in very tight spaces, the step platform of the Linde T20 AP and T25 AP pallet trucks (with lifting capacities of up to 2.0 and 2.5 tons, respectively) and the Linde D12 HP AP double stock stackers (with a lifting capacity of up to 1.2 tons) can be folded. For greater safety, the creep speed function can be activated, which adjusts travel speed according to the angle of the drawbar.

Both fixed and folding operator platform models are optimized to deliver maximum performance. A 3 kW AC motor enables the trucks to accelerate up to 14 km/h unloaded. To properly absorb vibrations and shocks caused by uneven surfaces, the operator platform and drawbar are decoupled from the chassis as standard on both AP and SP trucks. This unique feature is exclusive to Linde. It offers the advantage of keeping drivers alert and focused longer and protecting their long-term health. In addition, an innovative stabilization wheel has been developed to keep the load as stable as possible on the forks. Large caster wheels with shock absorbers compensate for vibrations and automatically adjust to the driving situation and speed. This ensures a high level of safety and increases productivity.

When extra power is needed on dock shelters, there are the High Performance (HP) double stackers. They offer high travel and lift speeds while featuring a stable 5-point configuration with a centered drive wheel and mechanically sprung or hydraulic stabilizer wheels.

SP models are equipped with another safety feature: the Linde Feet Detection assistance system. As soon as the operator's feet leave the sensor-protected area, the truck brakes in a controlled manner. To warn pedestrians and other drivers of an approaching truck, the SP versions offer the newly integrated Linde BlueSpot. Both the SP and AP models will be equipped with a new module of the Linde connect: fleet management 'Zone Intelligence' solution. This allows individual zones to be defined. When a truck enters a defined zone, the driving speed is automatically adjusted.

Wide and deep storage compartments, which can be used to store shrink wrap, work gloves, writing utensils, etc., ensure an organized workspace. The range of holders has once again been expanded to keep necessary tools within easy reach. Another new option is the multifunctional color screen. Thanks to its higher contrast, information on operating hours, battery status and maintenance status is clearly visible even in poor ambient light.

New, so-called battery shelves are designed for both lithium-ion as lead-acid batteries, allowing customers to choose and convert as desired. Built-in chargers are available for both battery options.

The truck's digital infrastructure enables predictive maintenance and new features can be added to the truck at any time through software updates. Finally, all data can be managed transparently through the digital interface.