Linde Material Handling, one of Europe’s largest manufacturers of forklift trucks, has launched a new hydraulic fork positioner; ‘View’, that improves operator visibility when handling loads.

Fork positioners are a popular truck option in many applications, helping to speed up the accurate handling of multiple load sizes. By hydraulically adjusting the fork spread for each individual load without having to leave his seat, the operator can store and retrieve loads more quickly and more accurately.

Unobstructed visibility of the forks through the truck’s mast, fork carriage and attachment is vital. By creating this new fork positioner, Linde has identified and addressed a gap in the market for further improvement in visibility.
 
The enhanced visibility offered by this new fork positioner prevents damage to goods as well as potential damage to the truck itself, the infrastructure or other vehicles.

Zuzana Golisova, product manager counterbalanced trucks at Linde Material Handling, said: “Our aim was to increase the operator’s scope of visibility to make load handling processes safer.

“Our research showed that several smaller viewing areas can be more effective than just a few large ones.”

The new ‘View’ hydraulic fork positioner is available for all electric and IC-powered counterbalanced trucks from 1.2 to 5.0 tonnes lifting capacity.

Linde’s positioner includes a high mounted side-shift cylinder and fork adjustment cylinders located in the centre of the carriage, provide additional visibility of the forks.

The use of angled web plates and steel tubes in place of hoses also give operators a better view of the forks and provides enhanced protection against damage.

Trucks with individually bolted forks can also use this new product as the fork positioner’s crossbars feature three pilot holes in each.

The new fork positioner is part of Linde’s vision for the future: ‘Vision Zero – Safety in your world’ and includes the company’s range of safety-orientated innovations for industrial trucks. This includes intelligent assistance systems, training programmes and consulting services, all aimed at reducing work-related accidents.

Andreas Krinniger, chairman of the management board at Linde Material Handling, says: “One of our main aims is to help customers eliminate accidents. Safety is also key to improving business performance. ’Vision Zero’ is our contribution to a safer and more productive future.”