---------- New heavyweights equipped with electric drives

Mainz, Aschaffenburg, 6 May 2014. Over the past three years, Linde Material Handling (MH) has gradually modernised its entire range of electric counterbalance trucks, replacing models with more powerful, more efficient and more ergonomically sound equivalents. Now, the market leader in Europe is expanding its range of products in this segment even further. The new series Linde E60 to E80 comprises four models with load capacities ranging from six to eight tonnes, as well as one version with a load capacity of eight tonnes and a 900-millimetre centre of gravity. This series was unveiled for the first time at the "World of Material Handling" customer event held in Mainz, Germany — an event that spanned several weeks. 

For many operating companies—such as those in the sensitive food industry—electrically powered trucks have become the solution of choice when investing in intralogistics thanks to their lack of emissions and quiet operation. At the same time, this segment is also seeing the trend for higher load capacity classes, with a view to handling larger volumes of goods per cycle and increasing productivity. Linde MH is meeting this growing demand head-on with its extensive new range of electric forklift trucks.

Electrical powerhouse
To enable loads weighing up to eight tonnes to be transported quickly and safely—as well as lifted at the maximum lift height—the 80-V trucks are equipped with a powerful encapsulated drive unit with two 11-kW three-phase AC traction motors integrated into the front axle. Maintenance-free oil bath multi-disc brakes with energy recovery and co-ordinated power modules also form part of the specification of the trucks, which feature the typical Linde design. Two extremely quiet 21-kW three-phase AC lift motors move the lift mast at lifting speeds of up to 0.46 m/sec. and lowering speeds of up to 0.56 m/sec. What's more, thanks to the dual-motor front-wheel drive, the truck is extremely easy to manoeuvre and turns within a turning radius of just 3 metres at a length of around 3.5 metres. To enable the trucks to be as economical as possible during operation, various drive modes can be selected to provide the ideal blend of performance and (energy) efficiency.

Ergonomics that pay off
Forklift truck drivers can feel more than safe behind the controls of the Linde E60 to E80. The overhead guard and chassis on the compact trucks form a complete, fully enclosed, solid unit, providing a protective space around the operator. At the same time, the slimline profile of the lift mast ensures drivers have a good view ahead and allows loads to be handled safely. The spacious cab is the same as the equivalent series of Linde trucks equipped with internal combustion engines in terms of their design and features. Features include a larger footwell and the hydraulically dampened driver's seat, which is spring-loaded as standard and offers a host of adjustment options, as well as the scope to be upgraded to the air-sprung super comfort driver's seat with seat heater and backrest extension. The vehicle speed and lifting/working hydraulics are controlled with precision and sensitivity via the ergonomics concept with dual-pedal control and Linde Load Control — the same ergonomics concept used for all Linde forklift trucks. The Linde Curve Assist is also available to drivers as standard. This system reduces the speed of the truck in bends depending on the steering angle. Another feature is the automatic parking brake, which can be set to automatically apply the handbrake at certain times and when the truck comes to a standstill. This feature prevents the truck from rolling away in an uncontrolled manner on slopes and is deactivated by pressing the accelerator pedal again. Using the display of the battery's remaining useful period—which is accurate to the minute—drivers can accurately plan for the next battery replacement or charge and avoid deep discharge and subsequent damage to the battery. This information is made available to drivers via the multifunction indicator. What's more, thanks to the active ventilation—in which any gases from the battery are conducted away via the rear of the truck—the truck can even be charged with the doors closed, meaning less space is required for the charging process. Wide, soft steps that are visible from above and a handle on the A pillar and battery hood ensure safe entry into and exit from the cab. The tried-and-tested BlueSpot feature that warns against approaching trucks is available as special equipment.