The new Linde E25 to E35 EX electric forklift truck for ATEX zone 2/22 was one of the crowd-pullers at the Dangerous Goods/Hazardous Substances trade fair in Leipzig at the beginning of November. The fundamentally improved generation of Linde counterbalance trucks is now also available for hazardous areas. This proves once again the close connection between series and Ex truck development at Linde MH. The design of the chassis, cab and mast provides an optimum view of the truck, load and working environment. This improves handling performance and operational safety. Drivers also benefit from an optimized driver's workplace. It is even more generously dimensioned than the previous models and offers more headroom, for example. Thanks to the complete integration of the explosion protection measures, the product benefits of the series devices are fully retained for all Atex zones.

At the same time, use in potentially explosive atmospheres is taken into account. Plastic cladding, floor mats and tires as well as seat upholstery and armrests made of dissipative material provide protection against static electricity. Front, rear and roof wipers are also electrically operated as standard for Zone 1/21 for the first time. As with the standard vehicles, the operator reads important information such as the time of the next service, the battery charge status or error codes on a color display in the Ex models. Safety-relevant values, such as the temperature of various components, are also monitored; warnings are shown on a separate display. The Ex-Monitoring app provides the driver with specific recommendations for action - for example, to allow the vehicle to cool down for 15 minutes. The app also enables predictive maintenance, as safety-critical wearing parts are monitored and the customer is prompted to arrange a service appointment in good time.

Driving comfort is also ensured by the decoupling of the driver's workplace from the drive unit and mast, as well as the use of an elastomer ring bearing for shock absorption on the front axle. Efficient motors ensure reduced energy consumption. The electronic temperature monitoring on the drive motors, which is linked to a safety warning and shutdown, is explosion-proof. All electronic controls, sensors, fuses and relays are housed centrally in a pressure-resistant control housing at the rear of the vehicle. The optional access via the rear of the vehicle ensures fast charging of the lead-acid battery. Various optional assistance systems, lighting solutions and the Linde:connect fleet management solution round off the equipment. The data transmission unit installed as standard makes the Ex trucks fit for digital logistics processes such as software updates.