Individuality is key

The E20 to E35 electric forklift trucks from Linde Material Handling with a load capacity of 2.0 to 3.5 tons are among the best-selling electric forklift trucks in Europe. Linde is now using the technical advantage of the overhead tilt cylinders - one of the trademarks of the trucks - for a new truck concept: thanks to the truck design without an A-pillar and the optional driver's canopy made of armored glass, the "Linde Roadster" gives the driver a unique view of the roadway environment and thus offers a further plus in safety.

"Eliminating the A-pillar significantly increases the driver's field of vision." Company Linde

As the overhead tilt cylinders absorb the forces acting on the mast during forklift operation and transfer them to the rear via the overhead guard frame, the A-pillar can be dispensed with. A curved steel tube running behind the steering column and dashboard serves as an access aid and allows the attachment of additional equipment such as a terminal, display for the Linde Safety Pilot assistance system, clipboard or cell phone.

Excellent visibility

The elimination of the A-pillar significantly increases the driver's field of vision. People or objects in the nearer or more distant path of travel are detected at an early stage and the driver can react accordingly. According to Linde, the new vehicles are suitable "to fully exploit the advantages of the concept, especially for indoor use, as there is no need for a cab, doors or heating".

Other equipment options include a frameless windshield, also made of armored glass, and a frameless rear window.Like all series models in the Linde E 20 to E35 series, the Linde Roadster offers important features such as double pedal control, Linde Load Control and the compact axle with twin-engine front-wheel drive.

Jerk-free start-up

The new, robust forklift trucks from Jungheinrich offer a high residual capacity and above-average stability and driving safety.

The new diesel and LPG forklift trucks from Jungheinrich with load capacities of 4, 4.5 and 5 tons offer high handling performance as universally applicable trucks with torque converters. The strengths of the hydrodynamic forklift truck really come into their own over medium and long distances in outdoor areas: smooth, jerk-free starting and optimum efficiency at medium and high speeds. The globally proven Kubota industrial engine achieves high torque even at low speeds, which reduces fuel consumption and minimizes noise.

The functionally designed workplace offers the driver generous legroom thanks to the narrow and easily adjustable steering column. The driver's seat with high suspension comfort offers a wide range of adjustment options for fatigue-free working. The drive unit mounted on damping elements improves driving comfort and reduces human vibrations. In addition, the footwell is lined with a vibration-absorbing mat and the overhead guard is vibration-decoupled.

Easy maintenance

Essential core components of the trucks are manufactured at the Jungheinrich plant in Moosburg. Maintenance of the entire truck can be carried out quickly, easily and cost-effectively thanks to high-quality, robust components, the wear-free wet multi-disc brake and good access to the engine compartment. This means that the truck can be serviced and repaired without expert knowledge, special tools or vehicle-specific diagnostic software.

"The device can be maintained and repaired without expert knowledge, special tools or diagnostic software." Company Jungheinrich

The electrical system is splash-proof and the fuse box is easily accessible at all times on the console wall in the driver's compartment. In addition, all vehicles are equipped with a closed high-performance cooling system with combi-cooler. This means that even extreme conditions cannot harm the truck.

Numerous optimizations

Still has revised the diesel and LPG forklifts in the RX 70 series with a load capacity of 2.0 to 3.5 tons and achieved numerous optimizations in terms of efficiency, durability and performance. For example, the extended wheelbase enables even more stable and comfortable handling. The new series is equipped with powerful industrial engines and proven diesel-electric drive.

Proven even under tough operating conditions: The RX 70-25 from Still transporting heavy steel parts. Photo: Still

With five adjustable driving programs, the maximum driving speed as well as the acceleration and braking behavior can be set individually. The user can always adapt the vehicle's performance to the driver's habits or special application requirements. To accelerate or decelerate, the driver only has to press the accelerator pedal; if he takes his foot off the accelerator, the truck is braked electrically and therefore completely wear-free. The service brake is hardly ever needed. Automatic braking also provides additional safety against unintentional rolling away on uneven surfaces or ramps.

Comfortable workplace

In terms of ergonomics and comfort, the RX 70-20/-35 offers a consistent workplace concept. The driver can get on and off safely and comfortably via the low step and grab handles. A spacious footwell ensures optimum foot and legroom even for tall drivers. The generously dimensioned and comfortable driver's seat offers numerous storage options. The individually adjustable driver's seat has an armrest with mini levers; Joystick 4Plus or fingertip operation are also available as options. Comfortable and safe load handling is guaranteed thanks to the sensitive hydraulic controls. The ergonomic arrangement and design of all controls as well as a vibration- and sound-insulated driver's cab ensure fatigue-free and pleasant working conditions at all times.

Furthermore, the trucks clearly undercut the limit values of the exhaust gas legislation according to 97/68/EC Stage 3b. In addition to the Blue-Q energy efficiency program and the diesel-electric drive, the intelligent drive control system also saves fuel. All important components are encapsulated and therefore resistant to dust, dirt and water. In demanding applications, this is a prerequisite for fast and safe working, for example in the building materials and metal industry, at freight forwarders or logistics and service companies.

Pioneering battery technology

The BYD forklift fleet at Hagebaumarkt Georg Altenburg GmbH in Stadthagen was recently increased to eight trucks. The new electric forklift trucks are equipped with the latest Lifepo battery technology from BYD. The abbreviation "Lifepo" stands for lithium iron phosphate. According to BYD, the longevity of the permanently installed batteries and the performance guarantees are "the best among lithium-ion batteries, resulting in operating cost savings of up to 40 percent".

On the 43,500 square meter site of the AB hagebaumarktcentrum, the approximately 10,000 square meter hall complex, garden center and building materials store stocks over 25,000 items for professionals and private customers. The large company premises are covered by an extensive network of routes and paths on which the new electric forklift trucks carry out the internal transportation of goods quickly and safely. The fleet is in constant use for loading and unloading processes in the delivery, picking and dispatch areas as well as on the warehouse shelves and in the outdoor area.

Economical and reliable: Use of the ECB20 forklift truck from BYD in a Hagebaumarkt store, which has expanded its BYD fleet to eight trucks. Photo: BYD

In the "Floraland" and "Holzland" areas, an ECB 20C four-wheel forklift with a load capacity of 2 tons and an ECB 25C with a load capacity of 2.5 tons are now used to transport and load fences, privacy screens and similar products quickly. An ECB 35C four-wheel forklift with a load capacity of 3.5 tons is used for heavy building materials in the storage area.

In other areas of the DIY store, an ECB16C three-wheel stacker with a payload of 1.6 tons and a lifting height of 4500 mm, three ECB 18C three-wheel stackers with a load capacity of 1.8 tons and an EPS14 electric pallet truck are used.

Very short charging times

What all BYD electric forklifts have in common is the latest energy carrier and energy transfer technology, consisting of a maintenance-free BYD lithium iron phosphate battery permanently installed in the forklift and a BYD high-speed charger that can be used to charge the batteries in one to two hours, regardless of location.

With the ECB Lifepo forklift series, the speed is automatically reduced when cornering. An intelligent brake assistance system prevents the truck from rolling away on uphill and downhill gradients by means of a standstill mode when the brakes are released.

Individual configurations

Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks has announced that the EDiA EM 48-volt forklift trucks have been given "practical updates". The EDiA EM are now equipped with the fingertip armrest already installed in the SENSiA reach truck and the EDiA EX 80-volt truck for greater precision and sensitivity: "The same armrest for three model series offers great advantages, especially for fleet operators". An electric forklift truck driver can easily be instructed on the reach truck and vice versa. Identical components also bring advantages in terms of service and spare parts procurement. In addition, new software improves the sensitivity of the steering and hydraulic functions.

A range of new additional equipment enables the configuration of a powerful truck that is comfortably equipped for any application. For example, two pedals to the right and left of the brake pedal, which have already proven themselves on the 80-volt EDiA EX, are fitted for directional control by foot; they provide the impulse for forward or reverse acceleration. The position of the oscillating pedals - when one is pressed down, the other goes up - is monitored by a protractor.

It has to be comfortable

A Grammer seat with vinyl upholstery is also available, which is equipped with mechanical suspension and mechanical lumbar support and whose backrest angle can be adjusted in the range -5 to 30 °C.

Mitsubishi's EDiA EM forklift trucks are now equipped with fingertip armrests for controlling the hydraulic functions. Photo: Mitsubishi

"The same armrest for three model series offers great advantages, especially for fleet operators." Company Mitsubishi

With the side battery change option for the 48-volt three- and four-wheel forklift trucks, the battery is moved or inserted quickly and easily from the forklift truck using external devices via the integrated rollers on the underside of the trolley.

Furthermore, a sensor on the mast increases safety and improves load handling at specified lifting heights by automatically adjusting the travel, tilt and sideshift speeds.

Reinhard Irrgang