Larger fields of vision thanks to the lift mast, super-slim A-pillars, the flatter counterweight, armored glass roof and fully glazed cab doors combine good visibility with a high level of protection. Assistance systems ensure safety and productivity. Comfort improvements such as the low, wide step, ten centimetres more headroom or a 7-inch color display and ergonomically arranged switches support the driver at work. At the same time, the combustion engine is cleaner thanks to a standard particulate filter and Linde hydrostatics. According to the company, the handling performance of the new trucks is significantly higher than that of all competitor trucks. Stefan Prokosch, Senior Vice President Productmanagement Industrial Trucks Counterbalance Linde Material Handling, spoke to materialfluss about the new hydrostatic trucks.

materialfluss: What is the "killer argument" with which you would have convinced the trade fair visitor of your product in the shortest possible time?

Stefan Prokosch: The new IC engine-powered trucks from Linde Material Handling offer significant improvements in many respects: visibility, comfort, data networking and exhaust gas aftertreatment make the diesel, LPG and natural gas trucks the best trucks ever on the market. At the same time, new functions and technologies can be integrated via software updates.

Stefan Prokosch, Senior VP Productmanagement Industrial Trucks Counterbalance at Linde Material Handling. © Linde Material Handling

mfl: What's next for the product in the coming months? Are you planning further updates or improvements?

Prokosch: Linde Material Handling has been producing the new series since the beginning of this year. The product is technically mature and special solutions are gradually being introduced. However, the cloud solution is to be further expanded and with it the possibility of activating functions "over-the-air", proactively maintaining the vehicles and updating software remotely in order to increase availability and reduce costs.

mfl: What strategy do you want to use to reach your customers now, even without a trade fair?

Prokosch: We are adapting to the current situation when it comes to communicating and providing information to our customers. Websites, online platforms, telephone, email and social media are currently tried and tested ways of staying in touch with customers and interested parties. As soon as the situation has normalized, all other sales channels will come into play again.