From DIY stores to food wholesalers, from the automotive industry to contract logistics: picking goods is one of the core tasks in every warehouse. At the same time, these are cost-intensive due to the high proportion of manual activities. This is why Linde Material Handling placed particular emphasis on user support when developing the new trucks: even the standard version of the trucks, which can reach speeds of up to 14 km/h, offers a high level of operator comfort, which can be enhanced with additional options depending on the application requirements.

One thing is clear: demands have grown steadily in recent years. It is just as important to respond adequately to shorter delivery times as it is to seasonal peaks - for example during the Christmas season - or rising labor costs. Pick rates and throughput times need to be increased, error rates reduced and health-related employee absences prevented. "With the different variants of the new order picker, our customers can keep their logistics costs under control in classic man-to-goods applications and increase the efficiency of their warehouse," summarizes Eloïse Lévêque, International Product Manager at Linde Material Handling.

More ergonomics for more efficient processes
With the arrangement of the battery, driver's platform and load handling module, Linde follows the standard market design for the N20 C, which is particularly beneficial for operators of mixed fleets: employees do not have to rethink when switching back and forth between vehicles from different manufacturers. The low entry height of just 130 millimetres and the wide vehicle access (428 or 418 millimetres depending on the model) make it easy to enter and exit the operator's platform frequently in everyday order picking.

Ergonomically positioned handles provide a secure grip - even when reversing. The optional equipment features include the air-sprung operator platform. It absorbs stressful and tiring shocks and vibrations for the operator when the machine is traveling on uneven ground. The standard padded backrest can be optionally adjusted to the operator's height. It ensures a secure footing while driving. A fold-out driver's seat (with sensor for driver detection) is also integrated for longer distances or waiting times. The optional padded knee protection provides additional comfort when seated.

The N20 C can be used to pick goods in the 1.2 to 2.5 ton load range. © Linde Material Handling

Networked and everything in view
The Linde N20 C is operated via the new, height-adjustable steering wheel. Integrated into the round shape with a rubberized surface for optimum grip are forward and reverse travel switches. They can be operated on both sides with the thumb or index finger. To ensure that driving is as distraction-free as possible, the Linde engineers have deliberately positioned the multifunction color display below the steering wheel. The operator can read the most important vehicle-relevant information on the screen - from the battery charge status to service instructions. Also on board as an option: the modular Linde connect fleet management software with access control, damage monitoring and usage analysis.

Where picking takes place, things are usually busy, which increases the risk of material damage and accidents - and therefore the risk of unplanned follow-up costs and disruptions to operations. To prevent this, the N20 C has a range of factory-installed or optional safety features. The visibility of the route and load is extremely important for the operator.

There are also special features such as the hydraulically assisted braking unit - one of a total of three braking systems on board. It varies the braking effect of the order picker in relation to the load picked up. Linde Curve Control reduces the driving speed depending on the steering angle and prevents tipping accidents on bends. Special bumpers can be fitted to the front of the truck to reduce expensive collision damage to shelves, goods or the truck itself. Additional equipment features such as powerful LED front headlights, the Linde Bluespot, a front panoramic mirror, protective screens or grilles for the mast and various load protection grilles are also available.

Tailored solution
Fleet operators also have a wide range of options when it comes to the general design of the new series: the N20 C can be ordered in a double-deck version (D), with long wheel arms and forks (LoL), with a scissor lift function (LX), with extended forks of up to 3,100 millimetres or as a high-performance version (HP) for the 2.5-tonne model. This allows the vehicle to be adapted to the respective application in a targeted manner and therefore as economically as possible. As more and more warehouses are creating picking positions not only on the lowest shelf level but also on the shelf level above for space reasons, Linde also has a lifting driver platform in its portfolio for almost all of the variants mentioned: Thanks to this, the operator can safely reach parts and goods at a height of up to 2.8 meters.

On the drive side, both lead-acid batteries and lithium-ion batteries are available for the N20 C in combination with different chargers. The battery can be changed vertically or laterally. as