What does the ideal forklift truck look like? What equipment ensures maximum efficiency? What makes it a guarantee for maximum safety? The responsible product managers at Linde Material Handling asked themselves these questions. It quickly became clear that the Roadster version of the Linde E20 to E35 electric forklift trucks with a load capacity of 2 to 3.5 tons was the ideal basis for the "Perfect Truck".

The special feature of the Roadster: by eliminating the A-pillar, the operator has a completely unobstructed view to the right and left of the lift mast of the route surroundings and load, while the optional panoramic armored glass roof provides a clear view upwards. The design is made possible by a unique feature of Linde front loaders: the overhead tilt cylinders. They divert the forces acting on the mast to the rear via the overhead guard.

Maximum safety and productivity

But how does the Roadster become the "perfect truck"? Additional options ensure this. Starting with the Linde Safety Pilot active assistance system, the Linde TruckSpot visual warning system, the innovative LED Stripes lighting solution, the integrated "View" fork positioner, innovative CS20 tires, the panoramic armored glass roof and an energy-efficient lithium-ion battery.

"The number of safety and assistance systems offered by Linde is very extensive. The 'Perfect Truck' shows a wide variety of solutions bundled on one truck and provides impressive proof of Linde's range of services," explains Björn Walter, Product Manager Frontloader at Linde Material Handling.

Options for more security

The Linde Safety Pilot is of central importance for the high safety standard of the "Perfect Truck". The driver assistance system helps the driver to avoid tipping accidents by continuously monitoring a wide range of vehicle parameters such as lifting height, load center of gravity, load weight and driving speed during operation, displaying them and intervening as an "intelligent co-driver" in safety-critical situations. The driver has full transparency; operating and driving errors are effectively avoided.

The Linde TruckSpot optical warning device projects a large red warning triangle onto the ground behind the forklift truck at a distance of around four meters and signals to pedestrians and other drivers that a forklift truck is approaching - so that they can react in good time.

To ensure that forklift drivers have a clear view of products and goods carriers even in unfavorable lighting conditions, the "Perfect Truck" is equipped with LED strips on the mast and rear that illuminate the work area evenly and over a large area. The light strips shine white in the direction of travel, with the other side optionally switching to red.

A better view of the forks and load is the aim of the integrated "View" fork positioner: design optimizations increase the driver's field of vision, allowing him to position the load more quickly, accurately and safely.

The "Perfect Truck" is also equipped with a lithium-ion battery for maximum availability. Fast intermediate charging saves time-consuming battery changes and, together with the higher energy density, ensures significantly longer operating times.

To make optimum use of the drive power, the "Perfect Truck" runs on CS20 tires. Their L-shaped tread improves traction, while the low rolling resistance increases mileage and reduces energy consumption.

"With the 'Perfect Truck', Linde shows what is possible," says Björn Walter: "Its features set standards across the industry. No one will be able to copy this vehicle in a hurry!"

World of Material Handling (WoMH)

Under the motto "Simplexity. The Art of Smart Solutions." the 3rd World of Material Handling (WoMH) will take place at the Maimarkt exhibition center in Mannheim until June 15, 2018. Visitors from over 50 countries will have the opportunity to obtain in-depth information about market trends, technological innovations and holistic solutions for intralogistics and to exchange ideas with experts. The 13,000 square meter area offers space for live installations of intralogistics processes, product presentations and tests as well as plenary events, workshops and personal exchanges. Exhibitors include Linde Material Handling and Dematic as well as many other international intralogistics providers. pb