Linde order picker trucks now available with integrated Li-ion battery

Saving time in a process where every second counts

With the new N20 - N25 horizontal order pickers, Linde Material Handling (MH) builds on its unique order picker design, with the battery behind the driver instead of in front. The latest version with integrated Li-ion battery is the most compact on the market, resulting in shorter walking distances and better maneuverability in tight warehouse spaces. Together with a higher travel speed, this allows for faster order picking and businesses to achieve higher productivity.

Integrated Li-ion battery in unique design concept

Linde MH customers have long been able to choose between two types of horizontal order picker trucks: on the one hand, the classic design, where the battery is placed in front of the driver's seat, and on the other hand, the exclusive Linde MH variant, with the battery behind the driver. The great advantage of this construction is that when turning from one aisle to another, the employee has a better view of the driving path and can recognize potentially dangerous situations at an early stage.

With the integrated Li-ion battery, these trucks have now been made significantly shorter. The new length of 1,243 millimeters excluding the forks (l2 size), ensures that the horizontal order picker has a smaller turning radius and thus can maneuver better around bends and narrow aisles. In the order picking process itself, the more compact design also provides a significant advantage: ‘At each stop, the employee now has to take one to two fewer steps to the goods, which accumulates over the course of the day and increases overall productivity.’, further explains Marc Castro, Senior Strategy and Portfolio Manager Warehouse Trucks at Linde MH. In addition, these N20 and N25 trucks can reach a higher top speed, of 14 km/h. ‘With the usual “stop-and-go” of the order picking process, that may not play as much of a role, but when there are greater distances between stops, it makes a big difference in work time at the end of the day.’

Custom configurable

The new N20 - N25 order picker trucks reach their maximum potential with lithium-ion batteries, but for companies that prefer lead-acid batteries, there are also other variants with interchangeable batteries. ‘However, we recommend that all customers consider the possibility of the Li-ion battery, which is also interesting in terms of cost’, Castro emphasizes. For example, these are an excellent choice at coldstores or in warehouses in the food or pharmaceutical industries, and anywhere with strict hygiene requirements.

The comfort of use and working height can also be adjusted as desired. For example, these trucks can be equipped with an adjustable backrest including folding seat or an air-sprung platform, and can be fitted with a height-adjustable steering wheel and a fold-out step. Also, if required, the driver's seat can be raised to a reach height of 2.8 meters, for order-picking tasks at restricted heights.

Safety features include the Linde Curve Assist and two separate braking systems as standard. Optional features such as the Linde BlueSpot or the Linde Safety Guard for automatic speed adjustment can be added.

Shorter maintenance

The newly developed order pickers also offer advantages in terms of maintenance and service. Namely, they simplify the work of service technicians: the hood can be removed in no time at all and maintenance is usually only required after 1,000 operating hours.