New options Linde reach trucks: ergonomic and safe working

A sensor that protects against rack damage and a multifunctional and ergonomic control handle that ensures efficient control. Warehouse managers benefit from cost savings and improved productivity, and the reach truck operator can fully focus on the load due to the ease of operation.

Rack damage caused by collision is a problem for warehouse managers because it results in significant costs and delays due to downtime. Damages are primarily caused by reach truck operators maneuvering along the rack while they have their eyes up on the load at the top of the rack. "If you have to look up, you may lose sight of what is happening on the ground," said Alexander Schmidt, Senior Product Manager Reach Trucks at Linde Material Handling. "Even a small oversight can lead to huge delays in operations," Schmidt said. "For example, if a rack beam is dented by six millimeters over a length of one meter, up to a third of its load capacity can be lost. This can mean that a number of racks can no longer be used, thus reducing the capacity of the warehouse. Repairing and replacing broken rack sections takes a lot of time. Since all the compartments to the right and left of the damaged racks have to be emptied and the goods temporarily stored somewhere else. This reduces productivity in the warehouse" sums up the Product Manager.

Rack Protection Sensor: optimal visibility, less damage

Linde Material Handling now offers a solution to this problem with the Rack Protection Sensor (RPS). The patented RPS system consists of two sensors mounted in a protected housing on top of the reach truck's row legs. These sensors "see" objects in the beam in front of them. If an object is detected, the system brakes the truck, preventing damage. The sensors become active at driving speeds of less than five kilometers per hour. If the speed increases, for example to cover longer distances, the system is automatically switched off. Schmidt explains that the technology is particularly suitable for warehouse conditions because it works in both artificial light and sunlight.

The assistance system is particularly suitable for companies that work with temporary workers because they may not be accustomed to driving a Linde truck and therefore may not be able to correctly assess the dimensions of the truck.

The system is available as optional equipment for the high-performance reach trucks in the Linde R14 - R25 series with payloads from 1.4 to 2.5 tons and will also be offered as a retrofit solution for these trucks.

Multifunction control lever: everything under control

The second new option from Linde Material Handling is a new multi-function control handle. The joystick is specially designed to support operators' concentration and health and to increase productivity.

Based on an ergonomic study, the innovative human machine interface (HMI) was developed. In cooperation with the Fraunhofer Institute (IAO) and Porsche Industriedesign. The result is an easy-to-use and ergonomically perfect joystick, where the driver's hand rests in a natural position. One size fits all: the lever is suitable for all hands; from very large to very small.

A wing protrudes from the right side that provides additional support for hands of all sizes. The drive, reach and lift functions can be operated intuitively with minimal wrist and finger effort.

All hydraulic functions are combined. This allows intuitive operation of the following functions; mast reach, side-shift, forkboard tilt, truck travel direction and horn. The operator's ease of operation and relaxed posture, even when wearing gloves, allows the operator to fully focus on the load.