Aiming for daily practice in the warehouse

New Linde 1121 reach trucks

With the introduction of the 1121 reach truck series, Linde is opting for a broader positioning in the warehouse segment. Whereas the well-known 1120 series dominated in the premium segment for many years, the new line emphatically focuses on daily practice: logistics environments where reliability counts, but where maximum capacity is not run continuously. Motrac has now included the series in its delivery program.

According to Maarten Vaandrager, Sales Director at Motrac Netherlands, the origin of the new series lies in a clear observation. “The 1121 is an absolute addition to the current range and the perfect reach truck for everyday warehouse applications. They are designed for the growing number of companies looking for compact, maneuverable trucks for one- and two-shift operations.”

Whereas the 1120 was designed for heavy and continuous use, Linde is trying to close that gap with the 1121 series. Not by compromising on the basics, but by tailoring the product more sharply to its actual use. That shift is not only technical, but also economic. The new series is more accessible to a wider range of users, especially in SMEs. “It's Linde quality, at a level better suited to everyday use,” Vaandrager said.

More compact due to integrated lithium technology

One of the most obvious choices is the fully integrated lithium-ion battery. This affects not only energy management, but also the construction of the truck itself.

Because the battery is part of the design, the machine is more compact. That translates directly to a smaller turning radius and more maneuverability in narrow aisles. In practice, that means less risk of damage and more efficient operation in existing warehouses, where space is often the limiting factor.

In addition, lithium technology offers the now familiar benefits: interim charging, less maintenance and a more constant energy level throughout the working day. “It makes the truck easier to use and more predictable in performance,” says Vaandrager.

Safety and ergonomics as a constant factor

Although the 1121 series is positioned emphatically below the 1120, typical Linde elements remain. Safety systems such as Curve Assist, which automatically adjusts speed when cornering, are standard. Brakes on all three load wheels and optional systems such as the Linde Safety Guard are also part of the package.

In terms of ergonomics, little has been sacrificed. As with the heavier models, the cab is placed on rubbers to absorb vibrations. Combined with a standard suspension seat, this should reduce operator strain during longer shifts.

Connection to changing warehouses

The maximum lifting height of 11 meters is in line with a clear trend in the Netherlands. Warehouses are getting higher, while available floor space is under pressure.

The 1121 series comes in variants up to 9 and 11 meters, with lifting capacities from approximately 1.2 to 1.8 tons. Thus, Linde serves most of the common warehousing applications, without going straight to the extremes.

For that heavier use - for example, in three-shift operations or intensive handling - the 1120 series remains emphatically in the picture.

Focused on ‘normal’ deployment

The positioning of the 1121 is perhaps most interesting. Not as a stripped-down variant, but as a conscious choice for a different usage profile. In doing so, Vaandrager avoids terms like ‘entry-level model. ’We prefer to call it a truck for the daily warehouse application,“ he says.”

That amounts to a deployment of roughly 1,000 to 1,500 running hours per year, in sectors such as logistics, retail and manufacturing. Environments where efficiency and reliability are important.

Wider deployment without concessions

With the 1121 series, Linde seems to be responding to a market that is looking more and more critically at the ratio between investment and use. Not every user needs a heavy-duty model, but wants the security of a proven brand.

The key, then, is to keep the brand promise while making the product more accessible. Or as Vaandrager sums it up, “a reach truck for customers who want to invest smartly, without compromising on performance.”