Sounds to me that you need to start getting tough with your operators. I would suggest assigning each operator a specific truck and holding them individually accountable for abuse related damages to the truck.

im a mechanic for a linde dealer in the metro ny area
as far as ive seen except for a few problems the lindes are very successful with lots of repeat buisness
they do last longer than other machines
the tag line linde uses is "this is the most expensive forklift you will ever buy" up front but they claim that extended service intervals and a better built product using top quality parts (wich is the reasoning behind the high purchase price) will in the long run save the customer substantial amounts of money over the life of the machine wich in most case is what happens (unless abuse is rampant in wich case no machine is safe)
as far as operators i have talked to many who switch from conventional to the dual pedal setup and they all say that for the 1st few days they had to get used to it but once they are they love the way the machine works
also most lindes have a single pedal option i believe though dont quote me

Well its a simple circuit and has worked fine for the customers that request it.
Nothing is ever tamper proof.
Try it and see.

Adrian, sounds good but the pessimistic side of me says that it would not last long. After a while, some smart alecs would be able to bypass them and it becomes a tedious process of us rectifying all the bypassed circuits!

How about fitting a seat switch and timer so that when operator leaves the machine it will automaticly shut down the engine after a designated time.
I have come across operators leaving machines running during breaks.

EasyM, Is ee where you're coming from, but you have contradicted yourself somewhat with a claim of 'a lifecycle at least 50% more than any other truck'.

Is this claim a definate for the Linde? The answer is no (Because of many factors) and would say that the claim is somewhat hyped up and does not cover the lifetime costs aspect.

I do not know what brought about the remark from EasyM but the reason why I participate in this forum is so that I can learn from the experience of others. Sure, I would not take things wholesale and accept them as the gospel truth. But at least, it gives me an idea of how fellow forklift users and suppliers in other parts of the world handle the issues that I am facing. This is called "Sharing" (and, to a certain extent, "Caring").

I do not know what I do not know. And sometimes, I know what I do not know. With this forum, I may learn of what I do not know that I do not know as well as that I know I do not know.

Anyway, I am thankful for all who contribute their views and experience. Certainly makes me feel less alone in dealing with forklift issues.

Here is the exact quote that I referred to:
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"Yeah, I was told of this before by a local Linde sales rep but from what I gathered from this forum, switching to a Linde is no easy task. A steep learning curve for operators. Also told that it might experience leaking problems.

What can I do with my existing fleet?"
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Do you always believe everything that you read or do good managers go the extra step and investigate products first hand? Sure the Linde operates differently than standard torque converter trucks. They do require the operators to do things differently than they have been accustomed to. They are also more fuel efficient, require less maintenance, are easier on the operator, and have a lifecycle at least 50% longer than other trucks. The new NACCO truck is designed to "mimick" a Hydrostatic drive. They have tried to copy the way a Linde operates without having a hydrostatic drive unit. It remains to be seen whether or not this will work. From what I hear, they are having real problems.
If the gentleman that I was reffering to wants to continue with high fuel costs, brake, transmission, torque converter, and differential problems, then he should continue with the "status quo". If not, ask the local Linde dealer to bring a machine out for an extended demo. He could then make an accurate assessment himself.

One man's definition of insanity: "Continuing to do the wrong things over and over."

EasyM can you expand on your thoughts and what makes you put such a comment?

If you are only basing your decisions by what you read in this "Forum", you are doing you and your company a disservice.

'Yes, that would be the easiest and obvious way to control fuel consumption and speed. But we have experienced operators breaking or bending the bolts to increase speed!'

Electronic speed control is another option.

Adjust the pump throttle stop and then seal it over with silicone and plenty of it.

Yes, that would be the easiest and obvious way to control fuel consumption and speed. But we have experienced operators breaking or bending the bolts to increase speed!

Adjust the throttle stop bolt slightly is an easy way of reducing fuel consumption, but you need to amke sure it does not dramtically alter maximum rpm, for lifting and top speed.

Don't forget your tyres and maintaining correct tyre pressures. Ensure no brake binding and invest in operator training.

Don't forget your tyres and maintaining correct tyre pressures. Ensure no brake binding and invest in operator training.