Linde Material Handling (MH) has added the new Linde E14–E20 EX and Linde E16–E20 P EX models to its to its range of explosion-protected electric forklifts.

The forklifts are suitable for use in settings, such as semiconductor manufacturing facilities and Atmosphères Explosibles (ATEX)-certified areas for recycling electronic waste and batteries, in which hazardous and highly flammable substances are used or explosive atmospheres can develop.

The range includes three- and four-wheeled electric counterbalanced forklifts, which are certified for use in ATEX zones 1/21 and 2/22.

The compact three-wheeled electric forklifts are especially well suited for use in confined warehouse and production environments, while the four-wheeled electric forklifts offer high manoeuvrability and maximum stability, even on uneven surfaces.

According to Linde MH, the installation of flame-proof housings containing electronic components is completed in a way that ensures the vehicle’s contours do not require alteration. This ensures that forklift operators’ visibility and legroom are not obstructed by an additional housing mounted on the rear of the vehicle or in the footwell.

“Operators benefit from the same look and feel, as well as the many new comfort features they’re familiar with from series-production vehicles,” says Elke Karnarski, product manager EX-proof trucks & safety solutions at Linde MH.

To enhance safety when reversing, the forklifts can be equipped with either a reverse assist camera or a reverse assist radar. The camera has been trained using AI to distinguish between people and objects.

“The vehicle detects how far away a pedestrian is and initiates braking accordingly,” says Karnarski. “Additionally, the driver receives an audible warning, enabling them to react quickly. This buys valuable seconds to prevent an accident.”