 As an initial step, the Linde T16 to T20 pedestrian pallet trucks will be available to order with lithium-ion batteries. |
Linde Material Handling is incorporating the first warehouse technology trucks to feature lithium-ion batteries into its product portfolio.
The market launch of the warehouse technology trucks featuring the new battery technology will take place in two stages. The roll-out will start with the Linde T16 to T20 pedestrian pallet trucks, which are equipped with an 86 Ah battery. The battery is fully charged in an hour and a half, and as much as 60% charged within 30 minutes. At 1.97 kWh, the installed capacity of the traction motor is above the previous unit that was fitted as standard.
The second stage is planned for early 2015. These include the Linde T16 to T20 pedestrian pallet trucks with increased battery capacity, the Linde T20 to T24 AP/SP pallet trucks with driver's standing platform, the Linde N20 and N20 HP low-lift order pickers, and the Linde P30C and P50C tow tractors. All of these trucks are equipped with batteries offering 210 Ah or 550 Ah and an installed capacity of 3.93 kWh or 10.58 kWh.
The integrated battery management system ensures that the lithium-ion battery does not become deep discharged or overloaded. This system monitors the condition of the battery cells on an ongoing basis and protects against misuse.
The display is used to present the driver with information on the general condition of the battery, the battery's charging state and the remaining period of charge available. In addition, Linde MH says that lithium-ion batteries achieve at least twice the number of cycles offered by lead batteries over their service life, and even considerably higher than this figure depending on use.
These batteries also deliver better values when it comes to energy draw: lithium-ion batteries can be up to 95% discharged without sustaining damage, whereas with lead batteries, this figure is only as high as 80%. Another benefit offered by the new battery technology is the lack of need for maintenance. Service tasks such as topping up water are not required and the problem of leaking battery gases and acids is non-existent.
Separately, Linde MH has introduced lifecycle engineering for all major product groups and obtained TÜV certification for methodology and lifecycle assessment. Together with the Fraunhofer Institute for Building Physics, Linde MH has developed a scientific methodology with which to comprehensively assess the environmental impact of its forklifts and warehouse handling equipment over their entire product lifecycle.
Based on this, lifecycle assessments have been undertaken for the company's seven major product groups. Both the methodology and the resulting LCAs have been approved and certified by the technical inspection authority TÜV Rheinland. Dr Jörg Schlösser, managing director of TÜV Rheinland LGA Products GmbH, officially presented the TÜV certificates to Theodor Maurer, CEO of Linde Material Handling, at the company's World of Material Handling customer event in Mainz last week.
Linde MH unveiled its new Linde E60 to E80 series electric counterbalance trucks comprising four models with load capacities ranging from 6 to 8 T at the World of Material Handling. The forklift manufacturer also presented two new logistic train solutions (the Linde logistic train and Linde factory train), its latest fleet management solutions and the prototype of an all-electric service vehicle based on a Fiat Ducato L1H1.