Linde MH customers have always been able to choose between a battery configuration in front of the operator's station and a battery compartment behind the operator's station for their horizontal order pickers. With the integrated lithium-ion battery in the N20 and N25, Linde MH has further optimized this.
Photos: Linde MH
The advantage of having the battery compartment behind the driver's cab is that the operator has a better view of the route when turning from one aisle to the next and can recognize potential hazards early on.
Shorter routes to the goods
In the version with an integrated lithium-ion battery, the vehicle becomes extremely compact – which should ensure shorter distances to goods and better maneuverability in tight warehouse areas. According to initial experience, the vehicle's payload capacities of 2 or 2.5 tons, combined with other features, should enable warehouse employees to complete their picking tasks faster and more comfortably.
The integrated lithium-ion battery has further improved the vehicle concept by making it significantly shorter. The new length of 1,243 mm (excluding the forks) gives the horizontal order picker a smaller turning radius for better maneuvering in curves and narrow aisles. The more compact design also proves advantageous during the picking process itself. "On the way to the goods, the employee now saves one or two steps per stop, which adds up over the course of the day and increases overall productivity"explains Portfolio Manager Marc Castro.
Numerous variations
Two capacities (3 kWh and 6 kWh) are available for use with an integrated lithium-ion battery. "This covers the majority of applications"says the portfolio manager. For companies that require higher-capacity lithium-ion batteries or prefer lead-acid batteries, there are further variants with replaceable batteries. "However, we recommend that all customers consider the option of the integrated lithium-ion battery, which is also cost-effective"emphasizes Marc Castro. These lithium-ion batteries are particularly suitable for cold storage facilities, warehouses in the food and pharmaceutical industries, and anywhere else where strict hygiene requirements apply.
What's new is that the horizontal order pickers can accelerate up to 14 km/h. "In the usual 'stop and go' of the picking process, this might not be so important, but if the next stop is at the other end of the aisle or warehouse, it makes a difference in performance"says Castro. Optional features include a fold-out step, or the operator's platform can be raised to a reach height of 2.8 m. The order picker can also be equipped with an adjustable backrest including a folding seat, an air-suspended platform, or a height-adjustable Linde steering wheel.
Well secured as standard
Standard safety features include Linde Curve Assist, two separate braking systems, and optionally the chassis-integrated BlueSpot or the Safety Guard assistance system for automatic speed adjustment.
