Visibility is safety is productivity – Richard Bozem, Strategy Manager for counterbalance forklifts at Linde MH, sums up the day-to-day handling of forklifts with this simple formula. Linde has now incorporated this into further models with the Linde Xi Roadster in the load capacity range up to 2.0 t.
“The clearer the operators’ view of the travel path, the forklift’s surroundings, and the forks with the load on them, the more focused and efficient their work can be,” explains the product expert. Drivers can see people or obstacles appearing in the vicinity early on, which ensures greater operational safety.
The Linde Xi Roadster is now available for the new Linde Material Handling (MH) electric counterbalance forklifts in the lifting capacity range up to 2.0 t, bringing the total number of models offering maximum visibility to seven. Available as three- or four-wheel versions, they feature a driver protection roof without A-pillars and, together with other visibility-optimized design features, provide operators with significantly wider fields of vision to the front, sides, and top. This enhances driver safety while driving and lifting, while simultaneously enabling more efficient and productive work.
The Roadster truly shines where special requirements apply. For example, when the load to be transported is large and bulky but needs to be positioned precisely, or when the shelving areas or truck loading platforms to be accessed require accurate maneuvering and therefore exceptionally good visibility. The driver then benefits from the large viewing windows provided by the special driver protection roof – a feature currently exclusive to Linde MH due to its integrated overhead tilt cylinders.
Elimination of the A-pillars
The designers attribute the greatest improvement in visibility to the elimination of the A-pillars, which normally restrict the view to the right and left of the lifting mast. This is further enhanced by the lowered front panel, which provides a better view of the forks, and slim B-pillars to aid reversing. To ensure operators have a clear view upwards when loading and unloading goods, all roof and cross members are designed to be as narrow as possible. For a completely unobstructed view upwards, a continuous pane of bulletproof glass is available as an option.
The Linde Xi14 to Xi20 R (three-wheel) and Linde Xi16 to Xi20 R (four-wheel) models are based on the corresponding standard version of the new electric forklift series with an integrated lithium-ion battery. Among the resulting advantages is a very spacious operator's compartment, despite the compact vehicle dimensions, offering ample legroom and headroom, as well as a generous step for easy entry and exit. The high-performance, yet characteristically energy-efficient, synchronous reluctance motors are identical to those of the standard Linde Xi. The vibration isolation on the drive axle, steering axle, and mast is also a significant advantage.
Maximum serviceability is to be achieved by extending the maintenance intervals for changing hydraulic oil and filters to 6000 operating hours, which noticeably reduces the overall consumption of hydraulic oil over the lifetime of the vehicle, reduces waste and causes less downtime.
