The idea of the integrated lithium-ion battery isn't entirely new. However, Linde MH has lowered the Xi10 – Xi20 series even further, provided more legroom, and replaced the 48-volt battery with a 90-volt battery. According to the manufacturer, lifting and lowering speeds are now 20 percent higher than the industry average.

In the cockpit, the controls weren't compromised, demonstrating the level of innovation through a new instrument layout and increased diversity, explains plant manager Frank Schepp during a tour of Aschaffenburg. In production itself, the number of assembly lines, previously eight to nine, was significantly reduced and—at a relatively high cost for employees, who had to stay up to date through continuing education measures—consolidated so that everyone has the expertise for the various device types "on their radar."

A technically demanding transformation from a production perspective, which (another challenge) was accompanied by an acceleration of the cycle time from 30 to 40 minutes to the current level of just nine minutes. Now, due to the largely identical nature of entire assemblies, electric forklifts, combustion engines, and other models are produced in a mixed fashion, which has apparently also resulted in increased employee satisfaction and appreciation. What everyone would have expected would have been a temporary increase in error rates, which are documented internally by each work group during inspection runs and in quality management. However, instead of any careless errors, the level of attention on the assembly line has increased.

In the new Xi vehicles themselves, the efficiency of the traction and lifting motors has been increased by a further 5 percent, in conjunction with sophisticated thermal management. Various battery capacities up to 32 kWh allow the vehicles to be flexibly adapted to any operating condition. Thanks to their robust construction, the 4-wheel version with a swing axle (Xi16 – Xi20 P) can also be used outdoors without restrictions. The Xi10 – Xi20 are available in a total of 12 versions.

Thanks to the permanently integrated Li-ion battery and the associated elimination of the battery tray, not only the headroom has been increased, but also the footwell has been significantly expanded. The driver now enjoys footroom that is a full 35 percent above the industry average. The step has been enlarged and lowered, so that it is now only 40 centimeters above the ground.

Trade journalist and forklift expert Theo Egberts, also known from IFOY, tested two pre-production vehicles from the Xi series in the industry's most widely used load capacity range of 1 to 2 t before their presentation to the international press. He concluded that they raise the benchmark to a new level.

The Linde Xi16 3-wheel forklift truck with a 1.6 t load capacity was tested, as was the Linde Xi20 P 4-wheel forklift truck with a 2 t load capacity and the Linde combi-steering axle. The controls were optimized for ergonomics. The centerpiece is the continuously adjustable armrest with integrated load control. It enables intuitive and comfortable control of all functions. Practical details such as a wide range of storage options round out the overall concept. Otherwise, the cab concept is largely identical to all new Linde counterbalanced forklifts with a load capacity up to 5 t. This ensures high recognition in the workplace and makes it much easier for drivers to switch between forklifts of different weight classes.

In Performance mode, the test vehicles achieved "unprecedented driving, sprinting, and lifting speeds," according to Egberts, resulting in top-class productivity. Even in Economy mode, the lowest power setting, the vehicles still achieved above-average productivity, according to Egberts.

Charging is done either with standard Linde chargers or via an integrated on-board charger. The amazing thing about the new Xi series: As has been repeatedly confirmed in response to repeated inquiries, its price is not higher than comparable predecessor models, but lower.

Sales start practically immediately.

klk./www.linde-mh.de

Test drives with Theo Egberts