Linde Material Handling introduces new VNA trucks
06-Sep-2017
Higher, faster, more comfortable – and safer at the same time
They literally take pallet handling and order picking in narrow aisles to a new level: The new K series trucks from Linde Material Handling impress customers with lifting heights of up to 18 meters and improved ergonomics, while simultaneously offering significantly enhanced performance and safety – not least thanks to the innovative “Dynamic Reach Control” system, which effectively compensates for pendulum movements of the mast.
Increasing storage requirements and rising real estate prices mean that companies from a wide range of industries are confronted with the question of how to optimally utilize valuable storage space. When searching for an answer, the logistics specialists’ gaze is moving ever higher, above the “magical” 17-meter mark. As a result, the demands placed on warehouse equipment are growing due to the fact that warehouse operators must be able to definitely rely on ergonomics, efficiency, and safety, particularly when working at great lifting heights. This is exactly where Linde’s new very-narrow-aisle combi trucks come in. The proven K series has been decisively improved in many respects.
The new generation of K trucks offers considerable added value in terms of performance: For example, the main lift for the driver’s cab and the secondary lift for the fork can be raised and lowered simultaneously. The resulting advantage: Driver and forks reach the desired shelving position faster, which significantly increases productivity. In addition, the new Linde VNA combi trucks can now operate at heights of up to 18 meters – with even greater safety ensured. This is due mainly to an innovative technology called Dynamic Reach Control (DRC). An electrical drive with rapid reaction capabilities compensates for mast oscillations by means of targeted counter-movements. The driver does not have to wait for the mast to stop swinging when picking or handling pallets, and can therefore place the load on the shelving faster and more precisely. Thanks to completely new attachment and the Dynamic Reach Control system, the throughput in the warehouse can be increased by up to 25 percent compared to a system without optional sensors for load recognition.
A second example of added value and performance is the driver’s cab, which is now 50 millimeters lower than in previous models and – in addition to lower entry height – offers even taller drivers noticeably more leg room and freedom of movement. There are also numerous storage compartments for personal items and a holder for 1.5-liter bottles on board. The front windshield, which has been enlarged by 80 millimeters downwards, provides better visibility (+20 percent) of the forks and cargo. This helps to effectively prevent damage to shelving and goods.
Another new feature in the driver’s cab is the digital control panel: The clearly arranged control unit displays all relevant data on a fully graphical display – from travel speed or lifting height to information provided by important safety sensors. It also integrates two hand sensors and a large dead man’s switch at the bottom, which the driver must touch in order to be able to move the truck. The optional “Rescue Alarm” function provides additional security. If various sensors on the device perceive unusual behavior of the driver (e.g. remaining in the same position at great lifting height over a lengthy period), the system triggers a two-stage visual and audible alarm.
Since no two warehouses are alike, Linde relies on maximum modularity in its latest generation of VNA trucks. For example, customers have a choice between 64 different lift mast variations or can select one of ten cabin widths in two different versions – depending on the individual requirements to be met on site. No other manufacturer is currently offering a comparable variety of options in this segment.