Multitasking is required when storing and retrieving loads. After all, the driver must not only concentrate on placing the load, but at the same time always keep an eye on the distance between the forklift and the racking. Just a brief moment of inattention is enough to cause minor to severe collision damage to racks and goods.
Collision damage, such as crushed rack supports and demolished posts, is not only a major nuisance for warehouse managers, it can also result in considerable time and financial expenditure.
The new Rack Protection Sensor (RPS for short ) from Linde Material Handling provides a remedy here. Two special light sensors located above the wheel arms in a protected housing detect obstacles in front of them in the light beam.
If an obstacle is detected, the assistance system brakes the truck in proportion to the travel speed and the distance to the obstacle, which can prevent damage. The sensors become active at a travel speed below 5 km/h, which corresponds to the typical speed when maneuvering in front of the rack. If the vehicle is accelerated to a speed above this set limit, for example to cover a longer distance, the system is automatically switched inactive. The technology is particularly well suited to the conditions in the warehouse because it works in artificial light as well as in daylight and sunlight, explains Schmidt.
The RPS is available as an option for the performance models of the Linde R14 to R25 reach truck series in the payload range from 1.4 to 2.5 tons. The assistance system will soon also be available as a retrofit solution for these trucks.
In addition to the Rack Protection Sensor, Linde Material Handling is presenting yet another new equipment option for the Linde reach truck in the form of the multifunction lever. This not only makes the truck much more comfortable to operate, but is also designed to help maintain the driver's concentration and health and increase productivity.
The new multifunction lever was developed in collaboration with the Fraunhofer Institute (IAO) and Porsche Industriedesign on the basis of an ergonomics study. The result is a smooth-running joystick that can be moved to all four sides, as well as a wing extended to the right at the side that gives both small and large hands additional grip. This allows all travel, push and lift functions to be controlled intuitively and with little effort. In addition, it is now no longer necessary to put the hand up and down, as all hydraulic functions are combined in one control element. This increases productivity and enables intuitive operation.
This expedient arrangement of elements has a major advantage. This means that all control commands can be executed intuitively, even when wearing gloves, keeping the driver's attention on load handling at all times.