An era comes to an end
We remember the year 2002: the new forklift from Linde Material Handling glides out of its container. In the background, the picturesque silhouette of the Zugspitze mountain provides a unique backdrop.
Once upon a time...
We remember the year 2002: the new forklift from Linde Material Handling glides out of its container. In the background, the picturesque silhouette of Germany's highest mountain, the Zugspitze, paints a unique backdrop. Bengal fire, accompanied by bombastic music, illuminates the evening winter sky and provides spectacular lighting effects. The highlight of the presentation is the nine-meter-high ice figure, a specially crafted replica of the device, which towers majestically above the container.
In hindsight, it's hard to say which was more impressive - the market launch of Linde Material Handling's then-new 39X counterbalanced truck series or the product itself.
In any case, the series has managed to set technical standards in many areas. For example, thanks to the top-mounted tilt cylinder, the forces acting on the mast were partially diverted via the roof frame, resulting in narrower mast profiles and better visibility. The series also scored points in terms of work safety: The multiple decoupling of the chassis from the drive and steering axles and tilt cylinders provides the operator with lasting protection against human vibrations that are harmful to health. Speaking of innovations - the electronic lift mast control system using Linde Load Control also deserves a mention here. We have it to thank for the fact that instead of the large operating rods, handy levers that can be moved with the fingers have been integrated into the armrest. From then on, this allowed the operators to control all mast functions and the auxiliary hydraulics, which in turn contributed to greater operator comfort.
From old to new
All these design features have proven their worth and can therefore also be found in the new generation of vehicles - albeit in a more advanced form. The product launch at the beginning of 2020 will also see visual changes. For example, the new trucks differ from their predecessor models externally by the characteristic "shark fin" and the significantly enlarged step. Another difference is the standard networking and communication via a cloud server, of course in compliance with the highest security standards. The new 12xx series thus presents the first fully networked Linde truck. Numerous assistance systems and lighting solutions also increase comfort in the workplace. The modern, service-friendly industrial engine with integrated particulate filter and optimized Linde hydrostatics as standard also ensure greater sustainability and high productivity.
Safety measures and protection
Although many forklifts are equipped with a safety belt, experience has shown that the driver often fails to wear it. According to company regulations, not only the driver is then responsible in the event of damage, but also the company. Gruma therefore offers a wide range of alternatives for driver protection: from automatic seatbelt restraint systems to safety folding restraints and closed cabs, there are many sensible measures for preventing personal injury in the event of accidents. Gruma's complete all-round range for forklifts can be found at: www.gruma-gabelstapler.de
A piece of corporate history
The new series is set to become a new milestone in the success story of Linde Material Handling's forklifts. After the successful start with the legendary Hubtrac in 1976, the first trucks with overhead guard followed in 1968 and the 331 series in 1979. The great triumphant advance then began in 1985 with the 351 series. From then on, the number of units produced each year rose continuously to new highs. When the 39X series was launched at the end of 2001, it was the best-selling model series in Europe, with over 100,000 orders produced.
What remains
With all the different series, one unique selling point has remained for decades: the Linde hydrostatic drive. This transmits the engine power without loss to the drive wheels and lifting hydraulics via a closed, maintenance-free hydraulic system. Continuously optimized from a technical point of view, it enables smooth starting, fast changes in direction, and sensitive, precise maneuvering in the tightest of spaces, ensuring maximum handling performance with minimum fuel consumption.