Linde Material Handling presents new logistic train systems

Leading global industrial truck manufacturer Linde Material Handling has launched two new load train solutions which will offer customers a modern, flexible and convenient cycle-flow of materials throughout their production facilities.

The Linde Logistic and Factory Train provide customers with a synchronised form of production supply comprising of a compact tow tractor capable of pulling 600kg – 2t, together with one or more load trailers or modules.

Both trailer train solutions boast a high level of directional stability and manoeuvrability due to the omission of a centre axle making the trucks extremely flexible.

Jana Vitkova, warehouse product manager from Linde said, “Our new Logistics and Factory Trains highlight our continual commitment to be the innovators in our market place. We consistently strive to offer our customers new and improved technologies that can further enhance efficiency in their warehouses.”

We continually strive for excellence and customer feedback and thrive on challenges presented to us by our clients to help them develop technologies that will further improve their business.”

Both the Linde Logistics Train and the Factory Train have specific functions. The Linde Logistic Train is mainly intended for use in halls with relatively level floors whereas the Linde Factory Train is also suitable for transporting materials on uneven surfaces outdoors between production halls.

The Linde Logistics Train is modular in design and spring-loaded to compensate for uneven road surfaces, while thick treads on the wheels absorb bumps. These two features together ensure a stable ride that is gentle on the load.

One particular advantage of the Linde Logistic Train is the flat design that even allows parts that jut out over the frame to be transported. The train can be steered either mechanically or electrically via all four wheels, or mechanically via two wheels. The trailers can also be equipped with two castor wheels and two fixed wheels. Trailers that are not equipped with a lifting system generally feature electrical dolly interlocking.

Due to the wheel diameter of 200 or 250 mm, the Linde Logistic Train is mainly aimed at indoor use. With the introduction of the new series, the range of trailers has also grown. In addition to the C frame, bridge frame and platform design, bespoke customer solutions are also possible, both for trailers (e.g. a bridge-type trailer without lift) and pallet roller frames (known as “dollies”).

The second trailer train system, the Linde Factory Train, is modular in design, featuring standardised basic modules. The train in its entirety is made up of an initial module, one or more main modules and an end module. With this concept, various goods carriers such as C-frame, E-frame, QS-frame or bridge-frame models are interlocked without play in between two standardised modules. As the carriers can be replaced at any time, the operator retains full flexibility in the face of changing requirements.

In contrast to the Linde Logistic Train, the Factory Train is also suitable for transporting materials on uneven surfaces outdoors between production halls. This is possible thanks to the relevant ground clearance offered by the modules, which are equipped with superelastic tyres with a diameter of 250 or 306 millimetres. As such, with this trailer train solution, great focus has been placed on the optional weather protection and its ergonomic means of operation. The operator can open the automatic curtain on the weather protection cab using just one hand, without having to bend down.

The goods carriers are lifted by an electrical, infinitely adjustable lift drive, which is controlled on the module by means of a lift control button. During the lifting process, all functions can also be controlled from the operating panel on the tow tractor, if required. To ensure safety during operation, the train features a function to automatically lock the tow tractor when goods carriers are lowered, and a reduced cornering speed is applied. This reduced cornering speed remains in effect until the axle on the last module is travelling straight again. To make cornering easier and to keep the necessary turning radius as small as possible, the steering angle between two goods carriers can be increased to 120 degrees. In addition to the limited option for reverse travel, another notable feature is the crab steering, which is available as an option. Using this function, the entire train can be driven on a lateral slope.

Criteria such as the condition, width and slope of the drive path, the type of storage area (e.g. cold store, clean room, or storeroom for edible produce) as well as dimensions, weight, fragility and container packaging, all determine the specific manner in which the two Linde trains should be set up. Not least, the travel route and set-up of the other logistics operations within the company play an important role in determining which solution best meets requirements.

www.linde-mh.co.uk