Ergonomics at Linde Material Handling
People and technology in harmony
Maximum productivity arises when humans and machines work together in perfect harmony. That’s why operators are always at the heart of truck development at Linde. They are exposed to a variety of environmental and work-related stresses on a daily basis, including uneven floors and vibrations, unilateral movements, and poor posture when steering, transporting, order picking or loading and unloading.
Particularly in difficult-to-navigate or cramped operating situations, stress levels increase, and thus the risk of accidents and injuries. To reduce the physical and mental strain on operators, Linde sets the highest ergonomic standards for counterbalance forklift trucks and warehouse handling trucks. Optimisation of the field of view, innovative operating concepts, and digital assistance systems all ensure more stress-free work and guarantee comfort and safety. In this way, Linde trucks maintain the health of their employees while raising handling capacity to a new level.
The advantages of ergonomic trucks
Workplace comfort
When operators feel uncomfortable or are exposed to excessive physical strain, their concentration decreases, which in turn reduces the quality of their work. The risk of injury or errors increases. To help the operator, Linde offers an all-round ergonomic workstation in every truck. This keeps the operator free of pain, focused and safe throughout the entire shift.
Operating comfort with the counterbalance forklift truck
Ergonomic layout of all control elements
All control elements are ergonomically arranged so that all relevant functions can be operated easily and effortlessly. This helps to ensure productive working throughout the whole shift.
Spacious operator’s cab
The spacious operator’s cab provides a lot of headroom and legroom. It allows unrestricted movements in all directions.
Seat variants
Various suspended seat variants with and without heating offer just the right level of comfort.
Heavy trucks rotating cab
All heavy-duty trucks can be equipped with a rotating cab. This allows the operator to rotate the entire cab continuously 90° to the left and 65° to the right. In addition, a complete 180° rotation to the left is possible. That way, the operator always has an optimal all-round view, while protecting their back.
Rotating operator’s work station
A special feature of the Linde counterbalance forklift is the rotating operator’s work station. When reversing frequently, operators must continually look over their shoulders to the rear. This can put a lot of strain on the neck and back and lead to long-term damage. The rotating operator’s seat reduces the physical strain on the operator by up to 60 percent. The operator can rotate 90 degrees and have everything in view when reversing, without overstretching their spine.
Operating comfort with warehouse trucks
45-degree operator position
In Linde’s operator platforms, the operator stands slightly rotated at a 45-degree angle to the fork. This unique operating position provides an optimal view of the fork and the load, without the operator having to change their position or turn their head.
Steel apron as back protection
The stand platform of the SP models of the new platform trucks, such as the T20 – T25 SP, L14 – L16 SP or D12 – D14 SP is equipped with a solid steel apron that extends almost to the centre of the truck at the operator’s back. This version, which is unique in the market, protects the operator from collisions like a protective shield. In addition, the steel apron prevents the operator from falling out of the truck when starting up quickly.
Seat support for longer rides
A stable, padded backrest supports the operator during long journeys in the operator’s cab.
Visibility from every perspective
To keep an eye on everything, the operator often has to turn in all directions. Particularly in narrow aisles, when working at height, and when reversing, operators must perform unnatural movements, and often on only one side. In the worst case, this can lead to permanent damage and long-term absences. That is why Linde continually optimises and expands the field of view to minimise the radius of movement required. The improved visibility also increases occupational safety and reduces the risk of accidents involving the truck and pedestrians.
Excellent visibility in the counterbalance forklift truck
Spacious cab with large glass surfaces
The cabin of a Linde forklift truck is fully equipped with generously sized glass panes. This optimises the visibility of the truck, the load and the surrounding area.
Slim mast profile
The truck’s slim mast profiles and overhead tilt cylinders ensure optimum visibility of the load and the working area in front of it.
Lift cab
For heavy-duty trucks, the operator’s cab can be raised to any height up to 2.5 metres. This enables the operator to have a better overview of the load and the working environment and to move the goods more safely.
Armoured glass panoramic roof
Even when working at greater heights, the panoramic glass roof provides a clear view of the goods to be transported and the surroundings. The bulletproof glass also reliably protects against falling objects.
Excellent visibility with the warehouse truck
Mast profiles
In the Linde pallet stackers the mast profiles are particularly narrow to give the operator excellent visibility, especially when lifting.
Monomast
The monomast provides a clear view of the load carrier and the load, particularly for lightweight applications and lifting heights of up to two metres. This mast version is mainly used for pallet stackers.
Operator’s platform in front of the battery
With the low-lift order pickers N20 B, N20 – 25, N20 – 25 HP, the operator’s platform is positioned in front of the battery. This gives the operator a better view of their surroundings when exiting shelf aisles and enables them to pick safely.
X reach truck mast
A particularly innovative mast concept can be found in the Reach truck series R14 – R17 X. Extra-wide lifting masts, narrow profiles and a seat close to the mast ensure optimum all-round visibility. In addition, a camera system on the mast enables permanent monitoring of the load.
Extended field of view
To expand the field of view and increase operational safety, Linde has developed various camera- and sensor-based assistance systems. This includes the AI-powered rear-view camera Reverse Assist Camera. It automatically detects pedestrians and warns the operator of an imminent collision with several levels of warnings.
Ergonomic operation for the future
For a smooth workflow, precise and simple control of the truck and load is essential. However, steering movements are often performed on only one side or with unfavourable postures. Linde’s innovative operating concepts are ergonomically optimised to reduce the physical strain on the operator. This increases employees’ well-being, while at the same time reducing long-term illness and staff absences.
Precise steering on the counterbalance forklift truck
Linde Load Control
Linde Load Control makes for precise and ergonomic control of the mast functions. Using two joysticks integrated into the armrests, the operator can simply and precisely control the forklift’s working and auxiliary hydraulics.
Hydrostatic drive
The hydrostatic travel drive without clutch, shift, transmission and brakes. It allows particularly smooth acceleration and braking, thus supporting precise manoeuvring in the tightest of spaces.
Dual-pedal control
Based on the hydrostatic direct drive, the dual pedal control ensures precise and sensitive control of the truck with minimal effort on the part of the operator. The right pedal moves the truck forward, the left pedal backward. The drive system operates continuously, which enables the operator to accelerate and decelerate gently and to change direction quickly.
Linde Steer Control
The Linde Steer Control operating system sets new ergonomic standards. Instead of a classic steering wheel, the operator controls the forklift with a mini-wheel or joystick integrated into an additional armrest on the left-hand side. This enables the truck to be operated easily, precisely and intuitively. Compared to the conventional Linde steering wheel, the movements of the steering arm are reduced and the muscles significantly relieved. Linde Steer Control complements Linde’s proven operating concept comprising dual pedal control and Linde Load Control, and combines operator and truck into one efficient unit.
Precise control of the warehouse truck
Multifunction lever
For working with R10 – R25 reach trucks Linde has developed the multifunction lever. It can be used to operate several of the truck’s core functions. It is designed as an anatomical counterpart to the human hand, so the operator’s hand can rest in a natural, relaxed position at all times. The unique shape of the lever enables intuitive handling of the load, resulting in a safe, easy and efficient working process.
Linde e-operator
The unique Linde e-operator concept was developed specifically for the 45-degree position of the operator’s cabs. This enables the operator to control all the forklift’s functions with one hand without straining their spine.
Dual-pedal control
Just like the counterbalance forklift trucks, the Reach trucks from Linde are equipped with the proven dual pedal control. This facilitates smooth start-up, swift changes of direction and precise load handling.
Efficiency at your fingertips
Semi-automated order picking
The order pickers N20, N20 – N24 HP, N20 – N25 C and N20 C D can be used semi-automatically. The truck automatically travels in front of or behind the operator. This shortens the transport routes and reduces the need to climb in and out of the truck.
Automated functions for high shelving
The company Linde warehouse navigation supports operators of very narrow aisle trucks when storing goods. The assistance system displays the storage position for the goods and automatically moves to that position at the push of a button. In addition, the system automatically stores and removes pallets at the push of a button, thus reducing the amount of movement required by the operator.
An all-round safe working environment
In addition to physical strain from operating and controlling the trucks, operators are also exposed to various environmental influences in their daily work. These include extreme temperatures, dust, shocks and vibrations, which cause additional stress on the operator. Linde operator’s cabs are optimally designed to protect the operator from these environmental influences and to ensure an all-round safe and pleasant working environment.
Reduction of impacts and vibrations
- Air-sprung seats: The height-adjustable and air-sprung seats reduce shocks and vibrations and offer special comfort.
- End position damping for duplex and triplex masts: When the mast reaches its maximum or minimum height, the end position damping ensures smoother lifting and lowering.
- Active Stability Control: The Active Stability Control (ASC) assistance system from Linde helps very narrow aisle trucksto detect unevenness in the ground and to compensate for shocks or vibrations.
Decoupling of components
Vibrations, shocks, and impacts severely affect operators during their work shift. Even if the individual vibrations are barely perceptible, they all add up to a considerable strain on the employee. This is precisely what the systematic isolation of the individual components protects against. That is why the decoupled operator’s work station in our Counterbalanced forklift trucks has long been part of Linde’s basic ergonomic equipment. The mast, steering axle and drive axle are decoupled from the chassis, which means that vibrations and shocks cannot be transmitted to the operator. The stand platform and operating elements of the latest generation of Linde platform trucks also form a single unit, which is separated from the rest of the chassis by rubber bearings and provided with suspension as standard.
Protection from dust, dirt and heat
- Comfortable cab: The cab protects the operator from dust, dirt and noise, particularly when operating outdoors.
- Air conditioning* and heating: In winter and summer, the air conditioning* and heating in Linde trucks ensure comfortable temperatures in the cabin.
- Cold store variant: The cold store variant was developed for use of the trucks in temperatures as low as minus 35 degrees Celsius. It is particularly suitable for use in cold stores or other environments with low temperatures.
*contains fluorinated hydrocarbons
Safe and relaxed through the warehouse
Working with heavy loads and large trucks requires maximum concentration. Time pressure, difficult operating manoeuvres or work in areas that are difficult to navigate can cause stress and lead to mental exhaustion in the long run. The risk of accidents increases. Linde offers a range of digital assistance systems to relieve operators of mental stress and increase occupational safety for everyone.
Linde Safety Pilot
The Linde Safety Pilot works like an intelligent passenger, protecting the operator and load from tipping. With the small monitor, the operator always has an eye on important parameters and is warned visually and acoustically as soon as a critical operating condition is reached. The Active version of the Linde Safety Pilot automatically intervenes in the forklift truck’s operating and lifting functions.
Linde Safety Guard
Owing to the active warning using sound, LED or vibration via the Linde Safety Guard all parties involved can react immediately before any personal injury or property damage occurs. This ensures safety for operators and pedestrians in the immediate vicinity of the truck.
Linde Curve Assist
To protect the operator from risky operating manoeuvres and thus avoid collisions or rear-end collisions, Linde Curve Assist automatically reduces the operating speed when travelling around corners.
Linde Load Management
To reduce the risk of accidents during storage and retrieval with pallet stackers, Linde Load Management monitors the residual load capacity and warns the operator in good time of critical situations, thus increasing safety when handling loads at height.
Continuous development
The ergonomic design of trucks and operator work stations as well as the user-oriented design of the entire working environment will continue to be a central part of Linde’s philosophy in the future. This also includes the further development of user interfaces for assistance systems, control concepts or Software solutions. This is how Linde ensures the best possible support for operators and for Fleet management.
