Reaching New Heights: New Empty Container Handlers from Linde Material Handling

The market for port handling technology is expanding globally at an annual growth rate of approximately 7%. Simultaneously, the demand for high-quality customer-specific solutions is also increasing. In response to these trends, Linde Material Handling is launching several container handlers that are all set to be on the market by 2009. The launch begins this month with the Linde C90 empty container handler with 9-tonne lifting capacity using a 4.0-metre wheelbase, which can stack 8´6´´ containers to 7 high. By quarter four 2008, additional models will also be available with a 4.5-metre

wheelbase, these models are able to single-stack 8’6” containers to 8 high, with the ability to double-stack 8’6” containers to 7 high.

The new models from the heavy truck production line in Merthyr Tydfil, South Wales, come complete with Linde hydrostatic transmission, high-performance engine with reduced emissions, special mast for empty container handling and a cabin that creates a safe, comfortable working environment for the driver — and for the first time there is also an option that enables the cabin to tilt backwards 15 degrees, which assists the drivers upward visibility when stacking containers at high positions.

The most significant innovation is definitely the changeover to the hydrostatic drive and lift transmission. As previously seen in the Linde H100 to H180 heavy diesel trucks with a 10–18 tonne lifting capacity, the new empty container handler now accelerates smoothly and responsively using dual pedal control. For driving speeds of up to 16 km/h, the engine revs at just 1500 RPM, making it extremely efficient (maximum travel speed is limited to 25 km/h). The coupling, gearbox, differential and service brake are no longer required, which means the driver need not be concerned with gear changing procedures, and that cost-intensive, mechanical wearing parts are a thing of the past. This ensures lower maintenance costs. The enhanced hydrostatic brake-control system also enables smooth braking procedures and control of larger loads.

The decoupling of the drive and lift functions also creates an additional advantage over the previous converter transmission, as the driving speed will no longer be affected when a lift or tilt function is performed. In addition, simultaneous actuation of the drive and lift functions, when load positioning at low speed, no longer results in the truck requiring an "inching" function, as was required on the previous version. The larger variable pump for lift hydraulics with load sensing and demand-specific hydraulic oil supply, not only enables the empty container handler to lower and lift more quickly, but also improves energy efficiency. The mast reaches full lift speed at just 1500 rpm with maximum load.