Forklifts, Linde, Machinery Review

Review: Linde H140D forklift

Linde H140D Forklift

Renowned for their hydrostatic drive system, Linde (pronounced ‘Linda’) forklifts are German designed and engineered by one of the largest forklift manufacturers in the world. The company manufactures a complete range of materials handling equipment.

The Linde H140D is part of the new 1401 series of heavy forklifts with capacities ranging from 10 to 18 tonne, built at Linde’s heavy truck division in Wales.

There are a number of advantages in owning and operating a hydrostatic drive forklift, not the least of which is the precise amount of control the operator can exert over the machine.

With a hydrostatic drive system, the operator experiences a step-less progression from slow to fast, not only when travelling from point A to point B, but also when raising, lowering or side-shifting a load.

As more pressure is applied to any given lever, engine revs increase to compensate for the extra effort required to carry out the particular function.

The steady pressure applied to all moving parts by the hydrostatic drive system produces less wear and tear on component parts, increases longevity and provides much greater economy.

The operator’s cab is easily raised by means of an electrically activated hydraulic ram to an angle of approximately 90 degrees, allowing unrestricted access to the engine and drive-train compartment, situated beneath the cab.

This is achievable because there is no mechanical means of attaching the cab to the chassis, such as a steering column, brake pedals etc.

Operator comfort is high on the list of priorities. The cab is mounted to the tilting frame by high density rubber mounts and the seat is provided with hydraulic damping for added cushioning.

The cab is placed well-forward of the machine, giving the operator optimum visibility of the load on the forks through the mast. Meanwhile maximum-visibility wrap around windows afford an uninterrupted view of surroundings.

Views to the rear of the machine are provided by way of generously-sized exterior mirrors and a unique panoramic interior mirror that has to bee seen to be believed, while an array of mast-mounted LEDs takes care of night time lighting issues.

The designers at Linde have thought of everything it seems; both sunny and rainy days alike are taken care of by way of dual front windscreen wipers (there is even a wiper fitted to the glass roof panel). Likewise there is a traditionally-placed retracting sun visor at the top of the screen, and another on the roof to keep the sun off the driver’s head.

Needless to say, the cab is comfortably air-conditioned, and all control levers and switches are conveniently placed for optimum driver comfort. Ample power is supplied to the two Linde hydraulic motors by an in-line 6.7-litre six cylinder turbocharged diesel Cummins engine.

Measuring in at a tad over six metres in length, the Linde H140 is exceptionally manoeuvrable and has a very tight turning circle. This is achieved by allowing the rear wheels to steer up to nearly 90 degrees.

Another unique feature of the H140 is its comprehensive onboard computer. This allows technicians to make myriad adjustments at the push of a button. Operators can keep an eye on information such as fuel usage, travel speed, engine speed and even load capacity.

 

Photography: Lyndsay Whittle

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