For many companies, order picking is a vital link in the logistics chain. The trend towards more and more separate product lines — especially in the retail sector — means that the proportion of goods that have to be picked, is constantly rising. Where once a customer had to be satisfied with just one type of yoghurt drink, he can now choose between different flavours, sizes and special offer formats. For the companies providing the logistics support, this means that the number of picking locations is increasing significantly. As the availability of floor-level pallet locations is often fixed, order picking is expanding into increasingly higher racking levels. That's why it's only natural that Linde Material Handling has extended its range of rising cab order pickers to meet these requirements.
The new "N20Vi/V08" order pickers, launched in October 2009, represent new steps towards higher realms. They are targeted at applications requiring picking not only at floor level, but also higher up. With a picking height of up to 2.80 metres, they represent the entry-level of the "man-up " picking segment. They are the perfect compliment to the classic Linde N20 low level order picker and the larger, new V10 medium level order picker completing the product range in this area.
The right choice for every operation
These new "N20Vi/V08" order pickers may have the same drive components and controls, but their different operating concepts really distinguish them. These different concepts were designed to cover different "picking styles". Although both models have the same maximum picking height, the N20Vi low-lift order pickers are intended for occasional picking above ground level, whereas the V08 medium-lift models are ideal for more frequent picking at height.
With the Linde N20Vi, only the operator’s platform elevates whereas with the V08 the forks lift as well. This allows a V08 operator to put picked cases directly onto the pallet when picking above ground level. With the N20Vi on the other hand, the operator has to descend to floor level before he can deposit his picked goods on the pallet, although he has a shelf to put the cases on temporarily until he has finished picking at that location. Thanks to its initial lift and long forks, the N20Vi can handle two pallets with a total weight of up to two tonnes at the same time. Both the N20Vi and the V08 allow the pallet to be raised and lowered to obtain the ideal ergonomic height. This is important not only to provide access to different picking zones, but also to successfully master different picking tasks.
Focus on safety and ergonomics
The development engineers at Linde Material Handling placed a major focus on ergonomics when redesigning these order pickers. Superior ergonomics is even more important in order picking than in some other applications – it is fundamental enhanced performance and safe operation. Compared to previous models there is more leg room, and an increased level of safety when picking and sorting goods. The slightly sloping edges provide feedback to the operator as he approaches the side of the platform helping him retain a secure footing to make work both quicker and safer. In addition, the platform is covered by a padded rubber mat whose structure effectively absorbs vibration caused by unevenness of the ground reducing operator fatigue. The 135 mm step-in height of the platform, is ideal where the operator is frequently getting on and off the truck. Control of who is actually using the truck can be assured by a biometric access system which uses finger prints to ensure that only trained and authorised personnel can use the trucks.
Automatic speed regulation
Safety is the ultimate priority. All safety systems, for instance steering, are fully electrically redundant. This makes the truck doubly secured as there are always 2 independent routes for the electrical signal to follow. In the unlikely event of a fault, the system switches to safety mode.
Ergonomic controls and high performance are important features of these order pickers. However, if the operator misjudges his speed into a corner, traction speed is automatically adjusted to suit the steering angle increasing operating safety.
These models have controls already tried and tested on other Linde warehouse trucks. One such is the Linde twin grip steering control. The ease of operation this offers increases operator safety whilst aiding optimum performance. All control buttons are also within easy reach of the operator. A standardised operating concept across different truck series enables the operator to easily transfer from one model to another.
