The new Linde E16 undergoing practical testing at DB Schenker

At DB Schenker in Schweinfurt, Germany, the daily routine consists of loading, unloading, and reloading over and over again. High throughput volumes with tight scheduling are the rule rather than the exception at this huge logistics terminal: an extremely challenging scenario for the forklift trucks at the site, which need to deliver maximum performance, agility, and resilience. In other words, the perfect opportunity for the new Linde E16 to truly prove itself.

Somewhere in southern Germany, someone orders a lounge chair online. While the customer has relaxation on their mind, elsewhere in southern Germany, frantic activity is underway thanks to their new chair (and thousands of other piece goods). “If you want to relax, you’re in the wrong place,” jokes Thomas Gundel during our visit to the DB Schenker transshipment terminal in Schweinfurt. In its warehouse covering some 5,000 square meters, the renowned logistics service provider handles huge quantities of goods every day. “Within the space of 24 hours, we can process 800 to 1,000 metric tons of goods. From lounge chairs, toys, and hydrants, we handle pretty much anything that fits on a pallet,” explains the terminal manager. “Thanks to our geographical location, we are a real logistics hotspot here in Schweinfurt!”

Time for Action

Friday, 3 p.m.: If it wasn’t already clear what Gundel means by “hot spot,” it is now as the second peak time of the day hits. “We have our first rush hour during the early shift, when our vehicles return from our 40 logistical hubs and deliver the incoming goods for the region. Our people then unload the trailers and swap bodies by forklift and move the goods to two unloading zones,” he explains. From there, employees with high-speed pallet trucks take over and transport the goods to the relevant transfer points. While the drivers largely load the vehicles for small local deliveries themselves, the DB Schenker team handles loading for heavy local transport, again by forklift truck. A similar process is currently underway, “except that in the afternoon we have to handle even higher volumes,” emphasizes Gundel. And where there are high volumes to handle, it goes without saying that the equipment needs to keep pace, both in terms of performance and safety.

Improvements Are Clear to See

DB Schenker has already had great experiences with industrial trucks from Linde MH in both of these areas. Since September 2024, they have been testing the successor to the established 386 series. After just the first few weeks it was already clear that the new model has everything you need from a forklift truck. Shift supervisor Sarah Benz is particularly impressed by the improved visibility, which is mainly due to the narrower A-pillar and the nested lift mast profiles: “If I have a clearer view of the forks, it simply makes working less stressful and safer, particularly at night or when there are lots of people around.” What’s more, the three-wheel forklifts boast impressive maneuverability thanks to the Linde turntable steering axle and deliver outstanding driving performance with their powerful asynchronous motors, which, in turn, helps to improve the handling capacity.

Continuous Power Thanks to Li-ION

Whenever the conversation turns to handling capacity, the question of the right energy system is never far behind. As Thomas Gundel is keen to emphasize, Schweinfurt is following a clear path in this respect. Since the end of 2023, the site has switched entirely from lead-acid energy storage systems to highly efficient, modern Li-ION batteries. “This is the pinnacle for us. Back when we were using lead-acid batteries, we still had to change them three times a day. That was far too much valuable time wasted, not to mention the maintenance effort involved. Now we can easily manage all three shifts with a single Li-ION battery, even with high usage intensity,” reports Gundel.

Plug-and-Play Principle Brings Flexibility

Several Linde chargers have been installed in the hall for regular opportunity charging, allowing employees to recharge their trucks during work breaks. Roberto Truthän, who is responsible for the Schweinfurt handling terminal at Linde MH network partner Ernst Müller Fördertechnik, highlights yet another advantage of the new Linde E16 : “With these trucks, you can simply switch back and forth between Li-ION and lead-acid batteries without making any changes.” A strong argument for DB Schenker. Thomas Gundel: “Depending on the order situation, we have to react very quickly and regularly lend equipment to a second location in the region that still uses lead-acid batteries. Thanks to the Linde concept, the battery in the new Linde E16 can then simply be replaced via the plug-and-play principle. Li-ION out, lead-acid in, and off you go.”

Like Driving on a Cloud

A forklift truck driver has just steered his Linde E16 into a swap body. Terminal manager Thomas Gundel comments: “The wedge on the loading platform is made of steel and is slightly angled. If you drive over it at speed, it sometimes makes a lot of noise.” All the more surprising, then, that shift supervisor Johnnie Wilson seems completely unfazed by the vibration: “In the new truck, the impacts no longer reach the driver’s seat—you hardly feel anything at all. It’s a great feeling when your back doesn’t ache after a six or seven-hour shift.”

The main reason for this is the ingenious damping concept in the latest generation of Linde forklift trucks. The mast, drive axle, and steering axle are now fully decoupled from the chassis using elastomer ring bearings. The models can also be ordered with an air-sprung driver’s seat (as is the case with DB Schenker), which further improves ergonomics.

All Safe!

Now, let’s return to our lounge chair and the topic of peace and quiet. It’s now 3:30 p.m. and there are around 15 people in the terminal. Despite this, Thomas Gundel seems relaxed as he points to a small device on his high-visibility vest: “We have also been using the Linde Safety Guard since 2023. Everyone, without exception, is given a Portable Unit, including drivers from external transport companies. Their counterparts, the Truck Units, are installed in the trucks.” If the trucks get too close to people or other trucks, the Linde system triggers a two-way warning.

The maximum speed is also automatically reduced when driving into semi-trailers and swap bodies. Last but not least, a permanently installed BlueSpot at the passageway between the two sections of the hall is triggered if an industrial truck is approaching.

It Just Fits

It’s now evening in Schweinfurt. The hall has gradually emptied and is being prepared for the next shift. Thomas Gundel’s working day is also drawing to a close. Time for a conclusion: “As you’ve seen, things can get pretty hectic here. So, it’s good to know that nothing is burning and all the equipment works perfectly together. The quality of service matches the quality of the trucks and the performance of the trucks matches our requirements. The new Linde E16 is a great example of this.”