Released on: April 1, 2008, 6:14 am

Press Release Author: Sarah A. Chase

Industry: Industrial

Press Release Summary: 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.

Press Release Body: LONDON, 1 April 2008 - 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.

The empty container handlers are fitted with a Cummins QSB 6.7 diesel engine. It has
an output of 142 kW (at 2200 rpm), reaches maximum torque of 931 Nm at 1400 rpm and
meets all specifications for level 3A of the Euro 2004/26 EU emission guidelines.

Linde has made a whole host of design changes to the lift mast of the empty
container handler. The special Linde mast design is still the unique selling point
of the truck. Unlike most other trucks, it is the outer mast that moves during
lifting rather than the inner mast. This construction has the benefit of being able
to support the load force more effectively and helps the lift mast remain extremely
stable even when double-handling. Linde achieves the same objective with the
positioning of the tilt cylinders which are fitted to the rear of the chassis at an
angle of 45° degrees; the cylinders transfer the load force directly on the lift
mast to the rear of the chassis. The stable connection between mast profiles and
chassis is particularly noticeable in the increased level of stability achieved at
high lifting heights. A four-chain system enables accelerated lifting and lowering
speeds. Shorter lift cylinders prevent the cylinder from bowing, which improves the
service life of the component. The design of the 20\' to 40\' hydraulic adjustable
side spreader guarantees the driver an excellent view, thus ensuring a high level of
safety when operating the truck. With the double-container handling option the
spreader can stack and de-stack containers up to 7 high.

Linde has also optimised its new heavy trucks in the area of ergonomics - and this
is clear just from entering the vehicle. The driver enters the driver\'s cabin using
wide, easy-to-climb steps made of anti-slip metal grilles which lead to a large
platform at the side of the cabin. The cabin itself reveals the high-quality
ergonomic standard of the current generation of Linde diesel and LPG trucks:
comfortable seat, adjustable steering column, wide arm rest with integrated central
control levers (Linde load control), large glass windows at the front, rear, top and
sides, as well as a heater and fresh air blower as standard, plus optional climate
control. The cabin is designed and positioned to give the driver optimum all-round
visibility.


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Contact Details: For further information, contacts, interviews or related images .
please contact:
Sarah A. Chase
Head of PR
Image Line Communications Ltd.
Unit 1A Zetland House
5-25 Scrutton Street
London
EC2A 4HJ

(t) + 44 (0) 20 7689 9009
(f) + 44 (0) 20 7689 8008
(e) pr@imageline.co.uk
www.imageline.co.uk

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