Linde Xi models undergo performance test
The new elite
Trade journalist and forklift expert Theo Egberts tested the new electric counterbalanced forklift trucks Xi16 and Xi20 P from Linde Material Handling. His verdict was that these models impress across the board with their exceptional performance and unprecedented levels of driving comfort in the payload range of 1 to 2 metric tons. They therefore raise the bar to a whole new level.
Disclaimer: All images have been generously provided by Andersom Testing, Theo Egberts and Mark Dohmen.
What makes a perfect electric counterbalanced forklift truck? For most operators, the answer to this question would probably be high performance, low operating costs and maximum driving comfort. The new models in Linde’s Xi series fulfil these requirements with flying colours, as the renowned forklift tester Theo Egberts notes in a report for the trade journal “Logistics Inside.”
Before these new models had even had their official market launch, Theo Egberts was given the opportunity to carry out an extensive field test on two pre-series forklifts from the Xi series to evaluate their performance, ergonomics and energy efficiency compared to the market average. The models he tested were the Linde Xi16 three-wheeled forklift with a load capacity of 1.6 metric tons and the Linde Xi20 P four-wheeled forklift with the Linde combi-steering axle for loads of 2 metric tons.
The trucks are part of a new series of electric counterbalanced forklift trucks in the payload range of 1 to 2 metric tons, which includes the Xi10 – Xi20 high-performance forklift trucks and the E14 – E20 conventional forklift trucks.
The portfolio comprises a total of 26 model variants and offers a wide range of battery capacities, load capacity variants, chassis sizes and steering axle variants, which enable the E14 – E20 and Xi10 – Xi20 to be tailored to suit every application requirement. In addition, there are various energy options to choose from: proven lead-acid batteries, highly efficient Li-ION technology or innovative fuel cell systems.
With the Xi series, Linde is once again setting new standards in the compact class up to a load capacity of 2 metric tons.
Theo Egberts, trade journalist and forklift expert
What makes the Xi models tested by Theo Egberts unique is that they have a permanently integrated lithium-ion battery, eliminating the need for the bulky battery tray. This gave Linde the opportunity to significantly expand the footwell in its new forklift truck. It was also able to create a much wider and lower entry step. “By integrating the Li-ion battery, these forklift trucks offer much more space and comfort than the competition,” says Theo Egberts, summing up his impressions.
Comfort like never before
“The footwell is designed to be very spacious, and the entry step is generously proportioned and set at a comfortably low level. These are both things that haven’t previously been seen in this forklift class,” says Theo Egberts, full of praise for these features. But that’s not all. The control elements have also been consistently optimised from an ergonomic point of view. The centrepiece of these forklifts is the infinitely adjustable armrest with integrated Linde Load Control. It enables intuitive and convenient control of all the functions. Practical details such as a wide range of storage options complete the well thought-out overall concept.
Theo Egberts is also enthusiastic about the cab concept, which has been consistently evolved. The interior design of the Xi forklift trucks is identical to all new Linde counterbalanced trucks with a load capacity of up to 5 metric tons. This helps to ensure a high recognition value in the workplace and makes it much easier for operators to switch between forklifts from different weight classes.
The new Linde forklifts also impress with what’s under the hood. The outstanding performance of the new Xi forklifts is down to a number of technical innovations. The 90 V voltage level of the integrated Li-ION battery combined with efficient synchronous reluctance motors delivers maximum electrical power to ensure consistent high performance even in extreme conditions.
Unprecedented speeds
The forklifts can be used in three different performance settings: Performance, efficiency and economy. According to Theo Egberts, the test trucks achieve “unprecedented driving, sprinting and lifting speeds” in Performance mode, resulting in elite levels of productivity that are as yet unparalleled. Even in Economy mode, the lowest power setting, the trucks still achieve above-average levels of productivity, according to Theo Egberts.
Despite its outstanding performance, the energy consumption of the Xi forklift is still around the market average or even below, as the forklift tester enthusiastically notes from the data. Depending on the individual usage profile, there are different battery capacities of up to 32 kWh available to tailor the forklift trucks to different tasks. “With the largest battery capacity, eight hours of continuous operation is a walk in the park,” Theo Egberts reports in his test verdict. Charging is carried out either with regular Linde chargers or via an integrated on-board charger.
“With the Xi series, Linde is once again setting new standards in the compact class up to a load capacity of 2 metric tons,” concludes Theo Egberts. “Never before have forklifts in this class been so generous in terms of space, so productive in terms of performance, and so fully re-conceived compared to the previous models.” Linde is once again raising the bar with all these firsts. The forklift expert confirms that the new Xi forklift trucks are an all-round impressive package.
