What do you do when you manufacture the most efficient forklift truck in the world?

Design a better one, of course.

Linde is delighted to announce the arrival of the new Series 396 range of counterbalanced combustion engine trucks. The new range is set to replace the 353 Series of trucks, which have been the industry leader in 5t to 8t class since they were introduced nearly 15 years ago.

So how do you improve on the truck that is regarded as the benchmark in the materials handling sector?

Since Linde started manufacturing forklifts in 1904, one thing has remained the same: the dedication to constantly improve and manufacture the best truck that we possible can. This drive means we are never satisfied to rest on our laurels, and the new Series 396 is testament to this.

For starters, the 396 Series features a new high performance, high economy combustion engine. The new turbocharged direct injection 4-litre DUETZ industrial diesel engine utilises the most advanced technology to produce a massive 87kW, while also decreasing emissions and fuel consumption. In fact, the 396 series doesn’t just meet the strict new 2008 European emission standards, it smashes them. This not only makes it environmentally friendly, it also creates a safer workplace for your operators.

Increased operator comfort and safety
Like all the trucks Linde manufacture, operator comfort and safety takes a priority in the design of the 396 series. The new range features major ergonomic advancements to get the best from both man and machine.

The new engine not only allows for higher productivity, it also goes about its job quietly. The truck produces less noise than any other on the market – a very pleasant -2db at the operator’s ear.

The cab is more spacious and boasts the same legroom you’d expect in a family sedan. The ride is more comfortable due the pneumatic suspension, cushioned drive unit, more comfortable seats and adjustable armrests, making it a stress-free working environment. The new series also features 3-way decoupling of the cab, chassis and engine to reduce the damaging effects of vibration and oscillation to the operator.

The increased cabin size and the new slim line mast also create superb visibility of both the load (all the way up to the maximum lift height) and the surroundings in your workplace. The Linde Torsion Support also offers unparalleled safety with up to 30% less mast torsion when lifting loads.

Higher productivity
The functional ergonomic advancements not only make for a safer working environment, they also help lift productivity through reducing driver fatigue.

Features like Linde’s Load Control ensure precise and relaxed fingertip handling for all mast functions, and the Linde twin pedal system provides fast and simple changes of direction for sensitive manoeuvring. These features enable the operator to use the truck’s full potential and maximise efficiency in every working environment.

Peerless reliability
When it comes dependability, no other truck comes close. The combination of the new DUETZ engines and Linde’s unique hydrostatic drive add up to absolute reliability. The 396 Series comes with a new variable displacement pump used solely for lifting (separate to the drive pump). Both displacement pumps are maintenance free and designed to stand up to the rigours of the most demanding and rugged conditions.

The original Linde hydrostatic drive does away with the clutch, differential and drum brakes. With less moving parts, there is less wear and tear to reduce maintenance costs and increase the operating hours between servicing. To keep uptime to a maximum, the new series also has a larger fuel tank to work harder for longer.

The first of the new 396 Series trucks will be rolling off the production line at the Aschaffenburg plant in Germany in April. For more information on this revolutionary piece of machinery, be sure to get in touch with your Linde Material Handling Representative.