Linde Material Handling (MH) launches the new Linde-Xi-Roadster electric forklift truck on the Italian market. The absence of a front mast and dedicated design solutions offer operators a wider, clearer view, with direct benefits in terms of safety and efficiency.
Linde Material Handling, a forklift manufacturer part of the KION Group, presents the new Linde-Xi-Roadster, developed as part of the new generation of electric counterbalanced forklifts. The range is now expanded with seven new models, three- and four-wheeled, with load capacities up to 2 tons, designed to ensure significantly higher levels of visibility than traditional standards.
The heart of the Roadster project is a pillar-less overhead guard, a solution that allows operators an unobstructed view of the front, sides, and top of the truck. This is complemented by additional design elements designed to improve overall visibility, with direct benefits in terms of safety, operational precision, and efficiency during driving and lifting operations.
As Samuele Albertini , Head of Sales and Marketing Support at Linde MH Italia, summarizes, the principle is simple: visibility means safety and safety means productivity.
“ When the operator has full visual control of the route, the surrounding environment, and the load, they can work more focused, precise, and efficient. People and obstacles are identified earlier, and maneuvers are faster and safer, with a direct impact on productivity in the warehouse and production areas ,” explains Albertini.
Visibility, safety and ergonomics as design factors
The new Linde-Xi-Roadster is designed for applications where visibility and ergonomics are crucial. It is particularly suitable for the precise handling and positioning of bulky loads, for racking operations, and for loading and unloading vehicles, where accuracy and control are essential.
The most noticeable improvement comes from the elimination of the front masts, which traditionally limit visibility to the sides of the lift mast. The lowered front panel further improves visibility to the fork tips, while the slimmer rear masts make reversing easier.
To ensure an unobstructed view upwards during stacking and retrieval operations, all roof pillars and cross members have been designed with minimal cross-sections. As an option, the Roadster can be equipped with a panoramic roof made of reinforced glass, which complies with safety regulations and has undergone stringent internal testing to ensure reliable protection against falling objects.
Advanced ergonomics and intuitive control
A further distinctive feature of the new Roadster is Linde Steer Control , which replaces the traditional steering wheel with a mini-steering wheel or joystick integrated into the left-hand armrest.
“ These solutions further improve ergonomics and visibility and integrate perfectly with the Roadster concept, offering a more natural and less tiring driving experience, especially during long shifts ,” underlines Albertini.
A shared technology platform
The Linde Xi14 - Xi20 R (three-wheel) and Linde Xi16 - Xi20 R (four-wheel) models are based on the new Xi platform with integrated lithium-ion batteries. Despite their compact dimensions, they offer a spacious and comfortable working environment, with generous legroom and headroom and a wide step for easy entry and exit.
Both the standard Linde Xi and Roadster versions are equipped with high-performance yet economical synchronous reluctance motors, ensuring maximum performance and a high residual load capacity. The same applies to all available equipment options, such as seat and mast variants, ensuring maximum customization.
Finally, the new series offers many other advantages, such as a vibration isolation system on the drive axle, steering axle and lift mast.
Operational efficiency and sustainability over time
The entire design of the new Xi-Roadster series is focused on reducing operating costs and sustainability. Key components such as the motors and battery are maintenance-free, while vehicle accessibility has been designed to simplify service operations.
One example is the extension of the hydraulic oil and filter change interval to 6,000 operating hours , a value that sets a new benchmark in the industry. This reduces oil consumption, limits waste, and minimizes downtime throughout the entire life cycle of the truck.
About LINDE MH
Linde Material Handling develops high-performance goods handling solutions customized to meet individual customer needs.
Linde MH, in addition to being one of the world's leading manufacturers of forklifts and manual and automated warehouse equipment, offers a wide range of fleet management solutions, driver assistance systems, mobile robots and a wide variety of software solutions, consulting services and technical support.
The Linde MH brand represents maximum performance, achieved through technological innovation, superior standards of ergonomics and operator safety and a wide range of energy options.
In Italy, Linde MH can count on a network of 6 branches, 2 established dealers, 21 dealers and partners, and over 800 specialized service technicians, to respond promptly and effectively to customer needs.
Industriale.it certification