Steer Control

Linde offers two variants of the Linde Steer Control to suit the different applications of a forklift truck. Mini-wheel and joystick each have their own advantages depending on the application:

Mini-wheel

In its basic operation, the mini-wheel is similar to the classic steering wheel. Thanks to this similarity, the mini-wheel has a significantly steeper learning curve for first-time users than the joystick. For the usual everyday applications of a forklift, from driving and maneuvering to storage and retrieval, the mini-wheel is the optimal choice for the average user and is therefore recommended as the standard design.

Joystick

The joystick shows its strengths under special operating conditions. It enables fast and sharp direction changes, which is an advantage in tight spaces and when frequently driving short, winding routes. When X30 with joystick and Linde Steer Control from Linde Material Handling the joystick is released, the steering wheels automatically return to the straight-ahead position. This is especially useful when the driver frequently has to enter long, narrow aisles. The automatic straight-ahead position also offers advantages when starting or pushing the load in a straight line, as is often required in block storage and beverage warehouses or in paper recycling.

Thanks to the reduced range of movement of the control arm, Linde Steer Control brings significant ergonomic improvements. Especially for intensive applications, where drivers spend several hours at a time on the truck, this reduced physical strain is of great value. The improved ergonomics and ease of operation also help to increase overall productivity. On the one hand, by enabling drivers to work longer without discomfort and with greater concentration. On the other hand, by reducing the absenteeism rate due to long-term physical injuries.

I kraft af styrehåndtagets reducerede bevægelser giver Linde Steer Control betydelige ergonomiske fordele. Især ved intens brug, hvor føreren tilbringer flere timer i træk i trucken, er den reducerede fysiske belastning uvurderlig. Den forbedrede ergonomi og nemme betjening er således også med til at styrke den samlede produktivitet. Føreren vil i første omgang kunne arbejde i længere perioder ad gangen uden at blive træt eller miste koncentrationen. Men på længere sigt vil dette også reducere fraværet på grund af belastningsrelaterede sygemeldinger.

Linde Steer Control optimizes the ergonomic features of the truck and reduces the physical strain on the driver. The ergonomic benefits include:

Reduced Arm Movements

By dispensing with the classic steering wheel and integrating the truck controls into the additional armrest, the driver’s forearm rests in a relaxed position during the entire driving time. All maneuvers are controlled exclusively by slight movements of the hand. The minimal range of motion of the arm relieves the strain on the shoulder and elbow in particular, which noticeably increases operating comfort.

Less Fatigue

The significantly reduced arm movements when controlling the forklift prevent fatigue and one-sided strain on the steering arm. This is particularly noticeable for intensive users who spend the majority of their working time on the forklift. The physical strain caused by frequent maneuvering is also kept to a minimum. Irrespective of the task at hand, drivers can work with concentration and without distraction throughout their shift and maintain their handling performance at a consistently high level.

Reduced Mental Load

Since Linde Steer Control keeps the necessary steering movements to a minimum, the driver can concentrate completely on the truck’s maneuvers.

In order to scientifically prove the ergonomic advantages of Linde Steer Control, in 2022 Linde conducted a user study together with the Institute for Automotive Engineering at RWTH Aachen University and fka GmbH involving 24 test drivers, most of whom also drive forklifts in their day-to-day work. The results of the study point to clear advantages of the mini-wheel and joystick. Motion analyses clearly show that both variants cause less movement of the steering arm compared to the conventional Linde steering wheel.

For the study, the drivers completed two identical driving courses involving typical driving maneuvers such as driving straight ahead, winding passages, maneuvering, and picking up, setting down and stacking goods. To determine the range of motion of the shoulder, elbow and wrist, the upper body and arms were recorded with a special camera and analyzed. The result: the shoulder is moved 25 percent less, the elbow as much as 45 percent less. This significantly reduces the strain on the shoulder and elbow joints, as well as on the muscles all the way up to the neck.

The results of the motion analysis are consistent with the subjective driving experience. For example, the drivers stated that the perceived strain on their shoulders and arms was significantly lower when using the mini-wheel and joystick compared to the Linde steering wheel.

VISIBILITY AND SAFETY

Linde Steer Control makes the classic steering wheel obsolete. This eliminates the need for a steering column and improves the visibility through the windshield to the fork tips. This, in turn, makes it easier for the driver to pick up loads standing on the ground.

The Control System of the Future: Safety Thanks to Steer-by-Wire Technology.
Linde Steer Control is based on steer-by-wire technology, in which the driver’s steering commands are converted into electrical signals and passed on to the hydraulic control elements. This allows the truck’s wheels to be steered even though the steering element is no longer mechanically connected to the steering axle. For Steer Control, Linde has developed an innovative safety concept that ensures the fail-safe operation of the truck control system under all circumstances, despite the lack of a mechanical connection.