Compact Order Pickers for High-Density Warehousing

Linde Material Handling has expanded its warehouse equipment portfolio with new N20 and N25 horizontal order pickers featuring an integrated lithium-ion battery and a rear-mounted battery configuration. The design is intended to improve maneuverability, operator visibility, and picking efficiency in retail distribution centers, logistics facilities, cold storage operations, and other intralogistics environments.

Vehicle Architecture Optimized for Warehouse Picking
Order picking remains one of the most labor-intensive processes within warehouse operations, making vehicle design a significant factor in productivity. The latest N20 and N25 models build upon Linde Material Handling's existing rear-battery concept, in which the battery compartment is positioned behind the operator platform rather than in front.

This configuration improves the operator's forward field of view when navigating intersections and moving between warehouse aisles. Better visibility can help identify obstacles and traffic hazards earlier, particularly in facilities with high forklift and pedestrian activity.

The introduction of an integrated lithium-ion battery has enabled a more compact vehicle layout. With an overall length of 1,243 mm excluding forks, the new design reduces the truck footprint and turning radius, allowing easier operation in narrow aisles and confined storage areas. According to Linde Material Handling, the shorter chassis can reduce walking distance during picking operations by one to two steps per stop, contributing to cumulative productivity gains over a shift.

Integrated Lithium-Ion Battery Technology
The order pickers are available with integrated lithium-ion battery capacities of 3 kWh and 6 kWh, covering a broad range of standard warehouse applications. For operations requiring longer runtimes, the vehicles can also be configured with replaceable lithium-ion batteries or conventional lead-acid battery systems.

Lithium-ion technology has become increasingly important in modern intralogistics due to its opportunity-charging capability, reduced maintenance requirements, and stable performance across varying operating conditions. The technology is particularly relevant in cold-storage facilities, food distribution centers, pharmaceutical warehouses, and other environments where battery maintenance and hygiene considerations can affect operational efficiency.

Travel Performance and Picking Productivity
A new performance feature of the N20 and N25 models is a maximum travel speed of 14 km/h. While many order-picking operations involve frequent stopping, higher travel speeds can reduce transit times when operators move between distant storage locations or across large warehouse zones.

The vehicles are primarily designed for floor-level order picking. However, optional equipment supports access to elevated storage positions. A fold-out step and a platform lifting function allow operators to reach picking heights of up to 2.8 meters, enabling occasional retrieval of products stored on secondary rack levels.

These capabilities make the vehicles suitable for mixed picking environments where inventory is distributed across multiple storage heights but dedicated high-level picking equipment is not always required.

Ergonomic Features for Operator Efficiency
The vehicle design incorporates several ergonomic options intended to reduce operator fatigue during extended shifts. Available equipment includes an adjustable backrest, folding seat, pneumatic suspension platform, and height-adjustable steering controls.

Such features are increasingly relevant in warehouse operations where labor availability, employee retention, and workplace ergonomics are becoming important operational considerations. Reduced physical strain can contribute to more consistent picking performance and lower operator fatigue during repetitive tasks.

Integrated Safety and Driver Assistance Systems
Safety technologies are incorporated into both the standard and optional equipment packages. Standard systems include Linde Curve Assist, which automatically adapts vehicle behavior during cornering, and two independent braking systems.

Optional safety technologies include the chassis-integrated Linde BlueSpot warning system and the Linde Safety Guard system, which can automatically adjust vehicle speed in response to surrounding conditions. These technologies support collision prevention strategies commonly used in modern warehouse environments with mixed pedestrian and vehicle traffic.

Maintenance Intervals and Service Accessibility
The vehicle design also focuses on reducing service complexity. The engine cover can be removed quickly to simplify maintenance access, while scheduled maintenance intervals extend to 1,000 operating hours.

Extended service intervals can help reduce planned downtime and maintenance-related disruptions, particularly in distribution centers operating multiple shifts or continuous warehouse operations.

Relevance for Modern Intralogistics Operations
The introduction of a compact order picker with integrated lithium-ion power reflects broader developments within the intralogistics sector. Warehouse operators are increasingly seeking equipment that combines energy efficiency, reduced space requirements, enhanced safety features, and improved operator productivity.

By combining a rear-mounted battery architecture, integrated lithium-ion technology, higher travel speeds, and advanced safety systems, the new order pickers are designed to support faster and more efficient warehouse picking workflows while addressing the operational constraints of high-density storage environments.

Additional Context
This section details technical specifications and competitive benchmarking not included in the original news release.

The compact order picker segment includes comparable models from manufacturers such as Toyota Material Handling, Crown Equipment Corporation, Jungheinrich, and STILL.

The Linde N20 and N25 models offer load capacities of 2.0 and 2.5 tonnes, respectively, placing them within the standard horizontal order picker category. Their 1,243 mm chassis length is notably compact compared with many conventional horizontal order pickers that use front-mounted battery compartments, where overall vehicle length is often increased by battery housing requirements.

The adoption of integrated lithium-ion batteries aligns with a broader industry trend toward maintenance-free energy systems. Comparable lithium-ion-powered order pickers from Jungheinrich and Crown also emphasize opportunity charging and reduced battery maintenance. However, Linde's rear-mounted battery architecture differentiates the platform by combining battery integration with improved forward visibility and reduced vehicle dimensions.

Across the intralogistics industry, compact vehicle design is increasingly important as warehouse operators seek to maximize storage density while maintaining efficient material flow. Equipment that reduces travel distances, improves maneuverability, and supports digital supply chain operations can contribute to higher warehouse throughput and improved space utilization.

Edited by Aishwarya Mambet, Induportals Editor, with AI assistance.

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