Linde Material Handling has launched a "Dynamic Mast Control" (DMC) system for its E20-E50 series electric counterbalance trucks, specifically targeting high-bay warehousing applications. As lift heights increase, the slightest movement at the operator's platform or chassis is amplified at the fork tips, causing the load to sway. This "pendulum effect" makes it difficult for operators to place pallets into racks quickly and safely.
The DMC system utilizes acceleration sensors mounted on the mast and the truck chassis. When the sensors detect a sway or vibration-such as when the truck hits a dock plate or the operator brakes suddenly-the system activates the tilt and sideshift cylinders automatically. It generates counter-movements that are precisely phased to dampen the oscillation of the mast. This is similar to the technology used in skyscraper dampers but applied to a mobile machine.
From an engineering standpoint, the system relies on high-speed proportional valves in the hydraulic block. These valves can react within milliseconds to the sensor data. The software also anticipates movements; if the operator tilts the mast forward quickly at a height of 10 meters, the DMC pre-tensions the lift cylinders to compensate for the resulting momentum. This technology reduces the time required to pick or place a pallet by up to 15% and drastically reduces the risk of load spillage or rack damage caused by swinging pallets.
