A few months after the intensive test with the Linde Xi16, we drove the Roadster variant of this remarkable newcomer. With the absence of the front (A) roof pillars, the Roadster offers virtually unobstructed views of the working environment. It takes some getting used to, but soon you notice that the Roadster works more safely and conveniently.
There are forklifts on the market that, when you first meet them, briefly catch you off guard. The new Linde Xi16 R is one of those. You think: Is the truck not quite complete yet…? Where are the cab’s front uprights? Where is the handle for stepping on and off? Is the floating roof that way still sturdy enough? And of course: what’s the point of not having the A-pillars? Is that convenient or safe? Questions that need answers, so time to put the newcomer through its paces.
The Linde Roadster, as the Linde Xi16 R is called, is no stranger to our test history. Back in 2016, we had the Linde E25 R in our hands. It was the first time the German manufacturer launched this concept. The experiences then were quite positive. You definitely have more visibility of the working environment and the load and this increases safety. Customer feedback confirmed our conclusion and complemented it with practical advice. The 2016 Roadster was not in the ideal weight class to be a real success. A 2.5-tonne truck usually has a bit more generous operating space and also gets into the outdoor area. To really benefit from visibility optimization, the Roadster would have to come in the compact forklift class of 1 to 2 tonnes. With the Linde Xi16 R, that is exactly the case.
With the new truck, Linde couples the advantages of the Xi series with the features of the Roadster. With the Xi line, the integrated lithium-ion battery provides extra legroom in the cab and unprecedented entry and exit. Together with improved engines and the 90-volt on-board voltage, this ensures top scores when it comes to productivity. Energy consumption here remains well below the market average. The Roadster version is 100 per cent technically identical, so we focus this test report mainly on visibility features and another novelty Linde has in store for us, namely Linde Steer Control. The Roadster is optionally available with the traditional Linde steering wheel, but also with the new Mini Wheel or with Joystick steering. We had already seen both at Linde’s World of Material Handling, but we didn’t get further than a little introduction at the time. Both Linde Steer Control options are mounted on the folding left armrest of the seat. As a result, the steering column is also missing. This aspect completes the alienating first acquaintance.
For consumption and performance measurement, we drive the Linde Xi16 R with the Mini Wheel steering system. Of the two newcomers, this is the easiest to get the hang of quickly. Literally, because you operate the Mini Wheel mainly with your middle or index finger. The disc has three dimples where your finger fits, making it easy to control the truck. Again, this takes some getting used to. As a possible extra variant, we could also imagine a small, foldable stick to have a bit more control on the Mini Wheel.
During the test, we drive all three possible settings offered by Linde via the display. Economy, Efficiency and Performance. In terms of performance and consumption, we are on virtually the same scores as with the previously tested Xi16. The ‘same scores’ in this case means about 3% less productive and we attribute that entirely to unfamiliarity with the steering concept.
The question is whether more experience or the use of a conventional steering wheel might lead to slightly better scores than the “regular” Xi16 from the 2024 test. We suspect so, as the Roadster concept has noticeable advantages. We feel more in touch with the warehouse on the truck and are less “in” a forklift. You thus experience better where the racking is, where people are and how to pick up and put away the load. We easily and precisely turn in front of the location and can carefully pick up the load because you are really on top of it.
We notice one drawback of the Mini Wheel when reversing. There is some extra tension on the left shoulder and neck when sitting turned around. After all, the Mini Wheel is closer than a normal steering wheel and that affects the position of the left arm. It is therefore important to properly adjust the distance of the left armrest forward. This adjustment is ample both in terms of length and inclination.
We only “test drove” Linde Steer Control’s other steering concept and did not deploy it on the active test track. The joystick steering requires a longer habituation to be able to drive smoothly on the test track. Moreover, we think it is important to adjust the reaction speed of the electric-hydraulic system to your own liking to become as familiar with the steering as possible. What is immediately noticeable, however, is that the joystick steering is even more ergonomic than the Mini Wheel. You put minimal strain on the left arm.
With the Linde Xi16 R, Linde brings a remarkable addition within the Xi theme. As powerful and economical as its conventional brothers, but with noticeable visibility benefits. And to return to the questions we asked at the beginning of this article: yes, the truck is finished, and the roof structure is strong enough to pass the tough and mandatory drop test where a load of almost twice the weight of the rated lift capacity is dropped on the cabin. The solid B-pillars and reinforced mounting points on the chassis make it possible. Linde has omitted the A-pillars and steering column to gain extra safety. And that will be especially noticeable in compact and busy warehouse environments and when loading and unloading trucks. And the handle to step on and off the truck? That’s on the roof edge. That too just takes some getting used to.
The Linde Xi16 R will be on display for the first time at the A+A Tradeshow, the world’s largest and most important event when it comes to safety and health at work. A+A will take place in Düsseldorf from 4-7 November 2025.
More info: https://www.aplusa-online.com/
(Text and photos: Theo Egberts and Mark Dohmen)
Tags:
Andersom test, Andersom testing, Forklift test, Intralogistics, Linde Material Handling, Linde Roadster, Linde Xi, Linde Xi R, Linde Xi16
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