Taking ergonomic action

Yale launches its new 80-volt counterbalance series emphasising ergonomic advances as well as strides made in energy efficiency

The latest electric counterbalance forklift series from Yale is said to offer performance normally only associated with diesel and LPG forklift trucks, but without the indoor application restrictions often associated with those models.

The VL series is a four wheel electric counterbalance forklift available in lifting capacities from 2,200kg to 3,500kg with five wheelbase and capacity configurations. The VL is suitable for use in both indoor or outside applications and was designed after extensive feedback with customers, as electric truck senior product development manager Daniel Heap explains: "The development of the electric forklift truck range has taken into account not only the requirements of the finance director and the operations manager with their need for lower costs.

"Our extensive research into driver requirements has ensured that Yale trucks have industry leading operator comfort and unique features to ensure that the driver remains comfortable and productive throughout the day," he adds.

Understanding that ergonomics and productivity are inexorably linked, Yale has combined function and form in a bid to impress operators and fleet managers. The VL series builds on features introduced to the company's VT/VF and VG series. The company says these features set new standards in application productivity, driver ergonomics and delivery of the lowest lifetime cost of ownership (these are summarised in the box).

Heap continues: "The materials handling market is like many others in that it has been suffering from the effects of the global financial downturn.

"With the launch of the Yale's new VT, VF, VG and now VL series of forklift trucks Yale is already providing customers with new ways of responding to today's challenges by providing products that are the most energy efficient, productive and also have the lowest lifetime operating costs of any manufacturer.

"The Yale independent dealer network now has the most comprehensive range of forklift trucks and materials handling equipment that will allow them to provide customers with the best materials handling solution for their application." Further features include Yale's e-balance technology which enables customers to define the most suitable setting for their business; either HiP - high productivity or eLo - energy efficiency.

Operating in HiP, the VL series delivers maximum traction and hydraulic performance for the most demanding high productivity applications. The eLo setting provides a balance between truck performance and battery shift life.

According to the VDI 2198 standard test, the ERP 25VL Value forklift consumed 20% less energy (kWh/h) than the leading competitors' average.

Performance can be further customised by the operator by selecting one of the four performance modes, where mode 4 provides maximum speed and acceleration and mode 1 is used where the application demands very precise load handling and manoeuvrability (60% of maximum speed and acceleration).

Standard on all of Yale's new electric counterbalance forklift trucks is YaleStop, an automatic park brake. Similar to the feature fitted on many premium specification cars, YaleStop is automatically activated when the forklift truck is not in motion, or when the operator is not seated. This provides improved controllability on ramps and grades and increases productivity dramatically where the driver is frequently moving on and off the truck. It also eliminates the need for alarms and buzzers to alert operators that the handbrake has not been set.

Ergonomic features Easy on/off access and three point entry.

Unobstructed floor space with right-hand access.

Generous headroom, accommodating the smallest (<160cm) to the tallest (>194cm) operators.

AccuTouch mini lever module featuring angled cushioned arm and palm-rest with fingertip control of levers to reduce repetitive strain injuries.

Full suspension seat providing low whole body vibration levels.

Heads up display for increased visibility and ease of use.