Yale Wins Green Award for Lift Trucks with Factory-Integrated Lithium-ion Power

Lift truck designs take advantage of battery pack’s smaller form factor 

Yale Lift Truck Technologies announces its selection as a Green Supply Chain Partner by Inbound Logistics magazine, honoring its full lineup of lift trucks with factory-integrated lithium-ion battery power. This selection marks the 14th consecutive year that Yale was named to the list.

These lift trucks are engineered to address the most pressing productivity, sustainability and cost pressures facing warehouses, while freeing them from the hassle of an aftermarket retrofit. The battery packs require zero maintenance and are capable of fast charging to provide maximum equipment uptime. For example, the ERP040VTL/VFL series, which was recognized earlier this year by the E+E Leader Awards and the Green GOOD DESIGN Awards, can provide a full eight-hour shift from just two hours of charging. Unlike the lead-acid batteries that have typically powered electric lift trucks in the past, lithium-ion batteries charge more quickly and can be charged whenever operators have a free moment. In practice, operators can charge the trucks during breaks and between shifts without battery degradation, maximizing productivity and eliminating the need for excess trucks and batteries. The trucks also produce zero harmful emissions during operation, while eliminating the cleaning, watering, cool down and equalization requirements associated with lead-acid batteries.

Designing these trucks around the lithium-ion battery pack’s smaller form factor enables a slew of ergonomic features that enhance operator comfort. For the ERP040VTL/VFL, these include easier entry and exit and an open cab design that increases room to position feet during operation – both of which can help to improve operator confidence and performance.

For more information, visit https://www.yale.com.