Ergonomic design for intensive operation
August 1st 2007

Ergonomic design for intensive operatioDesigned specifically with the lumber, steel and aluminium, concrete, brewing, stevedoring and chemical industries in mind, Yale Europe Materials Handling says is its 6-7 tonne capacity Veracitor VX model sets new standards of performance and ergonomic design

Available with a choice of diesel or LPG engines in 6,000 and 7,000kg capacities, the GDP/GLP60-70VX is designed for intensive operation in the most demanding applications. The model brings to this market features which were previously unavailable, all designed to achieve maximum materials handling efficiency and the lowest lifetime cost of ownership.

Drive train At the heart of the truck is a choice of two transmissions:- The Standard Electronic Powershift transmission which provides operators with two forward and two reverse speeds; the lower first gear for extended drawbar pull and the higher second gear for top speeds on long runs. The Soft Shift Power Reversal option is suitable for intrinsically unstable or fragile load applications, while also reducing tyre and brake wear.

The Techtronix 332 provides three forward and two reverse speeds. Standard features of this transmission include the Auto Deceleration System (ADS), Controlled Power Reversal (CPR) and Controlled Rollback, all of which contribute to increased productivity, lower cost of operation, operator comfort, reduced fuel consumption, drive train and tyre wear.

Electronic management system The truck's 'brain', the proven Intellix VSM electronic management system, delivers increased throughput and productivity and contributes to reducing maintenance costs.

The system enables on-board and PC-based adjustment of the trucks performance characteristics to the application needs and carries out diagnostics of the trucks critical operating functions quickly and efficiently while maintaining maximum uptime.

On start up, the Intellix system automatically monitors brake, transmission and coolant fluid levels and displays the data on the truck's interactive electronic dash to allow quick and easy pre-shift checks to be carried out by the operator.

The dash display features long-life LED lights and an easy-to-read LCD screen, allowing the operator to adjust the settings of the truck to match his or her particular demands. A number of operating parameters, including the lift and lowering speed of the mast, mast tilt speeds, truck acceleration rates and travel speeds are easily programmable via the dash display.

Even the flow of hydraulic oil can be precisely matched to the requirements of an attachment in use.

The advanced dash display also enables truck diagnostics to be carried out with no additional equipment – a valuable function that makes trouble shooting both fast and extremely accurate. First time fix is facilitated ensuring truck uptime is maximised while costly parts swapping can be minimised.

Serviceability As well as simplifying the diagnosis process, Yale has designed the new truck to enable quick operator daily routine checks and quick and efficient scheduled servicing. The truck's engine and transmission compartment is accessed by opening its gull-wing hood, and access to the powertrain is achieved via the simple removal of the foot and side plates. The uncluttered layout and clean electrical and hydraulic routings make changing the air and oil filter, engine oil, coolant and both transmission and hydraulic fluid a simple process. Routine servicing takes place every 500 hours with a hydraulic oil change only needed after 4000 hours of use.

Oil immersed brakes A further reduction in the truck's lifetime operating costs has been achieved by using highly dependable premium oil-immersed brakes. As well as contributing significantly to the truck's low maintenance schedule, the brakes provide maximum braking capability and reduced brake pedal effort.

Furthermore, the sealed design of the brakes makes the trucks suitable for use in contaminating environments.

Ergonomics The comfort of the truck operator throughout the length of a shift has always been a principal consideration for Yale in the design of its products. When combined with the large left hand side grab handle on the overhead guard and the right hand grip on the seat mounting of the truck, the optimised step heights of 32cm, 65cm and 84cm provide by far the easiest operator entry and exit to a truck of this capacity, even when the operator is wearing gloves.

The operator floor height of 110cm provides optimum visibility over high loads and the rear counterweight.

The perforated tread running boards provide extra grip and drainage allowing for easy access to the truck in all weather conditions. Fingertip mini-lever hydraulic controls help to further minimise muscle and joint strain and reduce operator fatigue over long shifts, while the ultra-responsive small steering wheel – which requires only four turns from lock to lock – results in less shoulder stress for the operator. Manual levers are standard on the Veracitor VX Base model for operators who prefer this option.

An infinitely adjustable steering column and full suspension seat with fully adjustable arm rest provides the perfect command driving position for operators with different physiques.

Comfort while travelling in reverse is aided by the rear drive handle featuring a horn, which is built into the rear overhead guard leg, while the seat belt design makes it easy for the operator to rotate his or her hips while seated, helping to reduce any possible back strain.

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