Ergonomically advanced
December 1st 2009

Yale's newly launched VL is said to be the most energy efficient, productive and comfortable counterbalance electric forklift series in the 2200kg to 3500kg capacity category

Starting with the idea that ergonomics and productivity are inexorably linked, Yale has delivered a series of fork lift trucks that combine function and form that it claims will impress operators and fleet managers.

The VL series is a four wheel electric counterbalance supercushion tyre forklift truck available in lifting capacities from 2,200kg to 3,500 kg with five wheelbase and capacity configurations.

Combining a compact footprint with performance normally only associated with internal combustion engine trucks, the VL is suitable for use in both indoor or outside applications, particularly in environments where space is at a premium.

One of the most ergonomically advanced forklift truck series available, the VL series benefits from many features introduced on the company's VT/VF and VG series; features that set new standards in application productivity, driver ergonomics and delivery of the lowest lifetime cost of ownership. These include: - easy on/off access and three point entry; - unobstructed floor space with right-hand access; - generous headroom, comfortably 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 (RSI); - full suspension seat providing the lowest Whole Body Vibration (WBV) levels; - heads up display for increased visibility and ease of use.

Yale has incorporated design features at every opportunity to help increase productivity. In addition to increased productivity through operator comfort, the VL features Yale's unique ebalance technology. This 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 the ultimate balance between truck performance and battery shift life. Energy consumption is the lowest in its class while maintaining class leading performance and productivity.

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.

Daniel Heap, electric truck senior product development manager for NMHG, says: "The materials handling market is like many others. It has been suffering from the effects of the global financial downturn.With the launch of the new VT, VF, VG and now VL series of forklift trucks, Yale is providing customers with new ways of responding to today's challenges by providing products that are the most energy efficient, productive and have the lowest lifetime operating costs of any manufacturer."

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