Yale Lift Truck Technologies has announced its selection as a Green Supply Chain Partner by Inbound Logistics magazine, honoring their 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.
“As warehouses look to improve productivity over the benchmarks set by lead-acid batteries and keep operators both comfortable and productive, integrated lithium-ion lift trucks can provide a solution to both problems,” said Jim Hess, Director, Warehouse Business Development, Yale Lift Truck Technologies. “Our unique design philosophy addresses the concerns we hear from operators and warehouse managers, and recognition as a green supply chain partner is a testament to how this approach supports lift truck electrification and pushes it forward.”
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.
