Yale Materials Handling Corporation announces that it will be offering its MPB045VG walkie pallet truck with the first commercially available Underwriters Laboratories (UL) recognized lithium-ion battery pack in the forklift industry. With an extended run time, excellent charging capabilities and small footprint, the new lithium-ion battery offers an efficient and productive power alternative for retail, beverage and food delivery applications.

The new lithium-ion option is designed to last up to five times longer than traditional lead acid batteries, drastically reducing downtime and expensive battery replacements, and is backed by a five year warranty. Unlike lead acid batteries, lithium-ion technology does not experience the negative sulfation effects during short charging and extended storage.

With exceptional charging efficiency, the lithium-ion battery can be repeatedly charged to 100 percent capacity without an equalization charge, allowing operators to spend more time moving products, and less time charging. The battery is also intended for convenient opportunity charging with no negative memory effects, and is completely maintenance free, meaning it does not require watering and contains no acid.

“At Yale we are always looking toward advanced, more efficient technologies,” said David McNeill, Manager of Product Strategy, Yale. “The new lithium-ion battery reinforces our commitment to these initiatives by offering a solution that is not only environmentally friendly, but provides an efficient and productivity enhancing option for our customers – helping to minimize cost of operations over time.”

Designed with a shorter 6” battery compartment, the new lithium-ion option reduces the overall turning radius of the truck, providing improved maneuverability in confined spaces and delivering up to a 10 percent improved head length. Conversion kits will be available through authorized Yale^® dealers for existing MPB040Z and MPB045VG trucks in the field.

The MPB045VG with lithium-ion battery is on exhibit at ProMat 2015 in Yale booth #1003, March 23-26.