Yale Materials Handling Corporation announced the launch of an upgraded electric rider lift truck series with a capacity of 8,000-12,000 lbs. Designed to make a leading electric lift truck more advanced, the new Yale® ERC080-120VH lift truck series is built to meet and exceed application requirements for warehousing, retail and industrial environments. “The time for converting from internal combustion engine (ICE) trucks to electric lift trucks is now,” said Bill Pfleger, president of Yale Distribution. “Our ERC080-120VH electric riders are just as durable as ICE trucks, are more cost-effective, eliminate emissions and are fitted with leading innovative technologies designed specifically for materials handling.” To ensure that customers’ needs are met, all of Yale’s new ERC080-120VH trucks have undergone rigorous durability and performance testing. Not only are they comparable in power and durability to ICE powered trucks, but can save money by eliminating fuel costs and dramatically reducing emissions. In addition, the new truck series features enhanced technologies such as a stronger and more durable powertrain, a drive axle with increased shock absorption for heavy loads, and a mast that is reinforced with ductile iron-casted cross members which resist mast rocking and lateral movement. The ERC080-120HV series presents excellent stopping power with low brake pedal effort by providing wet disc brakes. These brakes are designed to lower cost of operation by requiring no adjustments or servicing other than a periodic lubrication change at 4,000-hour intervals. The series also includes a Power-Assisted Braking System, which further increases brake and drive train life by automatically utilizing traction motor braking in proportion to operator brake pedal pressure. With reduced demand on the service brakes, the assisted braking feature lessens operator braking effort by up to 40 percent. The AC traction motors and efficient hydraulic components used in the ERC080-120VH maximize uptime and increase throughput. Considered the “operator’s truck,” Yale® lift trucks are fitted with advanced ergonomic technologies that increase productivity by helping to reduce operator fatigue. The truck also features textured grab handles, a tilt steering column with optional tilt-memory and telescopic adjustment for improved operator comfort and productivity.