AC and advanced ergonomic lift trucks debut at Yale

By Staff -- Modern Materials Handling, 1/9/2007

The new NR narrow aisle lift truck series from Yale (Booth 2031) features all-AC power, powered lift/lower capabilities and a choice of two ergonomic operator compartment layouts.

With either 3,000 or 4,500 pound capacities, the standard fore/aft and side stance trucks use AC power for steering, lift and traction motors. AC motors and controllers do not have motor brushes or a commutator, reducing maintenance.

A bi-directional lift pump and motor assembly powers loads up and forks down, said Dale Guckian, Yale’s warehouse product manager. In fact, he said, forks can descend at 105 feet per minute whether empty or loaded. Lowering also regenerates power to the battery, extending life.

Both fore/aft and side-stance operator compartments are ergonomically designed. All surfaces that come in contact with the operator’s body are padded for comfort. In the fore/aft models, ergonomic control handles are designed to ease operator use when moving forward and in reverse. In the side-stance design, the control handle operates in two different directional modes depending on preference.

In addition, the E-Z ride floorboards feature two flush mounted pedals. This eliminates the need for operators to lift their feet to operate the pedals. Mounted on four polymer arches, floorboards adjust to shifts in weight.