Willenhall, UK: While much is made about the future for trucks being electric, many forget that electric powered vehicles have ben around for many years. British-made electric milk floats, for example, and Yale electric forklift trucks, which celebrate their hundredth anniversary this year.
Yale & Towne introduced its first electric forklift truck in 1920. The centenary celebration coincides with the extension of the Yale lithium-ion power range.
Electric and alternative power played an important part in the history of Yale. In the 1930s Yale developed innovations such as power steering, center-control trucks, caster steering and the use of high heat-resistant Class-H silicon insulation in electric motors.
In 1964, Yale introduced the first silicone controlled rectifier controlled electric fork lift truck.
Yale opened its Greenville, North Carolina plant to produce electric trucks in 1974. A new generation of electric counterbalance trucks were introduced in 2009.
“As a company we are incredibly proud of our heritage and reaching this 100-year milestone is something that all of our employees, clients and customers can be proud to be associated with,” said Iain Friar, Yale brand manager,for Europe and the Middleeast.
“While we have a well-established global heritage, Yale demonstrates its forward-looking perspective by investing in technologies such as robotics and alternative power options. The Yale range is reflective of an industry that is now guided more by its environmental impact than ever before.
“100 years on from the first battery-powered low-lift platform truck, a traditional lead acid battery is still by far the most common choice of powering electric materials handling machines.”
Lithium-ion power is now available as standard across the Yale electric truck range, from counterbalance forklift trucks up to 5.5tonne to warehouse rider and pedestrian trucks.
Lithium-ion batteries are one of the most popular, with greater productivity and improved total costs. Lithium-ion batteries suit multi-shift applications by eliminating the need for replacement batteries and battery change-overs. Space previously used for battery charging can now be used for more productive purposes, such as storage space or production.
“Use of lithium-ion batteries has seen rapid growth over recent years. Greater numbers of customers are finding this battery technology commercially viable. For example, food and pharmaceutical applications benefit from the reduced risk of chemical spillage, while automotive, retail and logistics applications reap the rewards of utilising a single battery for a multi-shift operation,” said Ivor Wilkinson, solutions manager, Yale.
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