Alf... features AC technology.
Yale launches a global machine
01 June 2003
Leading materials handling equipment manufacturer Yale has launched the Alf electric forklift truck, the latest in the range of global products developed by the company.
Designed and developed in the US and manufactured in Europe, the 2,000 kg to 3,000 kg forklift is powered by Yale AC Technology.
The Alf is described as Yale's global strategy in action, in line with the company's mission of implementing a global product development programme from its dedicated research and development site located in Portland, Oregon. Over the last three years, the programme has seen the investment of more than $40 million on new product design.
"Both Yale counterbalance forklift trucks and warehouse equipment have been the subject of serious injections of investment,'' says a spokesman for Yale Material Handling UK. ''The last two years have seen the launch of several new warehouse products, including the hugely successful Yale Reach Truck, featuring AC Technology, Palmtech Joystick and 360-degree steering as standard."
Elaborating on AC technology, he says: "The technology provides high standards of performance whatever task is in progress. Whether the truck is laden with bulky, heavy goods or unladen, there will be no variation in performance. The acceleration and speed provided by the AC technology are second to none.
"The controlled power provided by the Yale AC motor means that even the steepest inclines will be handled with ease, giving the operator a feeling of total control whether travelling up or down. AC technology also facilitates very smooth forward and reverse directional change, providing seamless driving action.
"Yale AC Technology not only results in increased performance levels but also results in lower costs of operation."
Alf is equipped with an onboard management system that acts as the machine's central brain. The truck can be configured with passwords, allowing only authorised operators to access the truck. This promotes driver accountability for the machines as the truck saves operational history data.
Prior to operation, the truck can be set so that the driver is prompted to answer a checklist of questions to help prevent the truck being operated while in need of maintenance. If the answers are completed and the machine does not pass the inspection criteria, a 'Service Required' message will display and the truck will only operate in performance mode one.
"During a long eight-hour shift, in an intense operating environment, components can become warm with continued use," he continues. "The Thermal Management System ensures electronic componentry is thermostatically-monitored and fanned to help prevent overheating. Thermal sensors are located on all major components which, in the event of reaching high temperatures, will activate cooling fans."
The truck can be configured to suit the customer's specific requirement and application. This can be for conserving the consumption of energy or increasing productivity.
There are four preset performance mode settings that can be selected from the dash display. Mode Four provides top speed and acceleration and Mode One is designed when prolonged battery life is a priority over high speeds and acceleration. An extended shift setting is available, and with this activated, the battery provides power for a shift, plus additional overtime activity.
Operator passwords can be linked to the performance settings to suit individual operator preferences, the different duties they perform and the customer's energy consumption requirements.
In addition, operator passwords can be programmed and assigned to only work in specific performance modes, giving the fleet manager complete control over his fleet.
This is truly the customer's truck, according to Bob Coble, director of engineering. "Whether you operate in the tight confines of a warehouse where manoeuvrability and control is a must, or need speed and acceleration over long distances, this truck can be set to suit your requirements,'' he says. "If you are concerned about increasing productivity in your operation or conserving as much energy as possible, the new Alf series gives you the flexibility to make an intelligent decision".
The new Yale machine is a completely brushless truck. The Yale AC technology eliminates the need for brushes, resulting in less maintainable parts.
Coble concludes: "This truck is ideal for many industry sectors such as manufacturing, transport and warehousing and wholesale distribution. The adaptable performance parameters give you four trucks rolled into one. But what's important with this machine is to look at what the AC technology gives you long term - high performance is the obvious benefit but looking five years down the line, AC gives you reduced lifetime costs of operation and in turn this reduces your costs of goods moved."
