Good vibrations

Yale's new generation of forklift trucks can now be fitted with a new low vibration seat giving operators the flexibility to choose an optimal seat position to suit his or her height.


Featuring an adjustable lumbar support and headrest with 14 positions to choose from, the seat is also 42mm higher than the standard seat, giving more back support.

Lower back pain can be bought on or made worse by a bad seated posture. The adjustable lumbar support on Yale's new low vibration seat promotes a better seated posture by providing more support to the lower back and promoting the correct curvature of the spine.

Yale brand manager Steve Ridgway says: "All of Yale's next generation of counterbalance forklift trucks have been designed with ergonomics and the operator in mind. Features such as three point entry for easier mounting and dimounting and an integrated Accutouch mini lever module control in the armrest based on intuitive fingertip operation all make for a smoother operation.

"The new low vibration seat caters for the comfort of each individual and given that a more comfortable driver makes for a more productive driver, there will be benefits for the business too."

The new low vibration seat options are being introduced as a price list option on models within Yale's VT, VF and VL series and is availale in cloth or vinyl. For more information log on to www.yale-forklifts.eu to find your nearest dealer.

EAST MEETS WEST IN CRAIGAVON

A delegation of over 70 materials handling dealer representatives from Russia attended a company and product overview in Craigavon, Northern Ireland, the manufacturing location of the Yale range of counterbalance fork lift trucks.

The visit was organised for sales managers and independent dealers of Universal Spetstechnica LLC (UST) who recently signed an agreement to become the Exclusive Dealer for Yale counterbalance fork lift trucks and warehouse equipment in the Russian Federation.

The largest forklift truck distributor in the Russian Federation, UST has a distribution channel of over 50 wholly owned and independent sales and service points in all eight of the Federal Districts making it the most comprehensive distribution channel of any materials handling organisation in the Russian Federation.

Throughout the four day event the 70 delegates took part in an overview of the complete Yale product range and were briefed on the product features and customer benefits of each product series. The delegates also took advantage of the opportunity to undertake an extensive factory tour of the company’s counterbalance forklift truck manufacturing facility.

Werner Meier-Ansari, the Yale area business director for Central and Eastern Europe said: “The purpose of the visit to Craigavon was to provide our new dealer colleagues with the opportunity to see first-hand the manufacturing facility in Craigavon and to provide them with an overview of the Yale product range and the features that can benefit owners and operators of Yale equipment in Russia.

It was also an opportunity to provide them with an insight into the support they will receive to enable them to provide their customers with the best materials handling solution to their application requirements.”

PRODUCT FAMILIARISATION BRIEFING HELD FOR UK DEALER

Following the announcement of Yale’s intention to appoint Briggs Equipment UK Ltd as its exclusive distributor in the UK, the company’s sales representatives visited the Yale counterbalance production facility in Craigavon earlier this month for product familiarisation.

Over 70 delegates took part in an overview of the complete Yale product range and were briefed on the features and customer benefits of each product series.

The three day event covered sessions on the Company Presentation, History and Values, Yale product range and the Multi-media Sales Tool (MMST). A ride and drive session in nearby Silverwood gave the Briggs delegates an opportunity to familiarise themselves with the latest electric counterbalance and Veracitor VX forklifts trucks as well as Yale’s highly productive warehouse equipment.

The Yale area business director for Northern Europe, Dave Bunting said: The visit was important in bringing the Briggs Equipment Sales team up to speed with the Yale product range as quickly as possible. The upturn in the UK market provided a great opportunity for Yale and newly appointed Briggs Equipment and this overview provided the sales team with the knowledge they needed to make an immediate impact in the marketplace”.

Major Yale Dealer Appointment in Russia

Press Release
August 2010 – A0124


Major Yale Dealer appointment in Russia

Yale Europe Materials Handling has signed an agreement with the Russian Federation’s largest forklift truck distributor creating the most comprehensive distribution channel of any materials handling manufacturer in the country.

Universal Spetstechnica LLC (UST) operates two main branches and a network of 56 independently owned and operated sub dealerships with a presence in all eight of the Russian Federation’s Federal Districts. The company has a leading market position and offers the potential to increase total sales of Yale forklift trucks in the Russian market substantially.

The introduction of UST into Yale’s key dealer programme will be marked with a visit to the company’s Craigavon facility where 50 dealer representatives will see first-hand the manufacture of Yale’s new VL series of energy efficient and highly productive electric forklift trucks.

Mr. Ralf Mock, Managing Director, NACCO Materials Handing Group EMEA, says the Russian market represents one of the most promising areas of growth for Yale in the Europe, Middle East and Africa territories.

Mr. Mock explains: “Through the agreement with UST, Yale is establishing itself as the leading materials handling supplier in Russia by offering a full range of Class 1, 2, 3 and 5 products through an established network of regional dealers across the country.

“With an excellent reputation for high standards of customer service, UST will bring the level of knowledge and expertise we have been searching for to grow our operation in Russia. Their appointment will increase Yale’s presence in the Russian lift truck market and we look forward to joining forces with Mr. Bunetskul and his team at Universal Spetstechnica LLC to increase our business in Russia” concludes Mr. Mock.

Universal Spetstechnica LLC has taken the strategic decision to work with Yale to realise its future growth and business development plans.

Mr. Andrey Bunetskal, Dealer Principal at UST, comments: “The Russian market is becoming more sophisticated with customers demanding more technologically advanced materials handling products and materials handling solutions, particularly in the electric counterbalance and warehouse equipment categories. Yale’s full product offering allows UST to provide a comprehensive range of products to customers operating within an increasingly diverse range of materials handling applications.”

He adds: “Yale also offers the added benefit of the best short term rental, financing packages, after-sales service and parts support. Yale has more than met our criteria as a leading forklift truck manufacturer and we are delighted to be appointed as the exclusive Dealer for the Russian Federation.”

The UST dealer network will offer the full range of Class 1 electric counterbalance and Class 5 internal combustion engine counterbalance trucks as well as Class 2 and Class 3 warehouse equipment from Yale’s materials handling portfolio. These include pallet trucks, order pickers, stacker trucks, reach trucks, pedestrian counterbalanced equipment and turret trucks within the warehouse range as well as the full range of electric, LPG and diesel counterbalance forklift trucks with capacities ranging from 1 to 16 tonnes.

Manufacturing Boost

The increased demand to satisfy the Russian market will improve the position of the company’s European manufacturing facilities in Craigavon, Masate and Nijmegen. Steve Ridgway, Yale brand manager explains: “The additional orders through the UST agreement will provide enhanced output and richer volumes in our Class 1, 2, 3 and 5 segments through our European factories. We welcome this opportunity to strengthen our manufacturing position and increase our throughput.”

Russia is already home to a large number of multi-national companies and is well placed to exploit future technologies as industries expand and require the best logistics and materials handling solutions available as the market recovers. Yale Europe will be strategically positioned to take advantage of the market developments in Russia, working closely with the vastly experienced team at Universal Spetstechnica LLC.

For further details of Yale’s extensive key dealer network, visit www.yale-forklifts.eu.

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YALE announces intention to appoint BRIGGS EQUIPMENT UK Ltd as exclusive UK distributor

Yale Europe is pleased to announce its intention to appoint Briggs Equipment UK Ltd, a leading national independent service provider and materials handling equipment specialist, as its exclusive distributor in the UK (excluding Northern Ireland).



As part of the pending agreement, NACCO Materials Handling Group intends to also sell the Yale UK business to Briggs Equipment UK Limited.


Briggs International is part of the Sammons Enterprises Inc. equipment distribution division. Companies within the equipment distribution division include Briggs Equipment US, who is already a major distributor of Yale Forklift Truck products.



The extension of the strategic partnership between Yale and Briggs Equipment is consistent with the ambitious growth strategy of Yale, enabling a dramatic increase in market coverage in the UK.


Yale Europe will continue to support all of its customers throughout any period of change and looks forward to delivering outstanding levels of service under this new partnership.


It is expected that Forkway Limited and Lloyd Limited will continue their valuable contribution to the success of Yale and the satisfaction of their customers, working closely together with Briggs Equipment UK Ltd.

Yale extends its search for the oldest forklift truck

As Yale’s campaign to find the oldest operating Yale forklift truck continues to receive entries from across Europe, the Middle East and Africa to celebrate the company’s 90th anniversary, Yale has extended the competition to the end of the year following the appointment of new exclusive dealers within the company’s Europe, Middle East and Africa network.

Widely recognised as introducing the very first electric powered low lift platform truck to the European marketing in 1920, Yale is offering a trip to New York in return for information on the oldest operating Yale forklift truck or pallet truck still in operation today (*click here for terms and conditions).

Yale’s competition to find the Oldest Yale forklift truck has received interest from all over Europe and, following the appointment of Universal Spetstechnica LLC (UST) as the exclusive authorised Yale Dealer for the Russian Federation, the competition has been extended to the end of 2010 to allow Russia’s largest forklift truck distributor and the rest of the Yale Dealer network to submit more entries.

Open to all operators of Yale forklift trucks or pallet trucks that are at least 20 years old still being used today across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, the competition showcases the reliability and longevity of Yale forklift trucks as well as a long heritage of innovative forklift innovation and design for over ninety years.

Still going strong
Richard Czepukojc, Yale Europe’s Advertising and PR executive, explains: “We regularly receive feedback from our customers saying they are still using a Yale forklift truck or pallet truck purchased in the 1960s and we know of one operator that up until a few years ago was using a platform truck that was well over 40 years old.

“Entries have been received from across Europe including Switzerland, France, Germany and the UK, and, despite the fact that the competition is only open to operators across the EMEA region, we have even received an entry from Canada demonstrating the global distribution and reach of our forklift brand.”

French company Micro Meca is a specialist in precision and mechanical engineering. Its 1970 Yale forklift truck has served the company every day for the past 40 years transporting pallets of iron, mechanical parts and other industrial equipment.

Meanwhile, Gebrüder Münzert in Germany has been producing fabrics and clothing material since 1925. Its Yale forklift has been used in the warehouse to lift bales and cartons with its special attachment daily, despite being 37 years old whilst Swiss firm M. Knoepfli AG, a leader in power shift transmission, torque converters, marine gearboxes and gears for locomotives, construction equipment and industrial vehicles, operates a 36 year old Yale K51 electric forklift truck which is still used daily on site.

How to Enter
If you think you have one of the oldest Yale forklift trucks still in operation, you could win a trip to New York courtesy of Yale. A gallery of entries is being hosted on the Forkliftaction web site: www.forkliftaction.com/yaleoldesttruck where new entries can be easily uploaded. Alternatively, entries can be submitted via email by sending an image, together with your name, company and age of the truck, to yaleeurope@yale.com.

All entries into the Yale Oldest Truck competition will receive a die cast scale model of the latest Yale lift truck. One overall winner will receive a trip to New York (click here for terms and conditions ).

ERGONOMICS, MANOEUVRABILITY AND SAFETY PERFECTED IN INDEPENDENT FORKLIFT TEST

Leading French materials handling publication, Manutech, put Yale’s four wheel VF electric counterbalance forklift through an uncompromising series of tests with some impressive results.

Yale’s new VF electric forklift truck “highlights the undisputed advances that NACCO Materials Handling Group has made in its new generation of electric trucks,” reported Mr. Patrick Harribey and Mr. Jean-Louis Rabeux in the January/February 2010 issue after their examination of the 1,800kg capacity model.

Steve Ridgway, Yale Brand Manager, said: “Yale understands that ergonomics and productivity are inexorably linked and the introduction of the VF series marked an unprecedented step forward in ergonomic design and operating performance for four wheel electric counterbalance trucks, something that was highlighted by the test.”

According to the professional test team the operator module is central to the success of Yale’s VF series. Mr. Harribey commented that “the ergonomic tilt of the armrest built into the seat combines comfort with convenience” whilst “the headroom between the seat and the overhead guard makes for comfortable driving when wearing a hard hat.”

The VF model tested was fitted with Yale’s AccuTouch mini lever module which features cushioned arm and palm rest with fingertip control of levers. The test team reported that “the levers were big enough to be operated with handling gloves on. They are smooth, extremely precise and simultaneously manoeuvrable single handed.”

Particular praise was given to the new Yale full suspension seat and its ability to absorb vibrations A weight adjustment thumbwheel function allows the seat to be easily customised to the operator’s specific requirements resulting in improved comfort, increasing the length of time an operator can work at optimum productivity.

Manutech reported that the turning circle on the VF model was “outstanding” with smooth manoeuvring at all times. The armrest and rear-driving position were also praised for offering good support during manoeuvring.

The test team described “excellent visibility from the ‘Clearview’ mast enabling the operator to pick up or put down pallets high up on shelving in total safety.”

Manutech were keen to comment that the VF model tested allowed the supervisor to select between two performance modes. The 'eLo' (Energy Saving) setting offers the lowest possible energy consumption in each class (2.02Ah per VDI 2198 test cycle) whilst the 'HiP' (High Productivity) setting can be selected for a heavy duty performance cycle or where high productivity is important.
Responding to the Manutech verdict, Steve Ridgway concluded: “We are delighted with the test results. Mr. Rabeux and his team have provided an excellent, independent and experienced endorsement of the new VF series confirming that Yale continues to lead the market with a range of products that have the best overall energy efficiency, productivity and lowest lifetime cost of ownership for applications where electric forklift trucks are demanded.”

- ends -

New Yale Pallet Truck Launched -

Dual lift versatility and entry level plug ‘n’ charge

As part of its ongoing warehouse equipment development programme, Yale has introduced the MP13 light duty and MP20DL dual lift models to its motorised pedestrian pallet truck range.

Both of the new pallet trucks feature an on-board charging system, which allows them to be plugged into a standard three-pin socket outlet for convenient battery re-charging.

MP13 cost effective powered pallet handling

The MP13 is the perfect entry-level pedestrian pallet truck for companies where their application is considered too intensive for a basic manual pump truck. With a maximum load weight of 1,300kg, the MP13 pallet truck is based on the Yale MP16 motorised pallet truck and is powered by two 12V 55Ah automotive-type batteries that provide up to 1.5 hours of continuous operation.

Inadvertent use of the truck while it is still charging is prevented as the pallet truck can not be operated unless the charging plug has been relocated back into its housing on the unit,.

Entry level doesn’t mean, less features on the MP13 as Anti-rollback, Regenerative braking, Combi MOSFET traction control on motor and hydraulics and skid plates are all standard features.

MP20DL operator shelf replenishment made easy

The MP20DL with a lift capacity of up to 2000kg provides users with the ability to handle loads easily when loading or unloading pallets at waist level in light and medium applications and is particularly useful in the transport, logistics and wholesale distribution sectors.

The MP20DL is also ideal for shelf replenishment and light order picking applications. With capacities of up to 2000kg at floor level and 700kg at the raised height the MP20DL can reduce operator fatigue and back strain significantly when compared to standard horizontal movers.

Developed from proven models

Both the MP20DL and MP13 share many of quality build characteristics and components of the Yale MP16 powered pallet truck. A strong durable welded steel construction means the MP range is highly reliable and built to withstand punishing daily operation. All major components are protected in an all steel housing and are easily accessible for routine servicing and maintenance – increasing uptime and reducing running costs to a minimum.

Ergonomically designed for total confidence

For minimum steering effort and ease of use a low mounted tiller arm and ergonomic tiller head is employed. The travel direction inverter button has been specifically designed for maximum angle of contact with the operator’s body and when activated, automatically reverses the direction of the travel

Easy to operate
Easily accessible controls, ergonomic shaped comfort grip handles and integral hand guards enable operators to lift without discomfort. A creep speed control provides excellent manoeuvrability, shaving precious millimetres off the turning radius in restricted space.

Active, adjustable braking offers improved operator protection and increased confidence – especially on loading ramps – with the anti-rollback feature providing exceptional truck control and stability.

Both of the new models utilise a MOSFET controller to regulate traction and allow smooth progressive control, particularly useful when performing tight inching manoeuvres.

The welded forks on the MP13 feature skid plates which eliminates the need for entry rollers, reducing maintenance and making the handling of bottom boarded pallets easier.

Meeting the customer’s needs

Paul Garrigan, Sales Manager for Yale Warehouse Equipment in the UK comments: “At Yale we understand that to return the most out of a pallet truck the operator has to have total confidence in the equipment they are using. That is why we design our equipment with the clear objective of providing the operator with the most ergonomic product we can..

Paul Garrigan concludes: “The development of the MP motorised pallet truck range has also taken into account the requirements of the finance director and the operations manager in providing them with a product that is the most energy efficient and also meets their needs for maximum productivity and the lowest lifetime operating costs.

For further details on the MP range of pallet trucks, and to find your nearest Yale dealer, log on to www.yale-forklifts.eu.

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New Entries in Yale Oldest Truck Competition

Yale’s oldest operating truck competition is gathering pace as companies across Europe highlight Yale trucks that continue to operate after many years of service.

We were delighted last week to have received three entries in quick succession from France, Germany and Switzerland.

French company Micro Meca is a specialist in precision and mechanical engineering. It’s 1970 Yale truck has served the company every day for the past 40 years transporting pallets of iron, mechanical parts and other industrial equipment.

Gebruder Munzert in Germany has been producing fabrics and clothing material since 1925 and although its Yale forklift is not quite that old, it has been used in the warehouse to lift bales and cartons with its special attachment daily, despite being 37 years old.

Swiss firm M. Knoepfli AG is a leader in power shift transmission, torque converters, marine gearboxes and gears for locomotives, construction equipment and industrial vehicles. Its 36 year old Yale K51 electric forklift truck is used daily on site.

All entries into the competition can be viewed at www.forliftaction.com/yaleoldesttruck and the competition is still open for entries. Operators of Yale forklift trucks over 20 years old can submit a picture of their pictures on the web site or can email a description to yaleeurope@yale.com.
All entries received will be awarded a Yale die cast scale model of the latest Yale lift truck. The entrant submitting the oldest truck will win a trip to New York*.


* Prize will consist of £900 or €985 holiday vouchers for winner to spend on a trip to New York or an alternative destination of their choice.

Easy pickings from Yale

As order picking efficiency becomes increasingly important in warehousing operations, the introduction of a new compact AC-powered MO10E order picker from Yale addresses the need of many companies to improve their pick rates and output.

Designed for second and third level picking, the MO10E has an increased supplementary lift height up to 4800mm. Versatile and easy to control, this rising cab order picker travels and lifts simultaneously taking picking efficiency to new heights whilst returning excellent energy efficiency.

An integral part of Yale’s extensive warehouse equipment product range, the MO series of horizontal and vertical order pickers offers quiet, effortless operation and features focused on ensuring operators can achieve faster, more accurate order picking.

Paul Garrigan, Sales Manager for Yale Warehouse Equipment in the UK comments: “Yale understands the pressures that its customers face, and is constantly looking for new ways to further improve pick rate productivity and efficiency, with the operator playing a crucial role.

“Designed to benefit the operator and ensure the most efficient operation, the MO range of order pickers will help our customers achieve the highest possible pick rates and combine complete operator comfort with total business satisfaction.”

For further details on the MO range of order picker forklift trucks, and to find your nearest Yale forklift truck dealer, log on to http://www.yale-forklifts.eu/.

For the full release visit http://ow.ly/1BiJO

Yale brings the ‘luck of the Irish’ to European Forklift Press

Eight editors from Europe’s leading materials handling press enjoyed a visit to the NMHG Craigavon manufacturing plant recently and were treated to a true Irish experience as their visit, organised by Yale, coincided with St Patrick’s Day.

The visit was designed to showcase Yale’s new VL series of energy efficient and highly productive electric forklift trucks and to demonstrate the state of the art facilities and production methods at the Craigavon facility where Yale’s next generation of electric counterbalance forklift trucks are produced.


Feedback on the new VL series was extremely positive amongst all editors which included the UK’s ShD and Handling & Storage Solutions; Spain’s Logistica Profesional and Handling & Storage; Germany’s STAPLERWORLD; Finland’s LOGISTIIKKA, Poland’s Logistyczny and a freelance journalist from Belgium.

Our group of editors were also briefed on the extensive 90 year history of Yale, from the very first electric lift truck in 1920 and the commencement of manufacturing in the heart of the black country, to the Queen's Award for Export Achievement and the launch of Yale’s search for the oldest Yale truck still in operation today.



The visit was rounded off with a traditional Paddy’s night celebration in the heart of Dublin – we look forward to reading the editors’ reviews.

YALE NETWORK EXPANSION CONTINUES IN GERMANY

Yale has strengthened its presence in the German materials handling market with the new appointment of “Diez Fördertechnik GmbH” in Sonneberg as an Authorised Yale Dealer. Diez Fördertechnik GmbH will be responsible for the sales and servicing of Yale materials handling equipment across the Southern Thuringia and Northern Bavaria/Frankonia areas.

This latest appointment demonstrates Yale’s commitment to strengthening its German distribution network, particularly the partnership between Yale and its existing Dealers. The addition of Diez Fördertechnik GmbH was only possible thanks to neighbouring dealers relinquishing some of their territories to the new dealership.

Werner Diez, Managing Director of Diez Fördertechnik GmbH, said his decision to join the Authorised Yale Dealer network after representing another forklift truck manufacturer for 18 years was due to the growing customer recognition of Yale as an expanding brand in Germany. Yale’s complete range of counterbalance forklift trucks and warehouse products and the comprehensive Yale Dealer support programmes were also key to his company’s commitment to Yale.

"We reviewed the market for some time to find the best fit for our developing business as we were seeking a better complete product offering from a single supplier.

“Yale provides a full-line range of materials handling equipment and a vision for the future, both in terms of product and Dealer support programs.

“We were particularly impressed by the in depth and extremely professional recruitment process of both the NMHG central dealer development team and the local Yale Fördertechnik GmbH regional team. They provided us with quick, well structured and complete business plan and financial model that we discussed at length and convinced us that we were talking to the right partner.

“The fact that the other Yale Dealers actively participated and supported our organisation in our evaluation process was highly appreciated and confirmed that we made the right decision."

Diez Fördertechnik GmbH is an independent Dealer established in 1991 and has been selling and servicing forklift trucks for nearly twenty years.

Werner Meier-Ansari, Regional Manager at Yale Fördertechnik GmbH in Neu-Isenburg commented that he is delighted to welcome Diez Fördertechnik GmbH into the Yale dealer network in Germany.

“We were particularly impressed with their strong local sales and service presence in the area as well as the high technical and commercial qualifications of their employees. The appointment contributes to our strategy of completing our network coverage throughout Germany with professional independent dealerships.

“I am confident that Diez Fördertechnik GmbH will contribute significantly towards our goal of increasing market share in the materials handling market in Germany.”

Yale materials handling equipment is distributed through an Authorised Dealer network of 17 Dealers across Germany. To locate your nearest Yale Dealer and for further details on the full range of Yale forklift trucks and materials handling equipment, visit www.yale-gabelstapler.eu

The search for the oldest Yale truck continues

RECONDITIONED YALE FORKLIFT TRUCK TO DYE FOR

A 27 tonne Yale dye handler built in 1955 and used continually in the automotive industry has been given a new lease of life after being reconditioned by a team of service technicians at Yale Materials Handling UK, a Yale Authorised Dealer for the United Kingdom.

This impressive piece of equipment has now been entered into Yale’s competition to find the oldest piece of Yale lifting equipment that is still in use today in Europe.

ThyssenKrupp Tallent is a major supplier to the automotive industry and uses the dye handler forklift truck to lift dyes into its 1,000 ton presses.

As a purpose built machine ThyssenKrupp identified that it needed to refurbish this unique forklift truck, which is vital to the company’s production process, as the dye handler is a machine that is no longer manufactured.

Expert knowledge, extensive experience
Yale Materials Handling UK in Aldridge, West Midlands, was the only suitable company with the expert knowledge and extensive experience of reconditioning such a wide range of Yale equipment that was able to refurbish the dye handler and return it to ‘as new’ working condition.

Simon Hall, special products engineering department foreman at Yale Materials Handling UK, managed the project in the workshops. He said: “We have seen a considerable number of forklift trucks in our time but none of us had ever worked on a piece of equipment anywhere near as unique and old as the ThyssenKrupp dye handler.

“In refurbishing such a unique forklift truck we were reliant on our own engineering expertise. There were no manuals available to see how to strip down the dye handler, it is was down to the years of experience our technicians have that enabled us to carry out the refurbishment, and we have plenty of that in Aldridge, and of course we really do like a challenge”.

Challenge
Even for a seasoned team of experienced and expert engineers, working on a forklift truck as old as the dye handler was not without its challenges.

As this particular model had not been manufactured for so long, replacement parts were unavailable and so Yale Materials Handling UK had to find a company that could help engineer the special parts needed.

Simon continues: “It is only because we are based in the country’s manufacturing heartland here in the Midlands that we were able to find a company who could re-engineer the parts from scratch. The dye handler needed new gears, splines, shafts, bearings and motors and because we have such a wide network of suppliers we managed to identify one that could provide us with the engineering capability we needed.

“In total it took us three months to totally recondition the dye handler including special parts manufacturing, an overhaul of the steer axel, electrical and hydraulic systems and traction battery. We even gave it a full re-spray,” added Simon.

As a result of the level of refurbishment ThyssenKrupp Talent has subsequently placed an order with Yale Materials Handling UK for their other Yale dye handler to be reconditioned to the same level and to further extend its 55 year working life.

Win a trip to New York – help to find the oldest operating Yale forklift truck

Do you have a piece of Yale equipment that is older that the ThyssenKrupp dye handler? If so, you could be in with a chance of winning a trip to New York. Click here to find out more

Setting the standard in heavy duty materials handling

Yale sets new standards of performance and ergonomic design for heavy duty materials handling applications with the launch of the 8-9 tonne capacity Veracitor VX forklift truck. The lumber, steel, concrete, brewing and chemical industries will all now be able to take advantage of a forklift truck that has been specifically designed for their industries.

In common with the entire Veracitor VX series, launched in 2005, the expansion of the range to 8-9 tonne capacity brings to this important heavy duty capacity market segment features previously unavailable and a forklift truck suited to handling operations requiring a compact design, energy efficiency and productivity whilst coping with even the toughest of applications.

Designed around Heavy Duty Applications
With a choice of diesel or LPG engines, the Veracitor VX 8-9 tonne Series is perfectly suited to heavy industries such as the manufacture, transportation and storage of building materials, steel or concrete products and applications with large load moving requirements.

The Veracitor VX 8-9 tonne forklift truck has been designed to achieve maximum materials handling efficiency and the lowest lifetime cost of ownership in heavy duty applications. The series combines the operating characteristics of an electric forklift truck – for example regenerative or ‘plug’ braking, controlled power reversals and overall controllability – with the endurance and power of a combustion engine forklift truck providing exceptional productivity with outstanding driver comfort.

Increased Operator Control
In addition to increased lifting capacity, further upgrades to the Veracitor VX range, have also been introduced to both the Value and Productivity models to increase productivity through smoother operation.

Value models are fitted as standard with Techtronix™ 332 three speed transmission (three speeds forward and two speeds reverse) for excellent gradeability and drawbar pull, while allowing top travel speeds for maximum productivity.

Benefits comprise an Auto Deceleration System (ADS), Controlled Power Reversal (CPR) and Controlled Rollback on gradients (CRB).

The new improved Veracitor VX also features increased drawbar pull in first gear for use on gradients with second and third gears providing maximum engine efficiency in applications where longer travel distances are common.

The Productivity models in the range now feature a three speed extended Techtronix™ 332+ transmission offering all of the features seen on the Value models but with a number of additional functions including Dynamic Auto Deceleration System (DADS), Throttle Response Management (TRM) and Auto-Speed Hydraulics (ASH) with Automatic Inching Control.

Working in a similar way to ADS, the Dynamic Auto Deceleration System allows the operator to slow down the truck without using the brake and the rate of braking is determined by dashboard settings. The rate of deceleration can be further fine-tuned according to the rate at which the driver releases his foot from the accelerator pedal.

Throttle Response Management allows the operator to manage his travel speed, according to the position of his foot on the accelerator pedal. For example, a certain speed can be maintained both on the flat and on a gradient, without the need to depress the pedal further, thus improving truck control. This system also compensates for hydraulic operation and drawbar pull.

Auto-Speed Hydraulics (ASH) with Automatic Inching Control is implemented when lifting a load. The engine speed is automatically increased to provide full hydraulic power and the Intellix VSMTM maintains the current travel speed (or prevents travel) until the operator steps on the accelerator. No operator inching is required and productivity is increased by simplifying operator actions.

Customisation Options
For applications demanding a clean burning forklift truck, a Diesel Particulate Filter system has been developed for the Veracitor VX range to reduce the potential environmental contamination caused by operating diesel trucks. The filter physically captures diesel particle emissions and particle matter (PM) and prevents their release into the atmosphere leaving the operator which a much cleaner working environment.

Also with the operator in mind the Veracitor VX range is available with built in air conditioning for warmer climates or applications where the operators are required to work in challenging conditions such as factories and chemical plants.

Tom Pickering Senior Product Manager (Counterbalance) for NMHG, says: “The Veracitor VX series of internal combustion engine trucks offers a wide range of capacities and engine configurations making them suitable for a wide range of applications. The introduction of the 8-9 tonne capacity means even heavy duty applications can now benefit from a compact yet functional and productive forklift truck.

“We have given careful consideration to operator controls and the inclusion of the Techtronix™ transmission means a smoother ride for operators and a more productive outcome all round.”

For further details on the new 8-9 tonne capacity Veracitor VX forklift series, and to find your nearest Yale forklift truck dealer, log on to www.yale-forklifts.eu.

Win a trip to New York!

We are searching for the oldest Yale forklift truck or pallet truck, still in operation today, to mark our 90th anniversary year in 2010.

Yale is widely recognised as introducing the very first electric powered low lift platform truck to the European marke when in 1919, the very first battery powered low lift platform truck was manufactured in Staten Island, New York by C.W. Hunt Co (later purchased by Yale & Towne Manufacturing Co in 1020).

Yale is offering a trip to the Big Apple in return for information on the oldest Yale forklift truck or pallet truck still in operation (terms and conditions apply).

Richard Czepukojc, Yale Europe’s marketing communications executive, explains: "We regularly receive feedback from our customers saying they are still using a Yale forklift truck or pallet truck purchased in the 1960s and we know of one operator that up until a few years ago was using a platform truck that was well over 40 years old, but we are certain that there must be more examples out there.

"As well as being at the forefront of forklift innovation and technology our products are recognised as being robust, durable and hard wearing so we are looking forward to discovering where these forklift and pallet trucks are still in operation today."

The competition is open to operators of Yale forklift trucks or pallet trucks in Europe, the Middle East and North Africa who currently operate Yale materials handling equipment that is at least 20 years old.

Operators can enter the competition by visiting:
www.forkliftaction.com/yaleoldesttruck or by emailing a picture of it in use, together with your name, company and age of the truck, to yaleeurope@yale.com.

A selection of images will be uploaded on the gallery on the new Yale blog site: http://forkliftsrus.blogspot.com/ and entries will be updated on Twitter at www.twitter.com/yale_forklifts.

Avesco opens brand new premises in Switzerland

Yale dealer Avesco AG has opened a brand new facility to cater for the continued demand for Yale materials handling equipment in Switzerland. The company has taken advantage of the opportunity to create a modern and customer focused operation at its head office for future development of the company’s materials handling business.

Environmental and energy-efficient design
Avesco’s new ‘Visavis’ premises, located in Langenthal, are at the forefront of ergonomic design and feature the highest levels of energy and environmental efficiency. The ‘state of the art’ showroom was specifically designed to provide potential customers with the opportunity to be able to review a wide range of Yale Materials Handling equipment in an automotive environment and in absolute comfort.

To celebrate the official launch of the new facility, the company hosted an opening event for around 150 industry customers as well as Avesco AG and Yale colleagues.

Guests were treated to a guided tour of the new premises and a gala dinner. Yale EMEA’s Managing Director, Frank Ulbricht also provided guests with a preview of the new VL electric counterbalance forklift truck series.

Over 25 years of Yale distribution
Avesco AG has been distributing Yale Materials handling equipment for the last 26 years and manages around 7,000 units of materials handling equipment. The company currently employs 45 members of staff in office and field roles and expects this to increase in line with the development of the Yale brand in Switzerland.

Stefan Sutter, CEO of Avesco AG, stressed the long standing relationship and cooperation the company has enjoyed with Yale. “We took the decision to build the new head office for our materials handling division 18 months ago as an investment in our future.

“We want customers in the materials handling distribution sector to understand that we are specialists in this sector and the new accommodation reflects this image.” The new premises are 6,100 square metres and include a mix of offices and workshops.

For more information and to find out how to contact Avesco AG visit www.avesco.ch/stapler.

For further details on Yale’s full range of counterbalance forklift trucks and warehouse equipment, and to find your nearest Yale forklift truck dealer, log on to www.yale-forklifts.eu.