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."