Ergonomic design for intensive operation
August 1st 2007 Ergonomic design for intensive operatioDesigned specifically with the lumber, steel and aluminium, concrete, brewing, stevedoring
and chemical industries in mind, Yale Europe Materials Handling says is its 6-7 tonne
capacity Veracitor VX model sets new standards of performance and ergonomic design
Available with a choice of diesel or
LPG engines in 6,000 and 7,000kg
capacities, the GDP/GLP60-70VX is
designed for intensive operation in the
most demanding applications. The model
brings to this market features which were
previously unavailable, all designed to
achieve maximum materials handling
efficiency and the lowest lifetime cost of
ownership.
Drive train
At the heart of the truck is a choice of two
transmissions:-
The Standard Electronic Powershift
transmission which provides operators with
two forward and two reverse speeds; the
lower first gear for extended drawbar pull
and the higher second gear for top speeds
on long runs. The Soft Shift Power Reversal
option is suitable for intrinsically unstable
or fragile load applications, while also
reducing tyre and brake wear.
The Techtronix 332 provides three
forward and two reverse speeds. Standard
features of this transmission include the
Auto Deceleration System (ADS),
Controlled Power Reversal (CPR) and
Controlled Rollback, all of which contribute
to increased productivity, lower cost of
operation, operator comfort, reduced fuel
consumption, drive train and tyre wear.
Electronic management system
The truck's 'brain', the proven Intellix VSM
electronic management system, delivers
increased throughput and productivity and
contributes to reducing maintenance costs.
The system enables on-board and PC-based
adjustment of the trucks performance
characteristics to the application needs and
carries out diagnostics of the trucks critical
operating functions quickly and efficiently
while maintaining maximum uptime.
On start up, the Intellix system
automatically monitors brake, transmission
and coolant fluid levels and displays the
data on the truck's interactive electronic
dash to allow quick and easy pre-shift
checks to be carried out by the operator.
The dash display features long-life LED
lights and an easy-to-read LCD screen,
allowing the operator to adjust the settings
of the truck to match his or her particular
demands. A number of operating
parameters, including the lift and lowering
speed of the mast, mast tilt speeds, truck
acceleration rates and travel speeds are
easily programmable via the dash display.
Even the flow of hydraulic oil can be
precisely matched to the requirements of
an attachment in use.
The advanced dash display also enables
truck diagnostics to be carried out with no
additional equipment a valuable function
that makes trouble shooting both fast and
extremely accurate. First time fix is
facilitated ensuring truck uptime is
maximised while costly parts swapping can
be minimised.
Serviceability
As well as simplifying the diagnosis
process, Yale has designed the new truck to
enable quick operator daily routine checks
and quick and efficient scheduled
servicing. The truck's engine and
transmission compartment is accessed by
opening its gull-wing hood, and access to
the powertrain is achieved via the simple
removal of the foot and side plates. The
uncluttered layout and clean electrical and
hydraulic routings make changing the air
and oil filter, engine oil, coolant and both
transmission and hydraulic fluid a simple
process. Routine servicing takes place every
500 hours with a hydraulic oil change only
needed after 4000 hours of use.
Oil immersed brakes
A further reduction in the truck's lifetime
operating costs has been achieved by using
highly dependable premium oil-immersed
brakes. As well as contributing significantly
to the truck's low maintenance schedule,
the brakes provide maximum braking
capability and reduced brake pedal effort.
Furthermore, the sealed design of the
brakes makes the trucks suitable for use in
contaminating environments.
Ergonomics
The comfort of the truck operator
throughout the length of a shift has always
been a principal consideration for Yale in
the design of its products. When combined
with the large left hand side grab handle
on the overhead guard and the right hand
grip on the seat mounting of the truck, the
optimised step heights of 32cm, 65cm and
84cm provide by far the easiest operator
entry and exit to a truck of this capacity,
even when the operator is wearing gloves.
The operator floor height of 110cm
provides optimum visibility over high loads
and the rear counterweight.
The perforated tread running boards
provide extra grip and drainage allowing for
easy access to the truck in all weather
conditions. Fingertip mini-lever hydraulic
controls help to further minimise muscle
and joint strain and reduce operator fatigue
over long shifts, while the ultra-responsive
small steering wheel which requires only
four turns from lock to lock results in less
shoulder stress for the operator. Manual
levers are standard on the Veracitor VX Base
model for operators who prefer this option.
An infinitely adjustable steering column and
full suspension seat with fully adjustable
arm rest provides the perfect command
driving position for operators with different
physiques.
Comfort while travelling in reverse is
aided by the rear drive handle featuring a
horn, which is built into the rear overhead
guard leg, while the seat belt design makes
it easy for the operator to rotate his or her
hips while seated, helping to reduce any
possible back strain. More articles from Yale Europe Materials Handling: | 
