Press Release

Yale integrated lithium-ion forklift beats out 10 other nominees for top spot in product of the year awards

Readers of two material handling publications vote the ERP-VTL/VFL series the top lift truck of 2023

GREENVILLE, N.C. (March 5, 2024) – Yale Lift Truck Technologies announces the ERP-VTL/VFL integrated lithium-ion forklift series is the winner of the Readers’ Choice Product of the Year award determined by readers of Material Handling Product News and MaterialHandling247.com. The series, which includes three- and four-wheel models, was voted as the top product in the lift trucks and accessories category.

Both the ERP040VTL, a three-wheel model, and the ERP040VFL, a four-wheel model, buck the traditional approach in which a battery box replacement converts counterbalanced lift trucks from lead-acid to lithium-ion battery power. Instead, the trucks are designed from the ground up around a space-saving lithium-ion battery pack.

“Today’s warehouses need to capitalize on every possible opportunity to improve efficiency,” said Brad Long, Brand Manager, Yale Lift Truck Technologies. “Not only do these award-winning lift trucks provide a simpler pathway to the benefits of lithium-ion power relative to an aftermarket retrofit, but the strategic design around the fully integrated battery pack also delivers key productivity benefits, including improved operator ergonomics and stability.“

An open-space design increases operator freedom to position feet and makes for easy entry and exit, maximizing comfort and convenience to help propel productivity, while a repositioned center of gravity enhances drive quality and improves truck handling in corners for greater operator confidence and performance. The lithium-ion power also supports productivity through fast charging and zero battery maintenance, allowing operators to focus more of their time on moving loads.

The lift trucks produce zero tailpipe emissions and no gassing in battery charging or maintenance processes and offer lower energy costs compared to those powered by fossil fuels and lead-acid batteries. This award is the second for the ERP-VTL, which was previously named a winner of the GOOD DESIGN Award.

To learn more about the full lineup of integrated lithium-ion lift trucks from Yale, visit https://www.yale.com/en-us/north-america/technology/power-sources/lithium-ion-batteries/.

About Yale Lift Truck Technologies

Yale Lift Truck Technologies leverages over a century of material handling experience and substantial investment in innovation to bring the most advanced technology-driven lift truck solutions to market. The company offers a full line of award-winning lift trucks, including reach trucks, order pickers, turret trucks, pallet jacks and trucks, pallet stackers, tow tractors and counterbalanced forklifts, as well as powerful operator assist solutions, proven robotics and a wide range of power sources to help customers adapt to today’s demanding supply chain. Yale and its independent dealer network support these solutions with comprehensive after-sales service, parts, financing and training.

Hyster-Yale Group, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hyster-Yale Materials Handling, Inc. (NYSE:HY). Hyster-Yale Materials Handling, Inc. and its subsidiaries, headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio and operates globally.

Company Contact:
Jennifer Timblin
Yale Lift Truck Technologies
252-412-4322
jennifer.timblin@hyster-yale.com

Media Contact:
Dan Gauss
Koroberi
336-409-5391
dan@koroberi.com