New Yale® unified lithium-ion battery and charger solutions have been introduced to help intralogistics access smart, maintenance-free power needed to keep warehouse performance high. Is this new energy solution the right choice for your operation?
This depends on a range of factors, from budget and usage to the application type and infrastructure. As well as company environmental policies and objectives. Every warehouse is unique, which is why Yale offers flexible options that allow materials handling equipment to be specified and customised to meet your precise needs, right down to the power source.
Here, energy experts from Yale Lift Truck Technologies answer key questions about the new forklift battery and charging solutions, to help you understand how they could benefit your warehouse operations and support your team.
Which Yale lift trucks and warehouse equipment can use the new lithium-ion batteries?
The integrated lithium-ion batteries and charger solutions can be specified with a wide range of Yale materials handling equipment solutions to help meet the needs of varied warehouses. These include:
- Reach trucks
- Rider stackers
- Platform stackers
- Pedestrian stackers
- Rider pallet trucks
- Platform pallet trucks
- Pedestrian pallet trucks
- Electric counterbalance lift trucks
- Order pickers
- Tow tractors
How long do lithium-ion forklift batteries last?
The Yale lithium-ion forklift batteries can provide a long-lasting solution that delivers a low total cost of ownership. How long the forklift battery lasts will depend on how it is used, and how it is stored.
The new Yale battery options provide a standard warranty for 75% State of Health (SOH) for 60 months, 3,000 charge/discharge cycles, or 10,000 hours – whichever comes first. Assuming the lift truck and battery are operated and stored with an internal battery temperature of 35°C or lower. Batteries operated at a higher temperature are still covered by a warranty, but for fewer charge cycles or lower operating hours.
What is the benefit of lithium-ion power over lead acid batteries?
For some operations, lead acid batteries can be an ideal match. Warehouses can rely on a tried and tested technology that has no emissions in operations, and a reduced up-front cost compared to some other options. They can be charged with little burden on the electrical grid, so are also well suited to areas with older infrastructure.
However, the new lithium-ion batteries may support operations that require a higher energy density or a more efficient solution that loses less power internally. The Yale batteries also support faster charging, and then retain charge for longer. They are designed to withstand more charge/discharge cycles before capacity drops and require no maintenance – such as watering and off-gassing.
What is the benefit of lithium-ion power over internal combustion engines?
Busy warehouses need reliability to keep up with the demands and deadlines of the supply chain. Lift trucks with Internal Combustion Engines (ICE) are a proven technology that deliver stable power, fast re-fuelling, and user-friendly operation. They can be a good solution for multi-shift operations that need continuous power while working outdoors.
While lithium-ion batteries are a newer option, they can still bring wide ranging advantages when paired with the right application and intensity. Electricity costs are typically lower than fuel prices, making battery powered forklifts a smart choice in many cases. For businesses aiming to reduce their carbon footprint, or a need for the lift trucks to work both indoors and outdoors, lithium-ion batteries power trucks with no CO2 emissions in operation.
Compared to ICE forklifts, those powered by lithium-ion batteries can also offer quieter operation, helping to optimise the operator experience.
How safe are lithium-ion forklift batteries?
Lithium-ion batteries are safe to use. The new Yale battery and charger solution includes a Battery Management System (BMS) within the battery pack. This helps keep the battery operating in a safe way. For example, it monitors voltage, temperature, and currents.
Safety is a high priority in warehousing, so Yale has also designed backup safety measures into the battery pack as part of the new solution.
The BMS also builds in protection for the battery pack against operating conditions that may be encountered, such as temperatures, sunlight, and moisture, helping to keep operations moving.
What charger do you need for a lithium-ion forklift battery?
When procuring chargers and batteries, it can be challenging for warehouses to select compatible technology that works optimally. The new unified Yale battery charger and lithium-ion battery solution has been developed and validated to provide a seamless, integrated solution that delivers on reliability and performance.
Not all chargers are the same. A Yale battery charger must be used with the Yale lithium-ion batteries as a particular communication protocol is used. Various charger options are available to meet fleet and operational needs. An independent Yale dealer can provide advice and guidance on the different available options for batteries and chargers.
There are charge ports on the side of the battery for charging that are simple for operators to plug in to the charger.
Where can you buy a lithium-ion battery or charger for a Yale forklift?
The network of expert Yale dealers offers a complete solution – providing lift truck, lithium-ion battery, and charger, along with the service and support needed once your equipment up and running. Yale lift trucks and warehouse equipment can be ordered with the new lithium-ion batteries already factory-fitted, removing the need to source components separately. Chargers can also be ordered directly from the factory at the same time as the lift truck, all through your independent Yale dealer.
