Yale Lift Truck Technologies last week received recognition for its MPR080-MPR100VG enclosed end rider lift truck. The ride-on pallet jack offers key technology enhancements to support ergonomics and productivity in demanding, high-throughput warehouse applications, said the company.
The Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA) named the lift truck a 2024 International Design Excellence Award (IDEA) winner in the category of commercial and industrial products.
The International Design Excellence Awards are organized annually by IDSA to recognize exceptional achievement in industrial design and connected disciplines including design strategy, branding, digital interaction, environments, social impact, and more. 2024 marks the 44th anniversary of IDEA, making it one of the longest running design awards programs in existence.
Lift truck designed for ergonomics
The Yale enclosed end rider comes standard with Yale’s industry-exclusive operator sensing system, which designed to keep operators fresh and productive throughout their shift. Rather than requiring operators to stand in the same position on a pedal, this system uses optical sensors to detect operator presence, allowing them to adjust stance to stay comfortable and productive.
The truck is also designed with an offset main drive unit to provide operators with more usable foot space and a more spacious compartment, while the suspended floor system with rubber isolators helps reduce shock for a smoother ride.
“Today’s warehousing operations are stretched, facing ever-higher consumer demand while protecting thinner margins,” said Brad Long, global activation manager at Yale Lift Truck Technologies. “That leaves businesses looking to their equipment to get more out of limited labor resources.”
“As part of our customer-driven design process, the Yale team evaluated what warehouses need to keep up with record order volumes,” he explained. “The result is technology and ergonomic enhancements on a truck designed from the ground up for maximum productivity.”
Yale end rider ready for heavy duty
While most competitive models max out at an 8,000-lb. capacity, the 10,000-lb. capacity of the MPR100VG enclosed end rider enables it to move up to 25% more product in one cycle, said Yale. Longer, heavy-duty forks—192 in. compared with a maximum of 144 in. on competitive models—allow for transportation of five single-stacked or 10 double-stacked pallets, increasing throughput up to 20%, it added.
In addition to ergonomic features that improve operator comfort and productivity, the enclosed end rider is designed with long-lasting performance and easy serviceability in mind to minimize equipment downtime and maintenance costs. Technicians do not need to lift the truck to access the drive tire.
The traction controller, drive motor and hydraulics are accessible via an easy-access door that requires no tools. This simpler service process protects the tight margins many warehouses face and helps keep operating costs low, said Yale Lift Truck Technologies.
The company has more than a century of material handling experience and has invested in innovation to bring its advanced lift trucks to market. Yale offers a full line of reach trucks, order pickers, turret trucks, pallet jacks and trucks, pallet stackers, tow tractors and counterbalanced forklifts, as well as operator-assist systems, robotics, and a wide range of power sources.
It said its products can help customers adapt to today’s demanding supply chain. Yale and its independent dealer network offer comprehensive after-sales service, parts, financing and training.
Hyster-Yale Materials Handling Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Cleveland, Ohio-based Hyster-Yale Inc., which operates globally.
