Adds Malvaso: "With AC technology, we have been able to extend the performance life such that operators have eliminated stopping during heavy-duty shifts to change a battery. That enables users to pick up as much as 60 minutes per shift." Additionally, the AC system contains no motor commutator, brushes or springs, which equates to reduced maintenance costs, he says. Raymond, Toyota and Hyster are among the early adopters of AC technology.
"AC systems encouraged a lot of customers to rethink their ideas on using battery-powered technology," says Boyd. "Not only did they gain enhanced battery-powered performance, but that improvement was obtained without producing emissions such as carbon monoxide. In addition, the battery-powered lift trucks make little noise and are typically small enough to permit operation in narrow aisles."
To further facilitate the use of battery-powered lift trucks, TMHU has teamed with the provider of PosiCharge fast charging systems, AeroVironment Inc. Its systems are designed to maximize operator uptime and throughput by eliminating the need for complicated charge schedules. "PosiCharge," says Boyd, "ends the need for battery changing rooms and manual battery handling. That minimizes the danger of lead acid spillage and other environmental and safety hazards." He says the extended lifecycle of batteries combined with a company's reduced battery inventory also means that fewer batteries are heading to landfills. With the fast charging concept, only one battery per truck is required. Boyd says fast charge batteries are charged throughout the day -- whenever the truck is idle.
Meanwhile Toyota maintains a commitment to the clean and green internal combustion (IC) lift trucks. For example, its 8-Series IC lift truck, powered by liquefied petroleum gas, compressed natural gas or gasoline, produces 70% less smog forming emissions than allowed by federal regulations, says Boyd.
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