Crown Equipment intros alternative energy system for forklifts

Material handling equipment maker Crown Equipment Corp. has introduced an alternative power source for forklifts and pallet trucks, the company said this week.

The New Bremen, Ohio-based company's V-Force Lithium-Ion Energy Storage System (ESS) offers forklift and pallet truck users an alternative energy source that can lower costs and enhance productivity and efficiency, the company said. Components include a UL Listed lithium-ion battery pack, a compatible V-Force UL Listed charger, and an integrated battery management system. Using the truck display, the management system shows battery discharge levels and alerts the operator through an early warning system before truck operation is stopped, the company also said.

Initially available only for the Crown WP Series pallet truck, the V-Force Lithium-Ion ESS will be available for Crown's complete line of forklifts later this year, according to the company.

Crown Equipment says lithium-ion batteries can be opportunity charged during operator breaks without adversely affecting battery life, contributing to longer run times and removing the need for battery changing. Other benefits include zero gas emission during charging and maintenance-free operation, eliminating the need for special battery rooms and battery watering.