Yale Lift Truck to Bring Yale Relay Portal to Automate 2026

Key Takeaways

• Yale Relay stacker lifts up to 3,300 lb, 13 ft high.
• Portal operates with or without WMS, supports PLC integration.
• Automated charging extends uptime for multishift warehouse use.
• Demonstration scheduled at Automate 2026 in Chicago.
• Yale also launched ERC45-70VG2 lift truck up to 7,000 lb.

Pulse Analysis

Yale Materials Handling’s debut of the Relay counterbalanced stacker marks a notable step in the evolution of autonomous forklifts. By combining a 3,300‑lb lift capacity with a 13‑foot reach, the machine addresses a gap between traditional pallet jacks and larger reach trucks, enabling warehouses to automate vertical pallet placement without major retrofits. The stacker’s ability to handle a wide variety of pallet dimensions makes it a versatile tool for facilities looking to streamline put‑away and retrieval tasks while maintaining high density storage.

The accompanying Relay portal differentiates Yale’s solution through its flexibility. Operators can run the system standalone, bypassing a warehouse management system, or integrate it with existing WMS or PLC architectures for tighter control and data exchange. This dual‑mode capability reduces the upfront software investment and shortens deployment timelines, a critical advantage for midsized distribution centers that lack extensive IT resources. Additionally, the portal’s automated charging feature minimizes manual battery swaps, sustaining continuous operation across multiple shifts and improving overall equipment effectiveness.

Yale’s broader product strategy reinforces its position in a competitive material‑handling market. The recent launch of the ERC45-70VG2, a 4,500‑to‑7,000‑lb electric cushion‑tire lift truck, complements the Relay stacker by covering higher‑capacity use cases. Together, these offerings signal Hyster‑Yale’s commitment to delivering end‑to‑end automation across the warehouse spectrum, challenging rivals such as Toyota and Crown. As e‑commerce demand drives faster fulfillment cycles, solutions that blend scalability, ease of integration, and reduced downtime will likely dictate the next wave of warehouse modernization.