Abstract: A vehicle braking system includes a service brake pedal and a sensing device configured to monitor a position of the service brake pedal. A processing device is configured to control an amount of braking force provided by the vehicle braking system as a function of the position of the service brake pedal. The braking system further includes a return spring operatively coupled to the service brake pedal and configured to provide a substantially linear pedal effort feedback during an initial range of motion of the service brake pedal. Additionally, a damping device that operates in compression as the service brake pedal is depressed is configured to provide a substantially non-linear pedal effort feedback during a subsequent range of motion of the service brake pedal.

Abstract: A load wheel assembly for a pallet truck includes a first load arm that rotates about an axis of rotation, and a load wheel rotationally coupled to an end of the first load arm opposite from the axis of rotation. The load wheel supports a fork at an elevation above the load wheel. Additionally, the load wheel assembly includes a second load arm pivotally coupled to the first load arm at the axis of rotation and forming a load arm angle, and an adjustment mechanism further coupling the second load arm to the first load arm. The adjustment mechanism varies the load arm angle formed between the first load arm and the second load arm to adjust the elevation of the fork above the load wheel.

Abstract: A system includes a detection device configured to transmit and receive one or more signals in a generally vertical direction above a vehicle. Additionally, the system may include a processing device configured to measure a time of flight associated with the transmission and receipt of the one or more signals in the generally vertical direction. A distance travelled by the one or more signals may be determined based, at least in part, on the measured time of flight, and the distance travelled may be compared with a threshold distance to determine an overhead clearance of the vehicle. In response to determining the overhead clearance, a vehicle system may be activated.

Abstract: A vehicle steering system includes a steer detection apparatus configured to detect a steered position of a steer wheel assembly relative to a steer axle. The steered position corresponds to a direction of turn of a vehicle. A brake actuator is configured to actuate a braking system of the vehicle, and the braking system is configured to brake a first drive wheel assembly independently from a second drive wheel assembly mounted to a drive axle. The first drive wheel assembly is located on a side of the vehicle corresponding to the direction of turn. The system further includes a linkage assembly operatively coupling the steer detection apparatus to the brake actuator. In response to the steered position detected by the steer detection apparatus, the brake actuator actuates the braking system to brake the first drive wheel assembly.

Abstract: A vehicle equipped with an operator presence detector comprises an optional first detector located and configured to detect an object positioned over a threshold to the operator compartment; a second detector located and configured to detect an operator's left lower extremity when the left lower extremity is located in the operator compartment; and a third detector located and configured to detect an operator's right lower extremity when the right lower extremity is located in the operator compartment. The second detector and the third detector are positioned such that (i) an operator cannot use the left lower extremity to trigger both the second detector and the third detector and (ii) an operator cannot use the right lower extremity to trigger both the second detector and the third detector.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a lift actuator is added to a pallet truck to effect initially lifting a load and a traction command effects fully raising the load while a pallet truck moves. In other embodiments, an electronic controller is programmed to effect initially lifting a load when a lift actuator is engaged and to effect fully lifting the load while a pallet truck moves when a traction actuator is engaged.

Abstract: Shaped sideplates include a portion of the sideplate that is contained within a mast channel such that such portion is hidden from the view of an operator located at the operator station of the forklift

Abstract: Embodiments herein relate to impact dampening blocks that may be located in footprints of channels of a mast. The impact dampening blocks may facilitate relief of at least some tension from a lift chain when a moveable member is lowered onto the impact dampening blocks. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed.

Abstract: A traction control system for a pallet truck includes a traction motor, an operator controlled input device configured to selectively accelerate the pallet truck in both a forward direction of vehicle travel and a reverse direction of vehicle travel, and an operator controlled actuation device configured to place the pallet truck in an auxiliary mode of operation. A vehicle controller may monitor a speed of the pallet truck and, in response to receiving an actuation signal, command the traction motor to maintain the speed of the pallet truck at an intermediate rate of travel without actuation of the operator controlled input device.

Abstract: A load handling system for a vehicle includes a set of forks that concurrently supports two or more pallets including a first pallet and a second pallet linearly positioned along a length of the forks, and a lifting system to raise and lower the forks. A traction system moves the vehicle in a direction of travel associated with withdrawing the forks from the pallets. Additionally, an actuation device generates an activation signal in response to being actuated by an operator, and a vehicle controller places the vehicle in an automated mode of operation in response to receiving the activation signal. In the automated mode of operation, a front end of the forks moves from the second pallet to the first pallet, and the first pallet is raised while the second pallet remains on a transport surface. The first pallet is then spaced apart from the second pallet by a predetermined distance and then lowered to the transport surface.

Abstract: A hose header for a lift truck mast is constructed to inhibit wear of hydraulic hoses.

Abstract: A load handling system for a vehicle includes a set of forks that concurrently supports two or more pallets including a first pallet and a second pallet linearly positioned along a length of the forks, and a lifting system to raise and lower the forks. A traction system moves the vehicle in a direction of travel associated with withdrawing the forks from the pallets. Additionally, an actuation device generates an activation signal in response to being actuated by an operator, and a vehicle controller places the vehicle in an automated mode of operation in response to receiving the activation signal. In the automated mode of operation, a front end of the forks moves from the second pallet to the first pallet, and the first pallet is raised while the second pallet remains on a transport surface. The first pallet is then spaced apart from the second pallet by a predetermined distance and then lowered to the transport surface.