The Yale VTE-U and VTEF-U are electric travel trolleys engineered for heavy, frequent or long-distance load movement along overhead I-beams. Where a manual HTP or HTG would tire the operator on extended runs, the VTE delivers powered travel via an IP55-rated motor with worm-gear transmission — a smooth start and self-braking action with no separate motor brake required — and the universal shackle connection pairs with virtually any hoist that has a suspension hook. VTEF adds a secondary slow-speed motor for precision positioning, and LVC variants add a low-voltage 42 V pendant for additional operator safety.
Key Features
- Electric travel motor with worm-gear transmission: Smooth start and self-braking — no separate motor brake required.
- IP55 motor, IP65 pendant control: Protected against dust and water jets — suitable for industrial environments.
- Universal shackle connection: Compatible with virtually all hoists with a suspension hook.
- VTE single-speed or VTEF dual-speed: VTEF adds slower precision-positioning speed (~25% of main) for accurate placement.
- Anti-drop and anti-tilt devices fitted as standard: Prevents trolley from dropping off the beam.
- Fracture-proof steel wheels with cambered profile: Smooth running, flat or inclined beams.
- Threaded spindle adjustment: Easy adjustment to a wide range of beam widths.
- 400 V 3Ph 50Hz standard, reconnectable to 230 V 3Ph; 230 V 1Ph available.
- Optional Low Voltage Control 42 V: Extra operator electrical safety.
Technical Specifications
| Model |
Article No. |
Capacity (kg) |
Travel Speed (m/min) |
Motor (kW) |
Flange Thickness max (mm) |
Curve Radius A/B (m) |
Weight A/B (kg) |
| VTE 1-A-18/U |
N06409625 |
1,000 |
18 |
0.18 |
19 |
0.9 / 0.9 |
19.5 / 25.2 |
| VTEF 1-A-18/U |
N06409943 |
1,000 |
18 / 4.5 |
0.18 / 0.06 |
19 |
0.9 / 0.9 |
19.5 / 25.2 |
| VTE 1-A-18/U LVC |
N06409715 |
1,000 |
18 |
0.18 |
19 |
0.9 / 0.9 |
19.5 / 25.2 |
| VTEF 1-A-18/U LVC |
N06409716 |
1,000 |
18 / 4.5 |
0.18 / 0.06 |
19 |
0.9 / 0.9 |
19.5 / 25.2 |
| VTE 2-A-18/U |
N06409626 |
2,000 |
18 |
0.18 |
19 |
1.15 / 1.15 |
26 / 30.2 |
| VTEF 2-A-18/U |
N06409945 |
2,000 |
18 / 4.5 |
0.18 / 0.06 |
19 |
1.15 / 1.15 |
26 / 30.2 |
| VTE 2-A-18/U LVC |
N06409717 |
2,000 |
18 |
0.18 |
19 |
1.15 / 1.15 |
26 / 30.2 |
| VTEF 2-A-18/U LVC |
N06409718 |
2,000 |
18 / 4.5 |
0.18 / 0.06 |
19 |
1.15 / 1.15 |
26 / 30.2 |
| VTE 3-A-11/U |
N06409939 |
3,000 |
11 |
0.37 |
27 |
1.5 / 1.4 |
51 / 53 |
| VTEF 3-A-11/U |
N06409947 |
3,000 |
11 / 2.8 |
0.37 / 0.09 |
27 |
1.5 / 1.4 |
51 / 53 |
| VTE 3-A-11/U LVC |
N06409703 |
3,000 |
11 |
0.37 |
27 |
1.5 / 1.4 |
51 / 53 |
| VTEF 3-A-11/U LVC |
N06409704 |
3,000 |
11 / 2.8 |
0.37 / 0.09 |
27 |
1.5 / 1.4 |
51 / 53 |
| VTE 5-A-11/U |
N06409941 |
5,000 |
11 |
0.37 |
27 |
2.0 / 1.8 |
77 / 80 |
| VTEF 5-A-11/U |
N06409949 |
5,000 |
11 / 2.8 |
0.37 / 0.09 |
27 |
2.0 / 1.8 |
77 / 80 |
| VTE 5-A-11/U LVC |
N06409705 |
5,000 |
11 |
0.37 |
27 |
2.0 / 1.8 |
77 / 80 |
| VTEF 5-A-11/U LVC |
N06409706 |
5,000 |
11 / 2.8 |
0.37 / 0.09 |
27 |
2.0 / 1.8 |
77 / 80 |
1-2 t models fit 58-180 mm flange (A) or 180-300 mm (B). 3-5 t models fit 74-180/98-180 mm (A) and up to 300 mm (B). VTE single speed; VTEF dual speed. LVC = Low Voltage Control 42 V pendant.
CE & UKCA Marked | IP55 Motor | IP65 Pendant Control | DIN 1025-1
Yale is part of the Columbus McKinnon group. CE marked (EU Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC, LVD, EMC) and UKCA marked. Standard supply 400 V 3-phase 50 Hz; single-speed motors can be reconnected to 230 V 3-phase 50 Hz. Push-button pendant control IP65. Declaration of Conformity supplied. LOLER 1998 thorough examinations every 12 months by a competent person.
Suitable Applications
Recommended for loads over 1,000 kg, transporting over long distances, or where the trolley is used frequently. Typical applications: automotive and aerospace assembly lines, heavy machine fitting, foundry and steelworks transport, shipyard and dry dock operations, power generation maintenance, paint lines, process plants. VTEF dual-speed is preferred for precision assembly where loads must be positioned to fine tolerances. Where power is unavailable or travel is occasional, the manual HTP push and HTG geared trolleys cover the same beam range.
How to Use the Yale VTE-U / VTEF-U
- Confirm electrical supply: 400 V 3-phase 50 Hz (or 230 V 3-phase for reconnected single-speed motors). Confirm fuse and isolation.
- Adjust to beam: Set threaded spindle to match flange width.
- Install end stops: Fit beam end stops with rubber buffers.
- Connect supply and pendant: Support cable clear of travel path. Test emergency stop.
- Attach hoist via shackle: Use universal shackle connection.
- Inspect: Wheels, anti-drop devices, motor housing, pendant cable.
- Operate via pendant: LEFT/RIGHT buttons. On VTEF, use slow-speed mode for precision.
- Stop: Worm-gear transmission is self-braking — release button and trolley stops.
Warning: Yale hoists and trolleys are not designed for passenger elevation applications. Always isolate electrical supply before maintenance.
Safety Information
- Confirm electrical isolation and lockout/tagout before maintenance.
- Test emergency stop before each work session.
- Never exceed the Working Load Limit.
- Install beam end stops at both ends of travel.
- Ensure pendant cable is supported clear of travel path.
- Never use to lift, lower or transport persons.
- For wash-down environments, verify IP55/IP65 ratings not compromised by cable connections.
- LOLER 1998 thorough examination every 12 months. PUWER 1998 inspection applies.
Inspection and Maintenance
Requires periodic inspection of wheels, anti-drop devices, motor and pendant cable. IP55 motor enclosure is sealed against dust and water jets. Pendant cable and connectors inspected before each use. Anti-drop and anti-tilt devices confirmed functional during LOLER inspection. WOLFF Onsite provides LOLER + PUWER inspection plus full overhaul.
Optional Accessories
- Low Voltage Control 42 V (LVC): Operator electrical safety — fitted on LVC suffix models.
- Rubber buffers: End-of-travel impact protection.
- 230 V 1-phase supply variant: Available on request.
- Yale HTG manual alternative: For light-duty or infrequent traverse.
Downloads
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: VTE single-speed or VTEF dual-speed — which do I need?
VTE runs at one constant speed (18 m/min for 1-2 t, 11 m/min for 3-5 t). Good for general traverse where exact positioning isn't critical. VTEF adds a precision slow speed (~25% of main) for accurate load placement — choose VTEF if you regularly need to land loads on a specific point.
Q: What does LVC mean?
LVC = Low Voltage Control. Pendant control runs at 42 V (not main supply voltage) for extra operator electrical safety. Required by some site policies and recommended in wet or external environments. Motor still runs on 400 V — only the control circuit is 42 V.
Q: What's the universal shackle connection?
Rather than a fixed clevis for one specific hoist model, the VTE has a universal shackle that accepts the suspension hook of virtually any chain hoist — Yale's own VSIII, Yalelift 360, plus competitor models. You can replace or upgrade the hoist without changing the trolley.
Q: Can the VTE run on 230 V single phase?
A 230 V single-phase variant is available on request. Standard product is 400 V 3-phase 50 Hz. Single-speed motors can also be reconnected to 230 V 3-phase in the field. Dual-speed VTEF motors cannot be reconnected.
Q: Are anti-drop and anti-tilt devices fitted as standard?
Yes — both fitted as standard, not optional. Prevent the trolley from leaving the beam if wheels or axles fail, and stop it tilting under uneven load. Significant safety advantage over basic electric trolleys.