Crown sit-down truck

The mast and low-profile chassis of the new FC 4000 forklift from Crown Equipment allows operators to clearly see the forktips, while the "waterfall" design of the overhead guard increases strength and visibility when high-stacking.

The new FC 4000 Series four-wheel, sit-down rider forklift from Crown Equipment Corp. has a new cab-forward design that provides operators with the "best all-around" visibility for trucks in this class, claims the company, positioning them with an optimum line-of-sight to the fork tips or load. The FC's low profile and sculpted cowl further enhances forward visibility by allowing operators to see the truck's front tires and corners. Coupled with the forward visibility achieved through the mast design, the FC 4000 Series increases load handling while reducing product damage. The narrow steering column along with cylinder and internal hose placement also contribute to enhanced visibility. Crown claims these improvements allow the average operator to see 25% more fork area than on competitors' trucks.

A low step height, rounded surfaces, and a tubular steel overhead guard upright, which serves as a handhold, aid operator entry and exit. According to Crown, the FC compartment offers more head, knee, and shoulder clearance than its leading competitor. The rubber-covered floorboard is also enlarged. Accelerator and brake pedals are refined for comfort, and hydraulic control handles are "fanned" back to make selection and actuation easy. The vehicle is driven by a 36- or 48-V + EV-100 ZX SCR electrical system. It features standard regenerative plugging for increased motor brush life and reduced motor heating during direction reversals.

The steering column of the FC 4000 is only 4-in (102-mm) wide, "infinitely adjustable," and offset to the left for proper positioning of left-hand steering.

An exclusive transverse-mounted 11.4-in (290-mm) diameter, ventilated drive motor is fan-cooled and easy to service. It's located high above the floor away from dirt and moisture. Full circle power disc brakes are standard equipment. A push button parking brake eliminates the lever/handle used on competitive machines. With this design and logical placement below the key switch, park brake usage has become easier for the operator.

The drive motor of the FC 4000 is transverse-mounted away from dirt and moisture, while providing easy access for brush inspection and overall serviceability.

The truck cast-iron frame, mast, drive unit, and steer axle were tested for durability and reliability in thousands of hours of trouble free operation. When service is required, the new InfoPoint quick reference guide helps technicians locate components, reducing downtime. InfoPoint provides strategically located color-coded maps and a quick reference guide for pinpointing specific areas.

Wheeled Cat handler

Key features of the new W345 Series II material handler from Caterpillar include a high-performance engine and hydraulic system, a two-piece front, and a hydraulically driven wheeled carrier.

The new W345B Series II wheeled material handler from Caterpillar combines the upper components of the Cat 345B, introduced last year, with a hydraulically driven, six-wheel carrier. It has an autoshift feature and steers like a tracked machine, according to Cat. The three wheels on each side are mechanically linked, so power can be distributed to all wheels or a single wheel depending on ground conditions. Its top travel speed is 5 mph (8.3 km/h), and its maximum drawbar pull is 87,800 lb (39,800 kg).

The machine has an operating mass of 141,650 lb (64,250 kg), and its Cat 3176C engine delivers a net of 312 hp (239 kW). The turbocharged, air-to-air aftercooled diesel engine incorporates electronic controls for optimized fuel injection, increased fuel efficiency, reduced emissions, and extended component life. It complies with EPA Tier 2 requirements.

The machine's hydraulic system was designed specifically for scrap and material-handling applications. It relies on two variable-displacement, axial-piston pumps, each delivering up to 95 gal/min (360 L/min) of flow for operation under heavy loads. It has a swing torque of 110,260 lb•ft (149 kN•m) for fast swings and thus higher productivity. The grapple open/close circuit works with the other implement circuit for simultaneous, multifunction control. The rotate circuit is powered by a separate 10-gal/min (38-L/min) gear pump. An adjustable control valve allows for the circuit to meet a variety of grapple flow requirements. A separate pump supplies hydraulic power to the 25-kW Cat generator set that can operate magnets up to 72 in (1830 mm) in diameter. An electronic magnet controller, linked to the generator for enhanced reliability, eliminates the need for traditional contractor maintenance.

The W345 has a two-piece front that provides for a maximum horizontal reach of 54 ft (16.5 m) from swing center and a maximum vertical pin height of 54.8 ft (16.7 m). The machine features welded box-section structures with thick, multiplate fabrications in high-stress areas. The boom and stick are stress relieved for extra strength without excess weight, and the heavy-duty upper frame is designed to withstand the increased swing loads inherent in material handling.

The cab is situated on a Cat-designed 6.2-ft (1.9-m) riser to ensure good sight lines for the operator. A platform extending around the riser provides access to the cab. A lower walkway gives easy access to service components. Central lube points on the boom, stick, and swing bearing reduce lube time.

JLG telescoping boom lift

JLG engineers incorporated an electronic platform leveling system and swing speed proportioning into the new Model 1350SJP telescoping boom lift.

The Model 1350SJP telescoping boom from JLG Industries has a 135-ft (40-m) platform that reaches up to 50% more area than boom lifts with a 125-ft (38-m) platform height, according to the company. The boom lift on the new machine incorporates the JibPLUS 8-ft (2.4-m) articulating jib boom that can move both vertically and horizontally for improved access to hard-to-reach areas. A 1000-lb (455-kg) restricted platform capacity can be used over the majority of the work envelope; unrestricted platform capacity is 500 lb (225 kg). An automatic capacity control system adjusts the work envelope to match the selected load.

Engineers incorporated two new features into the boom lift for more efficient operation and operator comfort. An electronic platform leveling system is automatically leveled in relation to gravity, not the machine chassis, so the operator is always working or driving the machine from a level surface. Swing speed proportioning maintains a constant platform swing speed as the boom rotates horizontally regardless of the boom radius. As the boom lengthens, speed is reduced so that the platform is always moving at a constant rate. The boom lift has a controlled arc work envelope that manages boom movement as it is raised and lowered through a smooth vertical arc rather than a saw tooth pattern on machines with limit switches. This feature contributes to increasing the points of access for the operator.

Other operational features that are standard on the machine include an oscillating axle with 12 in (305 mm) of movement for a smoother ride; four-wheel drive using two hydraulic drive pumps for improved traction with 45% gradeability; and four-wheel steering with the operator's choice of front wheel, crab, or four-wheel coordinated steering. A proportional control system allows wheels to stay synchronized and tailors the maximum drive speed to the radius of the turning angle. Drive-out extendable axles require a smaller area to extend, and all steering modes are available during extension.

The Model 1350SJP is capable of using JLG's Workstation in the Sky accessories including the SkyPower package, which has a 7500-W on-board generator; the SkyWelder package with a 250-A cutter; the Sky Bright package for 6000 W of lighting power; and the SkyGlazier package, which includes a glass and panel tray and strap.