Compact Telehandlers Stand Out at World of Concrete

Enlarge Image Image 1: Caterpillar TH215

January 24, 2005—European-built compact telescopic handlers represented a common theme among lifting equipment exhibitors at the 2005 World of Concrete show, held January 18-21 in Las Vegas, Nev.

 

First up was Caterpillar's new TH210 and TH215 introduced on Monday before the start of the show at an off-site demonstration. Featuring German origins, the TH215 offers 5,500 pounds of maximum lift capacity and 18 feet of maximum lift height, while the TH210 delivers 4,850 pounds and 17 feet, respectively. They both share the same chassis and are 5'11” inches wide and less than 7 feet tall. Both units are powered by the CAT 354B-RT diesel engine, which produces 84 hp. Caterpillar Inc. is headquartered in Peoria, Ill. www.cat.com.

Enlarge Image Image 2: Terex 6622

The following day Terex Corp., Westport, Conn., unveiled the Italian-built Terex 6622. This is a pumped up version of the 5519, but features a slightly bigger frame, longer boom, and more robust tires. Rated at 6,600 pounds with 22 feet of maximum lift height, the 6622 measures 6”7” wide and 6'9” tall. It shares the same Duetz 2011 oil-cooled engine found in the smaller model but for this application the engine is turbocharged, pushing power to 80.5 hp. Auxiliary power and tip-mounted quick disconnects are standard. As displayed at the show, list price is $61,500. www.terex.com

Enlarge Image Image 3: XRM621

The biggest surprise was the introduction by Xtreme Manufacturing, Las Vegas, Nev., of its new compact telehandler, also from Italy. Xtreme has entered into an agreement to import three different sizes of the Dieci telehandler. The XRM621 with 6,160 pounds of capacity and nearly 21 feet of lift height was on display at the show. To follow are the XRM519 (5,000 pounds capacity and 19 feet of lift height) and the XRM732 (7,000 pounds, 32 feet). Although the model at the show was fitted with an IVECO engine, all units for sale in the United States will be powered by Cummins. Pricing has yet to be established; deliveries are anticipated to begin in the second quarter. www.xtrememanufacturing.com

 

Enlarge Image Image 4: I-R VR-530C

Ingersoll-Rand, Davidson, N.C., also showed a new compact unit. The VR-530C combines the versatility of a tool carrier with the reach and capacity of a lift-and-place machine. The VR-530C features a compact footprint and tight turning radius of 12'8”. A three-stage boom angles to 62°, extends to a 30-foot lift height, and offers maximum forward reach of 21 feet. The VR-530C comes standard with a four-cylinder, 100-hp Perkins 1104C-44T turbocharged Tier 2 engine and hydrostatic transmission. Operators can choose between low and high all-wheel-drive. Other standard features include a mechanical attachment quick-change device and single auxiliary hydraulics. www.irco.com

Enlarge Image Image 5: Full-size Manitou MT6642T

Full-size telescopic handlers announced at the show included two models from Mustang Manufacturing, Owatonna, Minn., and the first material manifestation of the Manitou-Gehl product sharing agreement.

 

In a previously announced agreement Manitou will supply Gehl with its compact MT523. In exchange, Gehl will supply Manitou North America, Waco, Texas, with a range of larger, high pivot pick-and-place telehandlers. The MT6642T (Gehl's RS6) was on display. It is rated at 6,600 pounds and has a lift height of 42 feet. It is equipped with a 99 hp John Deere 4045T turbocharged diesel engine. This unit will also be available as an XT model featuring an engine with 115 hp. Look for an MT8044T and MT6036T as well. www.manitou-na.com

Enlarge Image Image 6: Mustang 844

Mustang showed the 844, an 8,000-pound, 44-foot unit. Also announced, but not featured at the show, was the 642. It will replace the 638 and features 6,600 pounds of lift capacity and 42 feet of maximum lift height. Both models have more basic features than previous Mustang products. The units are targeted at rental fleet owners and contractors. www.mustangmfg.com

 

Other new lifting equipment included boom trucks from Altec,

Enlarge Image Image 7: Altec AC26-103 boom truck

Birmingham, Ala., a last-minute addition to the exhibitor list. The AC26-103 truck-mounted crane is the latest addition to the company's expanding boom truck product line, first launched in early 2004. The AC26-103 offers 26 tons maximum capacity and a four-section boom with a tip height of 103 feet. The model also comes in 95- and 70-ton, three-section boom configurations. The “heavy lift” 70-ton unit offers a pedestal riding seat as an option.

 

With assistance from Greer Company, Santa Ana, Calif., Altec has developed its own load monitoring system. The Load Motion and

Enlarge Image Image 8: Altec's LMAP offers more control than most boom truck load indicator systems.

Area Protection (LMAP)  device provides a little more control than many systems found on similar equipment. Most noteworthy is the ability to electronically define the working area. Boom controls incorporate pilot-operated hydraulic valves and a thumper device is incorporated into the winch control. As the drum rotates the winch control lever “thumps,” providing the operator with a tactile sense of how fast the cable is spooling. Anti-two-block device is standard.

 

Watch for a model featuring 17-ton capacity and 70-foot tip height to be unveiled in March at ConExpo in Las Vegas, Nev.

 

And finally, garnering much attention was Manitowoc Crane Group's Potain MA13  self-erecting tower crane. “The concept seems to be gaining momentum,” said

Enlarge Image Image 9: MA13 self-erecting tower crane

Chris Bratthauer,  marketing communications manager. The tower crane first found success in California, but according to Bratthauer, the company is now delivering self-erectors all over North America. Popular applications include apartment and condo construction. Weighing under 24,000 pounds, the unit can be towed behind an F-750 Series or equal truck.

 

The MA13can be set up by one person in less than 15 minutes. Its wireless boom control has about 300 feet of range, allowing the operator to be in a position to see the load for landing it and eliminating the need for a second “spotter.” An on-board battery, with a backup, runs the remote control. Pendant control is also provided. The crane is powered by 480V,three-phase or 220V single-phase 32 or 20 amp service or by generator if on-site power is unavailable. It costs about $125,000. www.manitowoccranes.com