Radio Remote Control Adds Versatility to Gehl and Mustang Telehandlers
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September 8, 2005
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The radio remote control system allows a telehandler
operator to control boom functions using a compact, wireless remote control
pendant from outside the cab or from within a personnel work platform. The
handheld pendant can be used to raise, lower, extend, and retract the boom as
well as start and stop the engine. The device features self-diagnostics and
Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS) technology, which was initially
developed for military applications. FHSS devices concentrate their full power
into a very narrow signal that randomly hops from frequency to frequency within
a designated radio band to prevent signal errors.
“Our goal was to add functionality to the machine
without overburdening it with cost or complexity,” said Merrick Monaghan, Gehl
engineering manager. “By combining a leading-edge radio remote control system
with our Personnel Work Platform System, we were able to develop an
easy-to-integrate package that accomplished our goal.”
According to John Koepf, Gehl telescopic handler
product manager, this feature is a revolutionary, time-saving option, especially
for roofing and construction contractors. “The Remote Control System allows
contractors to be more productive by not requiring the operator to remain in the
cab,” he said. “It can be useful for anyone who needs to precisely maneuver
materials to different elevations.”
According to Doug Snorek, Mustang marketing manager,
the remote system will primarily be used inside a work platform. “By equipping a
worker on the platform with this system, he will no longer need an operator in
the cab to get him into position,” he said. “He is able to move the boom to
other areas of the structure he's working on or lower himself when the task is
finished.”
The remote control will also be used with other
attachments, such as a truss boom or forks, Snorek explained. “The advantage
here is that the operator responsible for placing the truss is able to jump out
of the cab, go to another area where visibility may be better,” he said. “He
could even go inside the building • and then finish placing the load from the
remote area.”
The Radio Remote Control System is now available on
all Gehl DL Series telescopic handlers that are equipped with the Gehl PWP
system, and will soon be available on Gehl RS Series models that are equipped
with the PWP system. In addition, Gehl is developing a 90° swing carriage for
use in conjunction with the Radio Remote Control System. This carriage will
allow users to position a work platform exactly parallel to a building, or to
position their telescopic handler parallel to a building, which creates a larger
area for working without repositioning the machine.
The device is currently available as a separate
option on Mustang telehandler models 742, 944, and 1155.
For more
information, visit www.gehl.com and www.mustangmfg.com.
