Telehandler Satisfaction

Enlarge Image Image 1: Ross Equipment's VR-1056 telehandler

Subject: VR-1056 telescopic handlers; 10,000-pound maximum capacity and maximum lift height of 56 feet; manufactured by Ingersoll-Rand, Shippensburg, Pa.

Serial number: 69263

Date in service: November 2001

Hours in service: 1,412

Equipment owner: Ross Equipment Rentals—one of the largest independent rental companies in Arizona. The company has rented and sold dozens of IR machines since 2000. Other telescopic handlers in their fleet include CareLift Zoom Booms.

Service area: Phoenix, Ariz., and surrounding communities

Date of review: 1/3/05

 

This VR-1056 was on rent on a road overpass construction project, as it has been for the past four months, when I reviewed it. Although it has been in service for more than four years, it has only logged a little more than 1,400 hours. The low hours of use combined with a quality design contribute to this telehandler's excellent condition.

 

Enlarge Image Image 2: Side-by-side tanks present an opportunity for contamination.

But as you can see in Image 2, it wasn't all pretty and clean. The hydraulic oil and fuel fills are side-mounted next to each other. Four months on a dusty job has contributed to dirt build up around this area from fuel and oil spills, rendering the identification decals useless. Although the diesel filler cap is differentiated with green, there remains a formula for disaster here. I suggest shipping the machine out with a locking or bolt-down cap when tanks are located this close together, otherwise diesel fuel will end up on the wrong place. I must note that current IR literature states that this machine is shipped with lockable caps. If this is the case it is only a recent development as I inspected other 2003 models that were not equipped with them. Take my advice. If your VR doesn't have these caps spend a few bucks and save yourself the ordeal and expense of replacing and disposing of 40 gallons of hydraulic oil.

 

The VR1056 shows no indication of succumbing to any major component failures, structural issues, or paint deterioration. In addition, all the exposed hydraulic hoses appear to have held up in the heat.

 

Enlarge Image Image 3: Boom wear pads have shown exceptionally little wear.

According to Ross Equipment, the boom's slide pads have required minimal adjustment over the years. The boom is straight and solid.

Enlarge Image Image 4: I liked the location of the load chart and the flip up keyhole protector.

In addition, the inside of the cab has proven quite durable. Operational decals and warning placards looked as legible as a new delivery. Multi-function joysticks continue to provide precise control over the boom and frame leveling functions. In particular, I liked the location of the load chart and the flip up keyhole protector.

Enlarge Image Image 5: Access to the Cummins engine is “acceptable.”

The engine, which resides within the frame under a sliding fiberglass hood, has presented the only significant service issue. It's location in the frame isn't as convenient as new side-mounted installation that have become so popular. Ross Equipment's service manager, however, said access to the engine was acceptable, if not great.

Ross Equipment has experienced ongoing problems with the electric solenoid controlling fuel flow to the injectors on the 110 HP Cummins 4B 3.9 turbocharged diesel engine. The coils tend to burn out, and Ross has experienced the same problems with this engine in other equipment as well.

 
Although a retrofit kit available from your local Cummins dealer doesn't eliminate the problem, it does extend the time between failures. Note that this engine was replaced in 2003 by the Tier II compliant 110 HP QSB 4.5 liter Cummins, so the problem does not exist on current models.

 

The Dana P12,000 three-speed, power-shift transmission has worked flawlessly.

Owner's opinions

Speaking highly of this VR-1056, the Ross Equipment crew especially likes the simplicity of its drive system. “We have had great luck with this and our other 1056 models,” said Merlyn Richards, service manager. His only complaint relates to local parts support. “IR has a factory service and sales center just a few blocks down the street, but they rarely have the part we need on the shelf,” said Richards. “It seems like we are always paying to ship overnight parts that they should have here.”

 
The service records indicate there have been no break-down service calls for this and another unit delivered at the same time. Service parts costs included replacement filters and miscellaneous seals and hardware totaling only $746 over the life of this telehandler—a truly amazing record.