Xtreme XRM 1157- Extremely Competitive - Part 1
 Xtreme Manufacturing's XRM 1157 |
April 21, 2004- With 22 different brands of telescopic handlers available in North America, you wonder whether we really need another competitor. But the belief that there is always room for improvement is what prompted Xtreme Manufacturing, Las Vegas , Nev., to enter the telehandler market just a few years ago.
It is no big secret that Don Ahern, president of Ahern Equipment Rental, is the driving force behind the Xtreme product line. His involvement reaches far beyond providing capital. After more than 30 years in the rental business, Ahern has very specific ideals about how equipment should perform. While it has been a struggle to translate those ideals into reality, a recent test drive of the XRM 1157 proves that the company is not far off its goals.
The development team faced two key directives: To deliver the lowest cost of ownership and to provide a highly productive machine. According to Ahern, initial purchase price has very little to do with the Xtreme's overall cost of ownership. "Our units are not designed to meet a price point," he said. Regardless of your application-rental, framing, masonry, steel erection-maintenance costs and downtime associated with an out-of-service machine all affect the true return on your investment.
Part 1 of a two-part review of the XRM 1157 follows. Be sure to watch the next issue of Lift and Access 360 for an analysis of the unit's overall productivity, including a look at its control system, and to read my final verdict of the machine.
XRM 1157 in briefs
The XRM 1157 is an e X treme R each M achine featuring 11,000 pounds maximum capacity and a 57-foot maximum lift height. The XRM 1157 is the newest unit to join three other smaller models in the product line.
Sometimes it's the simplest things that make the biggest impression. The first thing to wear out on a telehandler is the seat cushion. Frequent climbs in and out of the cab do a number on the upholstery in a hurry. In acknowledgement of this reality, the operator's seat features easy-to-remove back and bottom cushions. Making it easy to repair or replace the cushions should reduce the number of duct tape patch jobs required. The XRM 1157 is standard equipped with a fully adjustable suspension seat provided by Grammer of Hudson, Wis. Likewise the dashboard is protected by a scratch resistant Lexan shield. The clear cover is cut with oversized openings for all the switches and controls-a quick and cost-effective way to replace the cover and keep the control panel and decals legible.
A durable paint finish includes a two-part epoxy etching primer. The etching feature means that the primer penetrates into the metal for maximum adherence. The top coat includes a two-part urethane enamel.
 A hard-wire electrical system is mounted on a swing-down panel for easy access when troubleshooting. |
HAWE Hydraulics, Charlotte, N.C., provides the full-pressure mechanical over hydraulic boom controls. This design, which is intended to provide reliability and precise positive control, will be discussed in detail in Part 2 of this article. The main electrical panel is located below the dashboard and is hard-wired to a conventional terminal strip. The panel swings down, making it easy to access when troubleshooting. See Image 2.
Behind the power
Xtreme Manufacturing utilizes an innovative three-section aluminum radiator supplied by A.K.G. of America , Mebane, Ga. The top section is a normal engine block cooler and the middle section is the transmission oil cooler. The lower section, however, is dedicated to the turbo-charger. Pre-cooling the air boosts engine performance, but also helps the 122-hp Perkins 1104C diesel engine meet Tier II emission standards.
 Most service points are within reach on the same side as the engine.  A steel cover protects the battery |
The engine, which is easy to access, is mounted directly to a Carraro TLB2 four-speed forward and reverse power shift transmission. The majority of related service points, including fuel, oil, and air filters, are mounted within reach on the same side as the engine. See Image 3.
An independent electric fuel pump self primes the injectors when- not if -the unit runs out of diesel fuel. The engine, hydraulic pump, and valves are housed under fiberglass covers. But this isn't your everyday fiberglass. Kevlar-the stuff bullet-proof vests are made out of-is woven into the fibers for additional reinforcement. The starter battery is stored in a rear compartment under a heavy steel cover designed to protect it from damage. See Image 4. A lock to protect it from theft would be a nice addition.
Hydraulic flow is provided by a Kawasaki variable displacement piston pump, which has an excellent track record in brutal hydraulic excavator applications. Pump model K3BL80 supplies up to 50 gpm and is rated at 5,000 psi continuous output. Test ports for the Hydac-supplied valves and block are located to the right of the operator's seat. The ability to monitor from the cab as a technician activates each function makes pressure checks a one-person job. A three-stage hydraulic oil filtration system starts with a suction screen in the hydraulic tank. Next is a 10 micron high-pressure filter. Then on the return to an all-steel and lockable tank, the hydraulic oil passes through a 10 micron low-pressure filter.
Boom Design
Engineers at Xtreme Manufacturing have given a lot of thought to the boom and its assembly. The test unit was equipped with a three-section boom, but the company is seriously considering also offering a shorter four-section boom. This would reduce the XRM 1157's now long 27'5" stowed length.
 The internal hydraulic cylinder is accessible from the back of the boom.  The dry boom rides on heavy-duty rollers.  The carriage tilt cylinder is mounted so as to protect it from damage. |
An internal hydraulic cylinder works in combination with massive extension and retraction roller chains. The cylinder is accessible from the back of the boom. See Image 5. I was told that to slide the cylinder out, all that is required is to remove two pins, four bolts, and two hydraulic fittings. In the event that the boom needs to be lowered manually, the lift and telescope cylinders are fitted with holding valves featuring bleed-off capabilities. Designing it this way eliminates the potential for large hydraulic spills and injury associated with cracking a highly pressurized line.
The dry boom rides on huge heavy-duty rollers. See Image 6. The rollers and all pivot points feature sealed bearings. Melonite-treated steel pins are mated with bronze bushings, which also ride on sealed bearings.
The main lift cylinders pull double duty by also acting as the master cylinder for the carriage tilt cylinder. The carriage tilt cylinder is mounted on the top side of the horse head (or bull nose), shown in Image 7. This arrangement protects the cylinder if the boom is lowered onto the top side of an object, such as a dumpster. In addition, the shaft of the carriage cylinder is induction hardened to resist damage from items that fall on it.
Of course, one way to show confidence in your "low ownership cost" design is to back it up with a great warranty. Xtreme Manufacturing's warranty is the most aggressive one I have ever seen. It includes 10 years on the steel structure; three years on the entire boom assembly; three years on all hydraulic components; three years on the axles; three years on the transmission; and, two years on the Perkins diesel engine. This is most certainly an example of putting your money where your mouth is!
