Zoom Boom Ready to Handle Military Jobs (Part 2)

August 3, 2005 • CareLift Equipment Limited, Breslau, Ontario, unveiled the ZB32032 (see Image 1) earlier this year, the highest capacity telescopic handler built in North America. The 32,000-pound capacity telehandler was built at the request of the United States Navy for use in handling water craft and jet-powered patrol boats. For more details on the machine's features and specifications, read Part One.

In designing the machine for the Navy, CareLift was faced with many unique problems. As a result, several original design decisions will not be carried over into general production units. The gross vehicle weight, for example, is to be trimmed from 67,000 pounds to a target of 60,000 to 62,000 pounds. Other operational issues, some of which I identify in this review, will also be addressed by the time the unit goes into production.

In the cab and in control

This is a very big machine: 144-inch wheelbase, 118-inch width, and 120-inch height. With its massive boom, beefy 16.0x25 Bridgestone tires, and wide stance, I was reminded of a Clydesdale. But unlike a draft horse, the ZB32032 has the power to run with thoroughbreds. A Dana-supplied T32000 powershift transmission offers three forward and reverse speeds; controls are stalk mounted. Although it takes a little longer to get this machine rolling than smaller versions, once it's got momentum it can hustle down the road at an impressive 20.5 mph. As I tooled around in this ZB32032, I was surprised at how smooth and quiet, relatively speaking, it was to operate. Steering was precise with not as much bounce in the tires as I had expected. As I attained maximum speed, I really got a sense of just how much mass is riding on just four tires. To bring the machine to a halt, CareLift uses four massive axle-mounted dry disc brakes. (Editor's Note: In Part One, these were incorrectly identified as drum brakes.)

Climbing into the operator's seat is not unlike getting into the cab of an RT crane. Once inside, the overall size of the machine and the height at which the operator sits contribute to this feeling. Safety Cab supplies the operator's compartment, which is ROPs and FOPs certified. However, it takes only a cursory review of the controls to be familiar with how to operate this big machine.

Joystick controls are mounted on a console that can be tilted and positioned fore and aft, as is common to all CareLift controls. This allows the operator to perfectly position the joysticks that control boom functions and frame leveling. Engine status is displayed to the right of the steering column. With the assistance of a Murphy PV (Power View) 100 LCD readout, the operator can track oil pressure, water temperature, and alternator output, among other things. The system also tracks and stores engine faults and notifies the operator of problems. For example, the operator is notified if the engine is being hot stopped, which does not allow the turbocharger to properly cool. In addition, the readout can be set to display in one of several languages.

The MICO-supplied brake pedal (see Image 3) is quite large and easy to operate. In contrast the accelerator pedal, although adequate, would be easier to navigate if it were a little larger. I had trouble keeping my size 13 boots centered on it.

The drive system is designed to kick the transmission into neutral under hard braking and also provides inching control. It includes the usual three steering modes: two-wheel, four-wheel, and crab steering. In four-wheel mode, the ZB32032 achieves a 280-inch outside turning radius. Also of note is the 18-inch undercarriage clearance.

The standard frame leveling system allows for 5 +/- degrees of frame adjustment. There is a pair of cylinders • one on each side • to handle this task. This eliminates the need for any type of accumulator. There is a standard rear axle stabilization system operating in two different modes. If the boom is elevated above 45°, it will lock the rear axle into its present position when the operator either fully depresses the service brake or activates the park brake. If neither of these brakes is activated, the system switches to an orifice mode, which slows the movement of the leveling system's movement substantially.

Field of vision

A boom built to handle 32,000 pounds is massive: The ZB32032's outer boom tube measures 27 inches wide by 25 inches high, which presents a considerable visual obstacle (see Image 4). When the boom is carried low, rear and side views are especially limited even with the help of high-mounted mirrors. Line of sight is not as much of an issue when the boom is raised high • say around 40° • for carrying a load, as it would be for the Naval applications.

When I attempted to back up the unit, I had to stand to see where I was going. I immediately wished that I had a rearview video system to see what was behind me. They put them on $40,000 SUVs, so why not on a several hundred thousand dollar telehandler! Turns out, CareLift engineers were one step ahead of me because that is one change that will be found on production machines.

Service notes

The turbocharged Cummins QSB 5.9 liter engine is mid-mounted and runs straight down the center of the chassis. Although the most frequently visited service points are accessible some would be difficult for a hefty mechanic to reach. Dual starter batteries (Image 5) are provided, safely stored, and easily accessed at the rear of the machine.

All CareLift telehandlers come with side-mounted fuel and hydraulic oil reservoirs (see Image 6). Generally, I don't like for these two fuel fills to be located adjacent to each other for fear of contamination, but CareLift addresses this potential problem with a system that makes it nearly impossible. It requires the right wrenches and a lot of effort to open the hydraulic tank. If fuel was placed in the hydraulic tank, it would most certainly requ ire a conscious decision to do so. In addition, the gas cap can be secured with a padlock.

Chunk of change

A few options available on the ZB32032 worth noting include a Mine Code Specification braking and parking package, side-shifting carriage, dual fork positioners, fully enclosed cab, coil ram, and auxiliary hydraulics for boom attachments. So how much will this massive machine set you back? How about $339,230. But don't faint, that's the list price.  

Likes

• Typical of CareLift designs, the ZB32032 features robust construction.
• Smooth, precise control makes operating this massive machine a snap.
• Phenomenal lifting capabilities put the ZB32032 in a class by itself.

Dislikes

• Limited right side and rear visibility reduces operator confidence.
• Scale breaking GVW. (Hefty gross vehicle weight will be more palatable once it is trimmed down.)
• Undersized accelerator pedal is difficult to navigate.

Verdict

CareLift has taken a big gamble with this highly specialized machine, but I believe there is a market out there for a telescopic handler with these capabilities. It will be interesting to see if the market need will outweigh the price.