WF3000 ... winner of the red dot.
Crown showcases its latest gems
01 June 2005
Crown Lift Trucks, a leading German manufacturer of aesthetically-designed trucks, has added two new special application models to its range of stackers and pallet trucks, with the launch of the WD 2300S double stacker and the WP 2340S pallet truck, widening its range of lifting equipment.
“The WD 2300S double stacker with fold-down platform is designed to handle the latest loading technologies in large volume vehicles and offers high load-handling throughput levels in warehouses, as it can transport two pallets simultaneously each weighing 1,000 kg,” says a company spokesman. “This enables trailers to be loaded and unloaded in virtually half the time. The forks can raise loads of up to 1,000 kg to a maximum height of up to 2100 mm, while the outriggers are designed for an additional load of 1,000 kg (or 2,000 kg with the forks lowered).
“In addition, the truck’s narrow overall width of 712 mm simplifies block stacking and allows for precision lorry-loading. This makes the WD 2300S ideal for high-density, stock-to-dock applications, as it combines the capability of a stacker with the flexibility of a pallet truck with foldable platform.
“The folding, cushioned operator platform with side restraints allows even long travel distances to be covered in the warehouse rapidly and in comfort. The operator also benefits from greater manoeuvrability in confined areas when operating in pedestrian mode.”
The WP2340S is used for transporting goods up to 2,000 kg over long distances. Its sturdy operator platform is fabricated entirely from steel, features a cushioned backrest and has an inward-facing grab bar at the rear. This is because, over long distances, the pallet truck is normally operated with the forks trailing. The driver operates the control handle with one hand while the other hand holds the grab bar. An entry bar reduces the risk of injury when manoeuvring in confined spaces. At the same time, the low step height of just 190 mm also facilitates the entry. All valuable componentry is protected as the entire chassis, side panels and covers are constructed using heavy-gauge steel.
Control
Both models require minimum hand and wrist movements thanks to the double award winning X10 control handle.
In 2004, the Crown X1O handle for powered pallet trucks and stackers received two prestigious awards for outstanding industrial design: the iF design award 2004 and the red dot award for product design.
Because the handle offers tactile and visual differentiation of the controls, the operator can work more productively. For example, the X10 thumbwheel can be operated with either the right or left thumb and provides maximum speed control for both forward and reverse travel, the spokesman says. The programmable rabbit/turtle switch incorporates two levels of programmable travel performance to match operator experience and application environment.
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The new WD2300S double stacker |
The state-of-the-art traction controller with separately excited motor (SEM) technology provides smooth acceleration and regenerative motor braking for both models. Even on inclines, the travel speed remains almost constant, regardless of the load. Ramp Hold minimises the possibility of unintended roll back when brakes are released on an incline, he adds.
Stacker series
Among other innovations from the company is the new Crown WF 3000 Series, available in both fork-over and straddle versions for a wide range of applications in retail, distribution centres and warehouses.
The series was recently awarded the red dot: a quality symbol awarded annually for superior design quality by the Design Zentrum Nordrhein Westfalen.
The red dot design award is an important indicator of innovation and because of the international nature of the design competition the red dot is regarded as a highly prestigious award, the spokesman points out.
Together with innovative Crown design and robustness features, the WF 3000 Series stackers incorporate a short turning radius, compact power unit, and centre-mounted award-winning X10 control handle with brake override to provide the best manoeuvrability in the industry. With its compact design, the WF 3000 – claimed to be currently the most advanced stacker on the market – is offered in 1.0 and 1.2-tonne capacities, which can easily manoeuvre loads in tightly congested areas, he says.
Wave series
Crown now also offers an additional model with extended reach height for its Wave Series work assist vehicles. The new model WAV 50-118 allows work to be accomplished at heights of up to 5 m by raising the operator platform to 3 m. The current WAV 50-84 with a platform lift height of 2.1 m offers a reach height of 4 m.
Both the WAV 50-84 and the new WAV 50-118 models allow users to complete their tasks quicker, safer and more comfortably. Both models offer a load capacity of up to 90 kg on the load tray and an additional 115 kg on the load deck above the battery compartment. Since the introduction of the Wave, companies in hundreds of different industries throughout the world already benefit from its productivity enhancing features, says the spokesman.
“In many situations, the majority of lifting and maintenance tasks require two people to position materials at height. With the Wave, this is no longer the case – one employee can carry out these tasks safely and quickly without the need for assistance,” explains the spokesman. “Productivity is further heightened as a worker with merchandise or tools can be at the required height ready for the task at hand before a worker on foot can even walk to the location. On the Wave the operator can travel at speeds of up to 6 km/h, twice as fast as the average walking speed. In addition, its ability to drive and lift simultaneously saves time, although for safety reasons the travel speed is then reduced to 3 km/h. “Productivity is increased not only by the considerable timesavings, but also by the reduction in product damage. Loads are transported securely on the load tray or load platform and cannot be dropped accidentally.
“Speed, lift and lower functions, steering and braking are coordinated by a built-in safety system. This intelligent control system keeps the operator working through the task, securely and confidently – when travelling, braking, raising the platform or working at height.
“Hand sensors ensure that the operator has both hands on the controls before the Wave will function. The control buttons for raise and lower are arranged so that they can be operated even when travelling. Foot pedals with sensors ensure that the Wave stops all travel, lift and lower functions automatically as soon as the operator removes either foot from the pedals.”
At 750 mm wide and 1525 mm long, the Wave passes through standard doors and fits in most elevators. Unlike a rolling ladder, which is difficult to manouevre around corners, the Wave can turn in its own length. In rail guided applications, such as in a small parts warehouse, it requires an aisle width of only 900 m and guarantees even more efficient use of space. In manufacturing applications, the Wave can also be used for transporting, to deliver parts to the production line, to fill shelves or retrieve products for assembly, he says.
