01 April 2007

The US-based access equipment manufacturer Genie plans to launch the GTH-6025R rotating telehandler at bauma and introduce several other models to Europe including the Z-40/23N self-propelled articulating boom and GS-3232 scissor lift.

The new rotating GTH-6025R - the 14th model in the Genie telehandler range with a maximum lifting height of 24.8 m and a maximum forward reach of 21.5 m - is able to lift up to 6,000 kg. With four independent stabilisers that are hydraulically actuated and a ground clearance of 54 cm, the new telehandler is described as being ideal for working in rough sites.
It features permanent four-wheel drive and three steering modes: front wheel steer, crab steer and coordinated steer. The hydraulic load-sensing control enables smooth and precise positioning and the two electro-proportional four-in-one joysticks provide multi-functional operations. A button on the joystick allows two-speed transmission shifting, thanks to the 'shift on the fly' gearbox, explains a spokesman for the manufacturer.
The Cummins (166 hp) four-cylinder turbo-intercooler engine is positioned sideways for easy access to components. A display panel indicates when routine maintenance is due. The GTH-6025R is equipped with a black box that records functional parameters and anomalies. An optional GPS module makes it possible to identify the location of the machine at all times.
The second innovation to be showcased at bauma, the new Z-40/23N self-propelled articulating boom, is designed for 'up, out and over' applications in tight workspaces, and has a narrow 1.5 m-wide profile, which allows it to easily fit through standard-sized double doors. With a tight turning radius of just 0.61 m, the Z-40/23N can easily manoeuvre through tight passageways and congested work areas, says the spokesman.
'Our research showed a market demand for a boom with a profile under 1.52 m and a turning radius under 0.91 m. We designed the Z-40/23N to fill that niche,' says Phil Harvey, product manager for Genie's boom line.
The Z-40/23N features an 'up and over' maximum clearance of 6.48 m, 14.32 m maximum working height and 6.91 m maximum horizontal reach. Weighing in at 6,908 kg, the boom offers the ideal combination of weight, narrow footprint and reasonable floor load rating for indoor use, he states.
The boom features a true multi-function control system that allows smooth, responsive operation of several machine functions at the same time - from raise, lower and rotate to extend, steer and drive. The control system allows operators to quickly reach their desired worksite location from the stowed position.
Standard is Genie's variable-speed technology that delivers quick repositioning of loads up to a lift capacity of 227 kg within the boom's entire range of motion. Proportional lift and drive controls allow operators to manage the speed of each function and make precise adjustments in tight areas. A side-to-side 180-degree rotating jib is available as an option.
The Z-40/23N also features Genie's new AC drive system, combining DC batteries with three-phase AC drive motors for quiet, more energy-efficient operation and continuous control of drive speed, from 0 to 6 km/h, braking and turning.
'This technology is common in industrial forklifts, but is new to the aerial work platforms market,' says Harvey. 'It offers many advantages, including better machine control for maximum productivity, less drain on the batteries for extended life and longer intervals between charging. Genie's system is fully sealed to protect against dust and water damage.
'For excellent torque and traction control, the drive wheels on the Z-40/23N work independently, providing both a tighter turn and the ability to handle a 30 per cent grade to access challenging worksites.'
'Designed to save time and money on maintenance, the Z-40/23N features easy-access panels, onboard diagnostics, simpler wiring, fewer parts and shared common parts and features with other Genie models, so contractors can stock fewer service parts and apply existing maintenance knowledge,' he adds.
Turning to the new GS-3232 self-propelled scissor Lift, Eric Ludwig, Genie Scissor Lift product manager, says the latest addition to Genie's slab scissor line meets the demands of challenging worksite conditions. It lifts up to 227 kg to a maximum working height of 11.58 m, and with its compact footprint of just 2.41 m long and 0.81 m wide stowed, the GS-3232 fits through standard doorways with ease.
'We saw a need in the market for a scissor model that could lift at least 9.75 m high but with a narrow profile so that could it easily fit through a single doorway,' says Ludwig. 'The GS-3232 is ideal to use in buildings with tall ceilings, sloped floors and single door access such as churches, movie theatres and paper mills, to name a few.'
With dual front-wheel drive and zero inside turn radius, the GS-3232 easily manoeuvres around restrictive work environments. A 0.91 m extension deck allows workers and tools to utilise the maximum amount of platform workspace. The GS-3232 has a travel speed of 3.5 km/h and is able to handle a 25 per cent grade to get where it is needed most, he adds.
The GS-3232 comes standard with Genie's automatic levelling hydraulic outrigger system, which is able to level on slopes of up to five degrees side-to-side and three degrees front-to-back. A laser locator option helps the operator position the unit before deploying the outriggers. This ensures that the machine is stable before ascending to working height.
Also standard on the GS-3232 is Genie's four-wheel braking system that combines dual rear spring, hydraulically-released brakes with dual front wheel hydraulic dynamic braking, making the unit extremely responsive. The brakes are fully enclosed in steel casing for protection against jobsite debris and machine wear resulting in a longer life cycle.
The GS-3232 features Genie's advanced electronic control system. The electronic platform control box is able to move with the platform extension deck to give the operator a clear and consistent line of sight. The system's variable speed DC motor offers greater battery efficiency, as well as conserves energy and reduces heat generation to extend machine life, he points out.
Heavy-duty steel swing-out service trays allow for access to all machine components for easy service and maintenance, and 90 per cent of the components are common across the entire Genie slab scissors family, so service departments are able to stock fewer parts and technicians can apply existing maintenance knowledge.
'The GS-3232 nicely rounds out Genie's current scissor offering, giving our customers more choices,' says Ludwig. 'And, because it is engineered with common components, our customers will find this unit easy to keep rental-ready.'
Headquartered in Redmond, Washington, with branch offices worldwide, Genie Industries manufactures material lifts, aerial work platforms, trailer-mounted booms and light towers, scissor lifts, self-propelled telescopic and articulating booms and telehandlers. 
Genie Industries is a subsidiary of Terex Corporation, a diversified global manufacturer.

* A recent article on the line of boom lift products offered by Genie Industries should have stated that Rapid Access is a dealer for the company in the Gulf region.

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