A focus on productivity improvement features and machines designed to deal with tight spaces is evident in several new models of access equipment that have recently been launched by suppliers.

Genie Industries, which is a subsidiary of Terex Corporation, has incorporated an extensive package of design enhancements into its new line of Tier 111 emissions compliant telehandlers. The first of the new range released in Australia is the GTH2506 compact rough terrain telehandler that includes a new engine and increased load capacity at maximum reach with a view to improving productivity on the job site.

According to Carlo Forini, general manager for the telehandler product range, the GTH2506 now lifts 1,250 kg at maximum height, which is 550 kg more than the previous model. "Our goal with its design was to improve the machine's performance and serviceability while keeping it affordable and simple to use. A new 50 kW Deutz engine has been installed while the compact footprint and lower height have been maintained to ensure the unit is easy to transport and manoeuvre," Forini explained.

"Hydraulics on the GTH2506 have been upgraded, and the boom has been re-engineered to improve serviceability with a view to reducing maintenance and lowering the cost of ownership over the life of the machine."

The redesigned models now available include the GTH2506, GTH3007 and GTH4013 with a further three models to be released in 2009. All of the new telehandler range include a factory fitted Load Management System. Other recent releases from Genie include a redesigned S85 telescopic boom, and a new S65 Trax telescopic boom, as well as the Z40/23N self-propelled articulating boom that product manager Phil Harvey says is designed particularly for restrictive worksite applications.

"For excellent torque and traction control, the drive wheels on the Z40/23N work independently, providing both a tighter turn and the ability to handle a 30 per cent grade to access challenging work sites," Harvey said.

"Significant changes on the S85 boom include fixed width axles to improve the machine's durability and efficiency, faster boom elevation time, and an exclusive virtual pivot boom assembly with the ability to keep the weight of the boom over the chassis' centre of gravity as it elevates, thus eliminating the need for extra counterweight."

"The new S65 Trax boom features an innovative four-point track system that allows contractors to work any time of the year, enhancing traction for travel in difficult terrain.

Green platforms
Manitou has launched two new Bi-Energy (dual power) versions of its 150 and 170 AETJ L access platforms.
General manager, Stuart Walker, points out that in industrial buildings the user can work in electric mode for maintenance operations or re-fit projects. "When working externally or when relocating within a site, the electric mode gives way to a diesel motor coupled to a generator. This combination of power sources makes these Bi-Energy machines suitable for a wide variety of uses whilst also helping to protect the environment," Walker said.

"In addition, we have expanded the ATJ series of internal combustion articulated platforms with the addition of the 200 ATJ which has working heights up to 20 metres. In particular, this is a response to needs in the steel erection sector, and to assist maintenance work on industrial buildings."

"Priority has also been given to optimising the working zone, with a 12 metre outreach and the ability to work with up to 8 metres overhang at the point of articulation.”

Manitou has also enhanced the VJR vertical platform series to improve overall performance and efficiency. Walker says the decreased weight of the 80 VJR and the 100VJR Evolution  greatly reduces pressure on the ground, making it easy to use them on any industrial terrain, as well as assisting transport of the units.

Super-compact
JLG Industries has released a new super-compact telehandler designed to work in extremely confined spaces.

Powered by a 4.4 litre Perkins 62kW turbo-diesel engine, the new JLG 2505 model weighs 5,800 kg, and has a capacity of 2,500 kg and a maximum lift height of 5.6 metres.
JLG's director of sales and market development, Bob Mules, says the 2505, which is just 1.8m wide and 1.95m high, and has a tight turning radius of 3.35m, comes with a choice of 2-wheel, 4-wheel or crab steering modes.

"This telehandler is specially designed for dealing with the tight confines often experienced in the construction industry, and its compact dimensions also make it a practical alternative to a skidsteer loader when the incorporated universal adapter plate is used," Mules said.

JLG has also added a new compact mast lift to its ES range. According to Mules the low gross weight of 790 kg, 760 mm width and overall height of 1.66m provides the 1230ES with outstanding versatility. - Hartley Henderson