Crown launches VNA Turret truck
January 26th 2006 Crown has upped the ante in the very narrow aisle sector with the launch of its TSP 6000 turret truck range.
With a lift height of up to 11.7m, a turning circle of 3m, a highly stable enclosed mast design, isolated internal electronic systems (i.e. protected from collision damage) and the cab and control based around exhaustive study of operator’s work habits, the truck allows maximum utilisation of space while making the operator feel safer – and therefore more productive – while working at considerable height. It is available in 1000kg and 1250kg capacities.
Billing it as the ultimate in operator efficiency, versatility and reliability, Crown expects high demand from manufacturers and distributors looking to maximise cube utilisation space from existing facilities: “Companies in this area are looking to maximise space, so they need a smaller truck with precise control,” says Ken Dufford, speaking to European journalists at Crown’s HQ in New Bremen, Ohio. “It also has to be versatile enough to handle a range of tasks, offer high stability for operator comfort and safety, plus durability and reliability.”
Crown patented the closed section mast design 25 years ago – specifically for turret trucks – after finding it greatly improved load path stability, significantly reducing sway. “Operators are 10m plus in the air, therefore stability is key,” says Martin Hainge, Director of Marketing and Distributor operations, EMEA. “If the truck shakes and sways, he will slow down out of caution, reducing efficiency.” The patent has now expired but Crown doesn’t expect any other manufacturers to copy it, due to the relatively high manufacturing cost.
Efficiency and comfort is furthered by the cabin and control design based around the operator, with the aim of enabling multiple tasks – without operators having to think about it. For example: - Travel, main lift/lower, auxiliary lift lower, traverse and pivot simultaneously.
- Auto Pivot enables auxiliary mast to traverse and pivot automatically to keep the forks evenly centred between warehouse racks, reducing rack, product and pallet damage.
- MoveControl Seat swivels to four different positions for operational flexibility.
- Controls move with the seat for consistent operator orientation
Along with the 110° swivel seat, the cabin layout is such that operators have unobstructed visibility. For operators that want to stand, the seat flips up.
Fast travel speed, high manoeuvrability and precise control are backed up by solid, heavy duty steel frame and covers protecting the power unit components, making the truck highly durable: Crown, which manufactures 85% of its parts, says the truck has gone through 60,000 hours – or 20 years – of testing under the most severe conditions.
For full details of the range, click here, use the enquiry system, or see the forthcoming February issue of Handling & Storage Solutions. More articles from Crown Lift Trucks Ltd: | 
