In 1968, the US forklift truck manufacturer gained its first foothold on the European market with the purchase of a production facility in Galway on the west coast of Ireland. Over the following ten years, the plant developed into the leading production site for hand pallet trucks, highlifters and counterbalance trucks with electric drive for the entire European market thanks to increasing production figures.

One of the first electrically powered Crown counterbalance trucks to roll off the production line in Galway was recently put up for sale. Crown Lift Trucks UK didn't hesitate for a second and bought the historic truck back. Although the early model is significantly smaller than today's standard three-wheel counterbalance trucks, it is still fully operational. The Crown technicians were therefore not surprised that the truck was still in regular use. The Piccolift has since been completely overhauled and is now back in pristine condition. As a historical exhibit, it now permanently adorns the reception area of the Crown sales and service center in Birmingham.

Simon Barkworth, Managing Director of Crown Lift Trucks UK, is delighted with the historic model: "Crown built this Piccolift truck back in 1968. With a load capacity of 600 kg and a simple, two-stage mast with lift and tilt function, the Piccolift is a direct ancestor of today's electric counterbalance trucks from Crown's SC series. When you see the two trucks side by side, it immediately becomes clear how much forklift trucks have developed in the meantime. But the mere fact that the predecessor model is still operational with over 50 years under its belt once again underlines Crown's core values: durable, robust and reliable."

The current SC series from Crown is characterized above all by its high added value and versatility. Available in three- or four-wheel versions with load capacities from 1.3 to 2.0 tons, these robust powerhouses remain true to their tradition and offer the power, manoeuvrability and reliability required to master even the most demanding applications and operating requirements.

From the very beginning, Crown has built forklifts that are built to last - and that hasn't changed," explains Barkworth. "Crown develops and manufactures up to 85 percent of its forklift truck components in-house - including key components such as engines, transmissions and electronic modules. In sensitive areas, we use steel instead of plastic, for example for covers and drawbars. This ensures that our forklifts are particularly robust and can withstand the tough operating conditions of hectic day-to-day logistics and distribution at all times."