Speed, power and safety - from the ramp to the aisle with Crown

With the RT 4000 series, Crown launched a completely new, fast ride-on pallet truck with a load capacity of up to two tons at the end of 2015. Since then, three models have been available: a version with a driver's platform with left or right-hand steering for block storage and narrow aisles, as well as a model with a driver's seat for transporting goods over longer distances.

Crown's design concept focuses on fast, safe and professional operation from the ramp to the aisle. As with all Crown forklifts, ergonomics and safety play a key role in optimizing operator productivity with the new RT 4000 series. "The RT 4000 Series combines Crown's engineering and manufacturing expertise with a design concept that puts the operator at the center of the development," explains Jim Kraimer, Director Industry Design at Crown. "The result is a high-performance, stable product that enables higher productivity and greater safety in the warehouse, while at the same time leading to cost savings."

The new ride-on pallet trucks have been developed to meet the high demands of the logistics industry in terms of maneuverability, responsiveness, reliability and safety. Both the model with driver's platform and the version with driver's seat enable fast loading and unloading, first-class transport performance and optimum maneuvering even in the tightest of spaces with a high level of driving comfort.

Developed for strong performance and comprehensive driver protection

Crown studies have shown that this type of forklift truck is being used in ever tougher, more hectic applications: Fast loading and unloading, high driving speeds, heavy traffic and great time pressure are the order of the day. Several hundred ramp trips a day can lead to knee and back problems as well as signs of fatigue, so operator protection is becoming increasingly important. Effective operator protection not only leads to less physical strain, but also to increased operational readiness and productivity, while at the same time saving costs.

Crown's main task was therefore to develop a robust, fast and comfortable truck with which operators can work quickly, efficiently and extremely safely. The solidly constructed, reliable RT 4000 series provides a safe driving experience and every detail shows that the operator was the focus of the development. To ensure that operators have the optimum truck for their work, all controls and touch points have been critically examined and tested. The result is a truck with an elegant, user-oriented design that delivers high performance without compromising on safety and ergonomics.

The series comprises three different models - a driver's seat version (RT 4040) with low entry and height-adjustable floor plate, as well as the RT 4020 driver's platform model with a choice of right- or left-hand steering.

The IFOY winner: The RT 4020 with driver's platform

The Crown RT 4020 pallet truck with driver's platform and a load capacity of up to two tons is an agile, robust truck that is equipped with many safety features. With its robust design and motor manufactured by Crown itself, it offers long running times and high reliability. For individual requirements, the truck is also available with optional lithium-ion battery preparation.

The RT 4020 is available in either a right or left-hand version, depending on the operator's preference and habits. According to the manufacturer, the three-phase AC drive, electronic steering, compact design and intuitive controls make the RT 4020 the perfect truck for confined or busy areas.

Innovations in detail

Agile and safe: the Crown RT 4000 series.

Convenience and safety: The RT 4020 is the first truck of its kind to be equipped with Crown's patented entry bar with safety switch. It deactivates the drive function as soon as an operator's foot is outside the vehicle contour. The suspension of the base plate and support wheel absorbs shocks on ramps and bumpy surfaces and reduces knee and back strain. The large leaning pad provides support and ensures better visibility even when leaning back. The intuitive controls for driving, lifting and lowering functions are arranged in the respective operating direction. Papers, labels, highlighters and other work equipment are always within easy reach thanks to the work surface with rubber clamping strip. Robust steel covers with rounded edges provide protection - especially in high-traffic areas.

Maneuverability: The electronic steering and the proven regenerative and frictionless e-Gen braking system allow precise control of the truck, and with the narrow chassis width of just 780 mm and sensitive, intuitive controls, maneuvering is easy even in the tightest of spaces.

Reliability: Crown's AC motor with travel speeds up to 12.5 km/h lasts longer, generates less heat and performs efficiently. The RT 4020 features an 8 mm thick steel skirt and 6 mm thick steel side panels and has no exposed plastic parts in collision areas. The reinforced, one-piece steel fork has an adjustable lift linkage with tie rod. Empty and full pallets can be picked up across the floor boards with the standard entry and exit rollers.

Excellent

At the end of May 2016, the RT 4020 ride-on pallet truck won the coveted International Forklift Truck of the Year (IFOY) Award. During the IFOY test days, the new Crown forklift truck beat the competition in the "Warehouse Truck Lowlifter" category. The independent jury of internationally renowned trade journalists (Materialfluss and LT-manager have been on the advisory board of jury chairwoman Anita Würmser since the beginning of 2016) confirmed that the stand-on pallet truck offers a high level of customer benefit. The decisive factor in the jury's decision was its high productivity in the smallest of spaces. The compactness for performance fulfillment on the one hand and the ergonomics and in particular the safety features on the other were ideally implemented in one machine.

Contact:Crown Gabelstapler GmbH & Co KG 85622 Feldkirchen Tel.: 0 89 / 9 30 02-0 E-Mail: [email protected]