Formerly an Ingersoll Rand product, the VR Series telehandlers, including the VR-642, VR-843, VR-1044, and VR-1056, were purchased by Volvo in 2007 before being acquired by Skyjack last year. The VR Series is now being manufactured at Skyjack’s new Guelph, Ontario, facility.
The Skyjack VR-642D’s design is virtually the same as when it was under Ingersoll Rand’s ownership; the only changes to date have been updates to the exterior paint color.
Philosophies are similar between the Skyjack’s VR and Zoom Boom product lines, says Dave Bristow, vice president of telehandler sales for Skyjack. The VR-642D features heavy-duty frame and boom designs, which have been trademarks of the VR Series for years.
Visibility from the cab is exceptional, thanks to the placement and design of the A-frame boom supports. Lift cylinders are a heavy-duty design and are mounted as close to the center of the boom as possible. The internally mounted boom extension cylinder also helps to open up visibility to the right side of the machine. Additionally, there is 16-inch ground clearance.
Axles, transmissions, and engines are common throughout the Skyjack VR Series. Powering the VR-642D is a Tier 3-compliant 110-hp Cummins QSB3.3 turbo diesel engine. Dana supplies the three-speed T12000 powershift transmission and 212 Series front and rear axles. Frame leveling is 12° left and right of center. The machine is not required to have rear axle stabilization, so it has an open-pivot oscillating axle that is designed to float throughout the entire lift.
The 35-gallon diesel fuel tank and a 40-gallon hydraulic fuel tank are located together on the side of the unit and are set back way inside the overall width of the drive and steer tires. The diesel fill cap is green and should help prevent cross contamination with the adjacent oil tank. The mid-mounted engine has a fiberglass cover that slides open to access oil filters, and radiator. The engine can be accessed even when with the boom is down.
Skyjack offers a fully enclosed cab as an option, which Bristow notes is fairly easily installed in the field. Glass windows on the side and rear of the standard cab prevent mud or debris intrusion. A rear windshield wiper is standard on the open cab design. A fully proportional single joystick control handles all boom functions. The three-speed transmission shift is located on the steering column. The cab also features a standard 3-inch seat belt. A suspension seat is optional.
Standard tires are 13x24 pneumatic tires, and a variety of other tires such as rock lug and low profile are offered as options as is foam filled. Bristow says Skyjack will be reviewing other tire options down the road. A top-mounted tilt cylinder is located at the front of the carriage for protection against damage. The machine features a standard carriage quick-disconnect arrangement. Auxiliary hydraulics is also available as an option, as are various carriages, truss booms, and buckets. The unit is not approved for work platform usage.
--Lift & Access
