Buying File Gallery: RT Vertical-Mast Forklifts

Case's G Series forklifts have a load-control option, which the company credits with helping retain loads on rough terrain and reducing stress on the mast and rollers. For improved stability with heavy loads, the stance of the 588G is 8 inches wider than the 585G or 586G. The mast on each of the units tilts forward 45 degrees for low transport height, and tilts back 15 degrees for material retention and balance with heavy loads. Mast sideshift is a standard feature, with a total of 6 inches of range. The G Series forklifts are built with the same engine (Case's 4-390 diesel) and power train found in Case backhoe-loaders, which helps to ensure parts availability.

Number of models: 3

Capacity range: 6,000 to 8,000 lbs.

Maximum fork height: 22'

Manitou North America

Manitou redesigned the M Series to offer an array of choices that can customize a machine for individual applications. Users have the option of two- or four-wheel drive; torque converter or hydrostatic transmission; Perkins or Cat engines; and open, semi-, or fully enclosed cabs. A range of masts, which Manitou manufactures, provides heights from 6 feet 5 inches to 8 feet 4 inches. The M Series has a frame-leveling option similar to those used on telehandlers. Frame leveling allows the operator to level the truck before placing the load.

Number of models: 3

Capacity range: 6,000 to 10,000 lbs.

Maximum fork height: 22'3''

Noble

Two- and three-stage masts with dual cylinders, and dual chains eliminate center cylinder, hoses, and carriage side-chains. The RT Series comes with sideshift masts (nearly 4 inches to either side of center), and can be fit with sideshift carriages. The mast also tilts forward 45 degrees to reduce overall height and make it possible to transport the RT Series without removing the mast. The R-Series comes with sideshift carriages. It has been improved with larger, heavier-duty side thrust rollers in the mast, and the truck rides on better leaf springs. All the new R-Series machines will come with Cat diesels before the end of 2004.

Number of models: 9

Capacity range: 4,000 to 10,000 lbs.

Maximum fork height: 30' 

Ingersoll Rand

The RT-700H introduced the 80-hp Elite Series 4B3.9 Cummins diesel to Ingersoll Rand's rough-terrain forklift line. The lever on the steering column gives the operator control of direction and the IR soft-shift transmission's three speed ranges. Together with the two- and four-wheel-drive switch and the differential-lock switch, the operator has total control of traction delivery. The transmission disconnect is positioned to the left of the brake, allowing access to full engine speed for faster mast functions. Masts are built with sealed, maintenance-free roller bearings. Lockout valves on the mast tilt and mast lower functions eliminate drift when the machines are switched off.

Number of models: 4

Capacity range: 6,000 to 8,000 lbs.

Maximum fork height: 22' 

Sellick

Sellick employs Perkins naturally aspirated diesels driving through ITL transmissions on its S and SG-R Series lift trucks. The new S Series can be equipped with powershift transmissions, whose electronic control modules and speed sensors eliminate manual shifting. Operator endurance is also improved with an isolated operator's compartment. The SG-R Series now uses a complete ITL drive train¡ªa Perkins 1000 Series diesel engine coupled with a synchromesh ITL transmission and ITL axles. The Sellick line offers sideshift masts and a variety of hook, shaft, and rotating carriages, forks and attachments.

Number of models: 6

Capacity range: 5,000 to 12,000 lbs.

Maximum fork height: 30' 

AUSA

The CH Series (six machines with capacities up to 6,500 pounds) is made up of compact, hydrostatically driven units with joystick control of all functions. Standard equipment on the CH320 includes a Lateral Chassis Leveler that allows the operator to level the machine's frame for safer lifts on uneven ground. AUSA offers duplex and triplex masts on its machines down to 2,580 pounds of capacity. Most machines are powered by Isuzu diesels, with a Kubota in the CH250 and a 15-hp Hatz air-cooled diesel in the CE7.

Number of models: 9

Capacity range: 1,543 to 6,505 lbs.

Maximum fork height: 22' 2"

Taylor

The four Taylor Machine Works models are all powered by the Cummins QSB5.9-30 six-cylinder turbo diesel with a horsepower peak of 160. The heavy-lifting specialist's product range starts at higher weights than many manufacturers' largest models can lift. The standard 11-foot telescopic, nested-channel mast has two multiple-leaf lift chains. Double-acting lift cylinders are nested to the rear of the mast rails. The mast and carriage main rollers are common and use shielded roller bearings. Chain rollers ride on sealed ball bearings, and side bearings are adjustable to compensate for wear. Air brakes provide the stopping power.

Number of models: 4

Capacity range: 18,000 to 30,000 lbs.

Maximum fork height: 18' 4"

Load Lifter

Load Lifter redesigned the 2200/2400 D Series forklifts with a new cab, mast and frame. Visibility, operator comfort, and on/off access have all been improved. A powershift transmission is available in the Laborer Series and the 4400 Series. The 4400 machines are full-time, four-wheel-drive forklifts built on a single-piece mainframe riding on four equal-sized tires. They offer a choice of three steering modes¡ªtwo-wheel, four-wheel and crab steering. Capacities range from 5,000 to 30,000 pounds. A load-leveling frame is available on the 4400 Series.

Number of models: 5

Capacity range: 6,000 to 8,000 lbs.

Maximum fork height: 30'

More Than a Wheel Loader

Kawasaki's articulated, all-wheel-drive K-LIFT comes riding on 16-ply, 17.5 ¡Á 25 tires on all four wheels. Kawasaki offers Sellick's three-stage or two-stage masts and carriage widths of 84 or 72 inches with either an ITA Class IV Hook carriage or a shaft-mounted carriage. Carriages can also be equipped with quick-coupler packages. Special counterweights are provided for the 60 K-Lift and 50 K-Lift to maintain stability.

Number of models: 2

Capacity range: 12,000 lbs.

Maximum fork height: 14'

Xtreme Manufacturing

The two-wheel-drive XT60B displays the smallest turning radius in the industry, at 111 inches. All of the Xtreme rough-terrain forklifts (manufactured by a subsidiary of Ahern Rentals) are two-wheel-drive machines. They feature 84-hp Perkins 1004 Series diesels, and the 6,000-pound unit offers a choice of Cummins diesel or GM gas engines. The mast tilts forward 41 degrees for low transport and access heights. The standard three-stage mast on the XT60B lifts loads to 21 feet, and offers free lift of 7 feet.

Number of models: 4

Capacity range: 6,000 to 12,000 lbs.

Maximum fork height: 30'

Omega Lift

All-Wheel Steer Delivers Agile Power

Number of models: 10

Capacity range: 6,000 to 20,000 lbs.

Maximum fork height: 36' 

Liftking

Turns Tighter Circles

The M Series is the most recent addition to the Liftking rough-terrain forklift line, with a steering-axle redesign that offers greater turning angles and better maneuverability. Two-wheel-drive machines have a 65-degree steering angle with no camber, and the machines cut a 17-foot turning circle. Four-wheel-drive models deliver the same turning circle with a 30-degree steering angle. New quick-release attachments include a snow blade, gravel bucket, and man safety cage. Service points have been gathered at one location. The machines can be towed at highway speeds with an optional tow kit. Liftking's P Series is made up of four-wheel-drive machines with four equal-sized tires that offer four-wheel steering.

Number of models: 15

Capacity range: 6,000 to 43,000 lbs.

Maximum fork height: 30'

Harlo

The HP5000 comes with a choice of Deere or Cummins power, continuing Harlo's tradition of offering engine choices. The Cummins and Deere engines in the line are rated at 80 horsepower, and the Cat option in the HP6500 and HP8500 makes 86 horses. All three models are available with either two-wheel or four-wheel drive. Harlo also now offers an enclosed cab on the 6,500- and 8,500-pound models. All the machines offer sideshift masts. They also feature an electrically applied parking brake that comes on automatically when the engine is shut down, but must be manually released after start-up.

Number of models: 3

Capacity range: 5,000 to 8,500 lbs.

Maximum fork height: 28'

Buying File Feature: Vertical-Mast Forklifts Work Hard for the Rough-Terrain Market