Lifting & Material Handling News

Electric-powered construction equipment can be found on work sites all over the world, so why haven’t heavy electric-powered commercial trucks taken off yet? Let’s explore what’s the hold up on EV rigs vs. EV equipment. 

In an industry where versatility and power frequently need to intersect, John Deere recently unveiled the latest addition to their Performance Tiering strategy: the shift from L-Series to P-Tier for their 244, 324, and 344 Compact Wheel Loader models.

Manitou North America, a leading equipment manufacturer, is set to take center stage at the upcoming Celebration of Construction on the National Mall festival in Washington, D.C. From May 14-16, 2023.

“Hitachi Construction Machinery Americas is always exploring new ways to increase safety on the job site. The latest innovation is an optional rear obstacle detection system. It provides visual and audible alarms based on the distance to the object."

Built on Pettibone's next-gen X-Series platform, the 1544X offers a maximum lift height of 44 feet, a maximum forward reach of 29 feet, and a maximum load capacity of 15,000 pounds. Formed boom plates provide the boom structure with greater strength while reducing weight, and minimizing boom deflection for better control and accuracy when placing loads.

Pettibone has added a new telehandler to its X-Series lineup, the Extendo 1544X, which offers a maximum lift capacity of 15,000 pounds

The Battle Ax became a staple in the vegetation management industry for its unique rotor design, featuring built-in depth gauges functioning much like raker teeth on chain saws—preventing the attachment from material overwhelm.

WALTCO, part of Hiab, is launching two new heavy-duty liftgates with a lifting capacity of 3,300 and 4,400 lbs. The two models, WALTCO HDC 33/44 and WALTCO ZS 33/44 MK2, are high-quality liftgates designed to maximize uptime and ease of operation, while keeping both the operator and the working environment safe.

Hiab, part of Cargotec, recently introduced the MOFFETT E5 NX as the third model in the eSeries of all-electric truck mounted forklifts. The MOFFETT E5 NX is the specialist for medium to heavy-duty tasks lifting up to 2,500 kg and it has been nominated for an IFOY AWARD in the category Special Vehicle / Warehouse Truck. It is the world's first electric truck mounted forklift with a moving mast.

Built to enhance the bottom line, the new FH100-160-1 series of forklifts from Komatsu integrate components and technology proven over many years in their wheel loaders, bulldozers and excavators, and that dependable toughness makes them ideal for high cycle/heavy load applications. The hydrostatic drive system allows FH100-160 forklifts to shuttle continuously with virtually no wear on drive and brake components, meaning more uptime and reduced maintenance costs. That means better performance than traditional torque converter systems, even in the most demanding conditions.

Pettibone is introducing X-Command, a new telematics program available for the company’s X-Series telehandlers, Cary-Lift pipe and pole handlers, and Speed Swing rail maintenance machines. The system offers real-time access to machine data, thereby saving time, money and hassle for equipment owners, fleet managers, rental centers and maintenance technicians.

Pettibone has introduced the Traverse T1056X telehandler, the first 10,000-pound-capacity Traverse model it its X-Series lineup. Traverse is the industry’s only new telehandler product line with a traversing boom carriage with the capability to move loads by traveling horizontally. This exclusive feature allows operators to safely place loads at full lift height without needing to coordinate multiple boom functions.

The new MK 73-3.1 mobile construction crane is the smallest in Liebherr’s mobile construction crane family and complements the crane series comprising the MK 88-4.1 and MK 140. The compact 3-axle crane is the answer to market demands for a small, compact and agile mobile construction crane that is fast and flexible in operation.

Hiab has released the MOFFETT E4 NX, its next generation eSeries of electric forklifts and the world’s first all electric 3-wheel drive truck mounted forklift.

Inside the chassis of a MOFFETT M4, Hiab has constructed a zero-emission truck mounted forklift powered by lithium ion batteries with new controllers and the new HMI (Human Machine Interface) that displays battery capacity, machine performance and service information. The MOFFETT can be charged from a regular household socket or a 30 amp socket for faster charging, as well as from the truck in between deliveries.

Manitou announced Dual Fuel as an option on the MI 25 G and the MI 30 G Industrial forklifts in North America. This option allows customers to power their industrial forklift with LPG or gasoline with a simple dashboard mounted switch. The dual fuel option on these 5,000 – 6,000 lb. units allow your customers more versatility by being able to choose what energy source is best for their indoor or outdoor applications.

Manitou is adding the new VJR 26 vertical mast platform to its elevated work platform product line up for the North America market. Compact and maneuverable, this model consists of a vertical telescopic mast, electric travel motor and a perforated steel basket meeting all your industrial requirements. With a 350-degree turret rotation, it offers operator’s greater flexibility and access with minimal repositioning. The compactness of the VJR 26 work platform allows operators to pass through most industrial doors accessing work heights up to 32' with an impressive reach of 10'4".

Building on the success of prior Bobcat telescopic tool carriers, has recently expanded its line with the new V923 VersaHANDLER telescopic tool carrier. The new V923 expands the Bobcat family of VersaHANDLER telescopic tool carriers, also known as telehandlers, making it ideal for operators who need increased lift height, reach and capacity. Featuring a 130-horsepower turbocharged Bobcat engine and heavy-duty drive train, the V923 offers an increased rated operating capacity of 9,000 pounds for more productivity with every lift cycle and unbeatable pushing strength. In addition, the new V923 gives operators the versatility they need in numerous applications with a travel speed of up to 24.5 mph. A Z-Bar boom linkage delivers greater range of bucket rotation, an increased dump angle at full height and increased breakout force to lift material out of a pile and dump it easily. Plus, the new V923 features the power quick-tach attachment mounting system to increase utilization.

Designed for maximum convenience and versatility, the new LiftMaster 4000 lift table from LiftWise has a fully lowered height of only 8.5 inches. It can be used to lift and lower a wide variety of parts into the ideal position for maintenance, service and other needs. Featuring a low profile and compact design, the LiftMaster 4000 is a valuable addition to any heavy equipment shop, repair facility or other service operation.

Pettibone introduced the Extendo 1056X telehandler to its X-Series lineup, providing a 10,000-pound-capacity machine capable of reaching lift heights of 56 feet. The new Extendo builds upon Pettibone’s tradition of rugged design while offering numerous performance improvements for contractors and rental users working in masonry, construction and other material handling applications.

Liebherr will be unveiling its new LTM 1120-4.1 at the CONEXPO in Las Vegas using the slogan “There’s nothing more on 4!” It is the most powerful 4-axle all-terrain crane ever built. The new 135 US ton (120 t) machine breaks into a performance class which has previously been the sole preserve of 5-axle cranes. As far as boom length is concerned, it is on a par with 240 US-ton (200 t) class cranes as its 217 ft (66 m) telescopic boom is the longest ever to be installed on a 4-axle mobile crane. Liebherr will start deliveries of the new LTM 1120-4.1 in autumn 2020.