OREANDA-NEWS. April 20, 2016. Crown Equipment Corporation, one of the world’s largest material handling companies, today introduced the Crown WAV 60 Series designed with features to help achieve a greater level of safety, efficiency and flexibility for applications where ladders are typically used to access high places, such as those found in retail and manufacturing settings.

Better known as the Wave®, the Crown Work Assist® vehicle is ideal for workers receiving, shipping and stocking/shelving small loads and/or products in busy, confined spaces, as well as order picking and order fulfillment. It can travel and lift simultaneously so operators can move efficiently around a facility while raising and lowering to the appropriate heights in one smooth, seamless operation. The Wave’s AC drive motors and controls increase travel speeds to 5 mph and provide more responsive acceleration and maneuverability. The on-board operating system enables optimum performance and control through intelligent coordination of operator prompts, lift/lower operations, steering and braking, performance levels and other vehicle systems.

“Our employees use the Wave constantly and they are seeing a noticeable improvement in efficiency and safety,” said Rob Kuenning, co-owner, True Value Western Ohio Hardware. “There have not been any injuries from transporting and retrieving items at height since the Wave has been installed. There’s nothing we cannot do with the Wave in our facility. I can’t imagine doing business without it.”

The Crown WAV 60 Series, which can be easily charged via a standard 110V power outlet, offers a number of safety features designed to help ensure operator safety while boosting ease of work and productivity.

  • Hand sensors to ensure operators have both hands inside the vehicle and on the controls during operation. Travel and lift/lower functions stop if either hand is removed from the controls.
  • Interlocking gates that must be closed to raise or lower the platform when the platform is at a height above 20 inches. Travel speed is reduced when the gates are not closed.
  • Safety sensors below the platform that disable raise, lower and travel functions if someone or something is obstructing the motor cover.
  • Dual foot pedals with built-in sensors to ensure operators have both feet properly positioned on the platform. If either foot is removed, travel and lift/lower functions are automatically stopped.

Leah Knapke, associate marketing product manager, Crown Equipment, said, “Carrying items up and down a ladder can be a dangerous task. The U.S. Department of Labor recently reported that in one year nearly 20,000 people missed work for an average of 15 days because of falls from ladders. Crown’s Wave helps to reduce the risk of injury and accidents associated with activities such as lifting, climbing and carrying. It enables operators to handle their everyday tasks with confidence.”

The Wave load tray supports up to 200 pounds, while the load deck holds up to 250 pounds. An optional, powered-load tray features infinitely variable positions that allow operators to easily make height adjustments for flexibility with any load. The Wave can also be used with a range of Work Assist® accessories, such as such as clip pads, mast storage pockets and accessory mounts.

About Crown Equipment Corporation

Crown is one of the world’s largest material handling companies with a reputation for award-winning product design, advanced engineering and technology, and superior after-sale service. Crown’s business philosophy utilizes vertically integrated processes to design, manufacture and distribute forward-thinking, innovative solutions that improve customers’ productivity and operating efficiency. Crown produces a broad range of forklifts as well as automation and fleet management technologies.

The company’s global headquarters is located in New Bremen, Ohio, USA, with regional headquarters in Australia, China, Germany and Singapore. Its employees number more than 12,000 worldwide. Crown operates a service and distribution network that exceeds 500 retail locations in over 80 countries. To learn more about Crown’s ideas for helping customers advance the productivity of their operations, visit crown.com.