Genie has broadened its family of telehandlers with a new GTH-1544 prototype, a 15,000-pound telehandler the company showed at The Rental Show in Las Vegas last week. The machine, which evolved from a prototype Genie made originally for a military application, brings the company into a larger class of telehandlers to complement its existing 5,500-, 8,000- and 10,000-pound machines.
“We have seen a trend toward larger telehandlers, not only in large construction sites, but also the burgeoning oil and gas industries, in mines and ports,” said Scott Krieger, senior product manager, aerial booms and telehandlers. “This product will offer a new standard for the industry.”
The unit features excellent operator visibility in a newly designed cab that has air-suspension seats, defroster, wipers, split door, washer, radio and air-conditioning, an adjustable steering wheel and a rear-viewing video camera with a monitor inside the cab.
The side-mounted engine compartment is designed for maximum accessibility with easy access to filters, belts, hoses, battery and other parts and components. If major engine work is required, it can be removed from the machine in less than two hours. Hydraulic circuit test ports are positioned in a single location inside the engine compartment with clear identification and cross reference with hydraulic schematics. The machine is offered with a Perkins (147 hp) or Deutz (154 hp) Tier 4 interim engine.
“We’re moving into a new size class Genie has never been in before,” Krieger told RER. “And so we’re able to add additional value to the customers we have and at the same time we are able to grow our business, grow our footprint.”
The outside turning radius is 14 feet, 7 inches. The unit requires no outriggers for operation in accordance with its original military specifications. Optional attachments are available, including quick-attach carriages, several sizes of forks, a rubbish bucket, a 14-foot truss boom and a 7-foot truss boom.
Production will begin on the GTH-1544 in the second quarter with availability in ANSI and CSA markets.
