As businesses seek to increase productivity and profitability in their warehouses, Crown Equipment Corporation has enhanced its multipurpose workhorse forklift to help its customers meet these goals. The three new features Crown added to its Crown SC 5200 Series of sit-down counterbalanced forklifts are faster travel speeds for the 48-volt AC systems option that allow operators to increase productivity, optional fingertip and joystick hydraulic control options that optimize operator comfort and performance, and an optional two-stage lift mast that delivers flexibility in multiple demanding applications. “Our Crown SC 5200s are quite possibly the hardest working forklifts in our fleet,” said Rich Grau, vice president, Zenith Logistics. “Our operators appreciate the performance and comfort levels of the forklift. They often cite the flexibility the trucks provide when working in tight work spaces and the easy-to-reach controls, such as the new hydraulic control option, as reasons the forklifts are ideal for demanding applications.” The Crown SC 5200 was introduced in 2011 as the shortest 3,000 lb. capacity truck in the industry, which enabled operators to gain flexibility maneuvering within tight work spaces such as 10-foot aisles. The three-wheel design of the SC 5200 Series makes it an ideal forklift for dock, transportation or racking applications. Forklifts in the series support load capacities ranging from 3,000 to 4,000 pounds depending on the model. 

Customers can choose between Crown’s 36V or 48V AC systems depending on application needs. These systems include Crown’s integrated AC traction and hydraulic systems that increase productivity with an efficient use of power. The forklift features on-demand steering that lowers noise levels, a single hydraulic motor designed for improved efficiency, and faster lift speeds that can help maximize productivity. “Whether you’re in manufacturing, wholesale, retail, transportation or another sector, the Crown SC 5200 provides a higher level of power, maneuverability, comfort and dependability, while delivering a low total cost of ownership,” said Matt Savoie, marketing product manager, Crown Equipment. “When it comes to moving in and out of trailers, performing dock and ramp work, and handling loads from staging and transporting to put-away, this forklift enables operators to do more in less time.” Crown Access 1 2 3^® Comprehensive System Control provides on-board intelligence that monitors and controls all systems of the Crown SC 5200 to ensure superior performance and reliability. The Intrinsic Stability System^® uses Crown Access 1 2 3 to proactively support safety and efficiency by monitoring performance based on the operating environment, such as the lift truck’s direction, speed, wheel angle and fork position. For example, the forklift automatically limits travel speeds based on load weight, lift height and steer angle. The Crown SC 5200 offers several ergonomic features, including optional fingertip and joystick controls that help minimize operator arm movement and stress, and Crown’s patented FlexSeat^™ that delivers superior comfort through an exclusive suspension, responsive back flex and wider seat cushion. Operator visibility also is enhanced through design considerations such as operator-forward seating and superior mast configuration.