Crown has introduced ProximityAssist, using LiDAR sensors to detect obstacles and automatically reduce truck speed
Crown says its latest ESR Series reach trucks have been designed to help warehouses move goods faster, more safely and with greater precision in demanding storage environments.
The company said the trucks combine a robust mast design with advanced technology to improve productivity, reduce energy use and support operators working in high-bay warehouse and distribution settings.
At the centre of the ESR Series is a stable mast made from high-strength steel.
Crown said the design helps minimise deflection, allowing operators to place loads quickly and accurately at lift heights of up to 14.2 metres.
The company said this can improve reliability when storing goods in tightly packed high-bay racking systems.
Compared with previous models, the ESR Series offers up to 36% greater mast stability, along with residual capacities of up to 1,200kg at lift heights of up to 12 metres.
Modern camera technology is also available to help operators work more smoothly and precisely at height.
Crown said experienced operators can use the ESR Series to increase throughput in busy warehouse operations.
One of the main performance features is the optional Xpress Lower function, which doubles mast lowering speed.
According to Crown, the system can deliver productivity gains of up to 21% without using additional energy.
Instead, energy released during lowering is fed back into the battery.
The company said this can help improve throughput while extending operating time.
When combined with Crown’s regenerative braking system, energy consumption can be reduced by up to 11%.
Crown pointed to Decostar, a Dutch home décor wholesaler, as an example of how faster lifting and lowering can affect day-to-day warehouse operations.
Supply chain manager Bastiaan Vosselman said: “What really stands out is how fast the pallets can be lifted and lowered.
“It saves a lot of time because the trucks spend much less time in front of the racks.
“Our highest racks are over 11 metres tall, and the faster handling adds up to significant time savings quickly.”
Crown said Decostar increased pallet handling productivity by 18% after implementing Xpress Lower.
The company said each reach truck previously moved around 185 pallets per shift, with throughput rising to 219 pallets after the change.
Crown said this delivered five-figure cost savings in the first year.
The ESR Series also includes a range of assist systems designed to support safety and efficiency.
These include Auto Height Select and residual load capacity monitoring.
Crown has also introduced ProximityAssist, which uses LiDAR sensors and vehicle software to detect obstacles in the truck’s path and automatically reduce speed.
The company said the system encourages defensive driving and helps reduce the risk of collisions.
Operator comfort has also been built into the truck design.
The seat, controls, armrest and display can all be adjusted to suit individual operators, helping reduce physical strain during long shifts.
Crown said this can also improve precision during demanding high-level operations.
Visibility is supported by an offset clear-view mast and an optional panoramic overhead guard, which help operators see the forks, load and overhead area more clearly.
The trucks can also be linked to Crown’s InfoLink fleet management system through the Gena operating system.
Crown said the system gives warehouse managers clearer information on fleet performance and helps operators through personalised displays and dynamic coaching.
The company said Gena can support proper equipment use, safety compliance and future software updates through wireless technology.
Crown added that the operating system can help lift trucks act as a central hub for operational data, supporting the development of more intelligent material handling solutions.
Energy management is another focus of the ESR Series.
Crown’s V-Force energy solutions are designed to help lead-acid and lithium-ion batteries work effectively with compatible chargers.
The company said this can improve truck performance, reduce maintenance requirements, support safer charging and lower operating and energy costs.
Crown said analysing performance data can also help businesses choose the most suitable battery and charger combination for each application.
The company said the ESR Series shows how durable, ergonomic and technology-led lift trucks can support high-performance material handling now and in the future.