Following on the heels of the success of the Crown ESR 4500 reach truck, which gained popularity with warehouse managers impressed with its enhanced productivity and energy efficiency, Crown is now offering what it describes as new levels of performance and improved features in the latest ESR 5000 Series, while the S-Class model is marketed as a quantum leap forward in ergonomic innovation.

Introducing the new product, Crown said it looked at warehouse workers’ need for lift trucks that can move more pallets in less time – safely, efficiently, ergonomically.
“To make that happen, every detail needs to be custom-designed. Crown’s unique philosophy of designing and manufacturing up to 85 per cent of the components used in Crown lift trucks means the ESR 5000 can be tailored for improved performance, greater efficiency and reduced downtime.”
“Working in greater comfort – with intuitive controls, better visibility and greater stability – operators are naturally more productive. But each individual is different, which is why the ESR 5000 is so flexible.”
Emphasising the ESR 5000’s features, Crown said operators could choose the right set of hydraulic controls for their application from a selection of multitask, fingertip-operated or dual-lever options.

Great convenience
“Each driver can choose whether the electronic steering rotates 180° or 360°, benefiting to the full from the infinitely adjustable steering column. Climbing in and out is easy, thanks to a low step, long grab-handles and non-abrasive rounded surfaces. There’s also plenty of room for long legs and tall bodies.
“Operators spend a lot of time sitting down, so seating is key. The ESR 5000 is fitted with a super-ergonomic suspension seat with built-in controls. Matched by an easy-reach desktop with integrated clipboard and lots of convenient storage areas, plus a Work Assist tubular mount for data terminals and scanners.
“Finally, operators need a broad, unimpeded field of vision at all times. All ESR 5000 models are fitted with Crown’s unique offset mast and patented overhead guard, giving operators an exceptional view of the vehicle and surrounding area.”
To keep reach trucks up and running for optimum productivity, Crown developed Access 1 2 3 technology that monitors and adjusts key vehicle systems and vastly simplifies troubleshooting. The easy-to-use InfoPoint maintenance system means that service engineers don’t spend hours fiddling with laptops or handsets – faults are pinpointed instantly and components can be tested right then and there.
Crown designs and manufactures up to 85 per cent of the components used in Crown lift trucks, including traction and hydraulic pump motors. “Each component is optimised to suit the characteristics of each truck. The result is enhanced performance, greater energy efficiency and minimised maintenance along with excellent acceleration, outstanding responsiveness and high-speed lifting and lowering of loads. Naturally the entire model range is fitted with energy-saving regenerative braking.” said Crown.

The S-Class
The ESR 5000 S-Class is projected as a top-of-the-range option for warehouse managers. The operator compartment is an optimised environment that positions operators so they have more precise control, a better view of the load and their surroundings, and easier access to the tools they need for any task. All these improvements are based on exhaustive analysis of the ways an operator’s body moves in all kinds of situations, Crown said.
The larger cabin, coupled with the new rotating MoveSeat (complete with headrest), enhances the field of vision and reduces flexing and rotation of neck and trunk. Controls are integrated into the armrests, which move with the seat. The Crown-designed FlexBack system with quick-adjust lumbar support allows operators to recline easily, so that they can view elevated loads without craning their necks. The result of the refinement, the company says, makes operators stay alert far longer, and work faster.

Fitted with options
All ESR 5000 models can be fitted with options to meet specific application needs: rack height selection, load recognition system, tilt position assistance and mast- or fork-mounted camera systems. Useful extras such as drink holders, a trash bin, reading lights, or scan gun holders are also available. They all sum up to a simple advantage: making the most of operator time. Adding more value and lowering the total cost of ownership for warehouse managers.
Crown, a family-owned firm, is one of the largest lift truck manufacturers in the world with over 8,300 employees, head offices in the USA, Australia and Germany, manufacturing facilities in Europe, China and North America, and a global distribution and servicing network. Its lift trucks have earned an exceptional reputation for ergonomic product design, robust engineering and high-uptime reliability. Crown Gabelstapler GmbH & Co KG, based in Munich, Germany, is responsible for managing Crown’s European HQ and EMEA operations.