Terex Aerial Work Platforms (AWP), Redmond, Wash., reports that the all-new version of its 8,000-pound capacity Genie GTH-844 telehandler is performing exceptionally well in prototype tests throughout North America, and that the model is on schedule to begin production at the end of October.
Terex AWP unveiled the prototype of the new Genie GTH-844 at ARA’s The Rental Show in New Orleans in February, where Terex announced that the new machine would begin production in the fourth quarter of this year.
Although the new model bears the same name as the existing Genie GTH-844 telehandler, the name is where the similarities end. The new edition is a clean-sheet redesign.
“This is a new machine from stem to stern,” said Scott Krieger, Terex AWP senior product manager, aerial booms and telehandlers. “It’s a totally new design driven by customer input.”
One easy-to-spot design improvement in the new edition is relocation of the diesel from center-rear to low-right-side mounting. The new location improves both operator visibility and accessibility for engine servicing. In addition, the new engine is a clean-running Tier 4 Interim diesel.
Among the other improvements sported by the new Genie GTH-844: a new ergonomic operator’s station that sits on vibration-damping rubber mounts; a stouter boom; a narrower overall width of just 96 inches; more-efficient hydraulics, and new axles that improve steering geometry.
The new machine lifts a maximum of 8,000 pounds, and can handle 6,000 pounds at its 44-ft maximum lifting height. It can lift 2,000 pounds at its 28-ft maximum forward reach. The unit weighs in at 25,000 pounds and can be transported without an over-width permit.
Prototypes of the new Genie GTH-844 telehandler are passing in-plant and field testing with flying colors, according to Terex AWP.
Extensive tests to gauge the new model’s performance, reliability, and durability in a wide range of conditions began before the prototype was previewed at ARA, and have continued ever since. They are due to be completed in September.
The tests include in-plant and on-site component analysis and operational performance tests in both hot and cold weather on a wide range of jobsite applications. Terex AWP has even built its own cold-test room at its Redmond plant, and the new Genie GTH 844 was the first model it was used on.
Range of jobsites includes some rugged duty in tar sands use in Canada, oilfield work in the southern United States, and use in housing construction, commercial building construction, shipyard work, and general construction applications across the country.
Throughout testing, Terex AWP has gathered feedback and suggestions from users and is using it to make improvements that will show up in the final production version, which is scheduled to start moving down the production line on October 29.
“Prototypes have performed very well and potential customers who have used them on their projects, have been quite happy with them. There have been no issues. We are very happy with their performance,” said Scott E. Krieger. “They are doing everything we could ask for.”
When the new Genie GTH-844 begins to roll off the production line, Krieger expects it to be well accepted by customers, thanks to its features and to an improving market in 2013.
“There’s a lot of pent-up demand that we expect to help bolster telehandler sales in 2013,” said Krieger. “So the overall market should be better, and this new 8,000-pound telehandler has the features and performance that potential customers are telling us they want.”
Terex AWP will display a GTH-844 as part of its exhibit at the Lift and Access Showcase and Symposium at Ritchie Bros. auction site in Orlando, Fla., October 24-25.
Lift & Access is part of the Catalyst Communications Network publication family.
