[Johannesburg, 18 September 2023]: Supplied locally by Goscor Lift Trucks (GLT), the new Crown SP 1500 Series high-level order picker range has won the 2023 International Intralogistics and Forklift Truck of the Year (IFOY) Award in the “Warehouse Truck Highlifter”.

“As the local supplier, we are thrilled that this product has clinched this prestigious global accolade for outstanding performance, which acknowledges the annual best intralogistics products and system solutions,” says Patrick Barber, Director: Business Development at GLT. “The award is testimony to the innovation that went into the development of this product and its value proposition to our local customers.”

Crown SP 1500 Series order pickers impress with an innovative and ergonomic operator area boasting unprecedented all-round visibility and numerous customisable operating elements that make order picking easier and safer. Industry-leading lift truck performance combined with travel speeds of up to 12 km/h set this forklift apart from the competition.

Operators benefit from exceptional, virtually unrestricted all-round visibility – in the driving direction as well as up and down. In addition to the auxiliary mast windows, floorboard openings and panoramic overhead guard, the central window positioned between the controls is a unique feature in the industry, offering an unobstructed view in the direction of the drive unit when the platform is raised.

“Furthermore, the SP Series offers superb lifting and travel speeds. Even with a 24-volt battery, these order pickers are capable of travelling at a remarkable speed of 12 km/h,” says Barber. “Lifting speeds are also impressive. With the optional High Speed Lift function on the 48-volt model, the maximum lifting speed is an unrivalled 0,71 m/s. These lift trucks also boast regenerative lowering as standard, meaning that energy is fed back to the battery as the mast is lowered, increasing the operating time of the lift truck and sustainably reducing energy consumption.”

In awarding this accolade, the jury noted that the SP 1500 Series order picker sets new standards for efficient order picking. Speaking on this achievement, Anita Würmser, executive chair of the jury, said the SP 1500 Series scores points for performance, efficiency and ergonomics – key parameters of significance for fleet owners the world over.

The panel of internationally renowned trade journalists attested to the lift truck’s countless innovations in terms of productivity, ease of use and connectivity, as well as the high value it offers customers. The IFOY Innovation Check emphasises the “unique ergonomics with very many configuration options developed from studies directly at customers’ premises”. It also highlights “the use in different aisle widths, a unique individually adjustable operation as well as the excellent field of vision”.

Ken Dufford, vice president Europe at Crown, is thrilled about the fifth IFOY Award for Crown: “This award not only recognises our accomplishments, but serves as an incentive to continue innovating. At Crown we work tirelessly to make true high performance a reality for our customers. We are proud to successfully set milestones as we continue to seek the highest level of work efficiency possible. We are guided by high quality standards with a primary focus on productivity, ergonomics and safety.”

With a reach height of up to 11,2 m and load capacities of up to 1,25 t, the SP Series order pickers are robust, intelligently connected and designed for a wide range of order picking applications. Ease of use and performance allow operators to reach new heights, both literally and figuratively.

The SP 1500 Series is available in southern Africa from GLT, the exclusive Crown distributor in the region.