Crown WAV 60

As the announcement of the 2017 International Forklift of the Year draws near, we continue our reporting on the judging process, where Forkliftaction News was on the selection panel. This week, we share the judges' findings on the Crown WAV 60.

Every year, around 145,000 accidents are reported due to the use of ladders in Europe alone. In addition, ladders are sometimes difficult to manoeuvre in a logistics environment - and also offer little in the way of productivity.

Crown launched the Wave 50 back in 1997 as an alternative to unsafe ladders. What was then a noteworthy newcomer was updated last year and is this year competing for an IFOY Award.

The new Wave, officially called the WAV 60, was overhauled in multiple areas and equipped with AC technology. Among other things, this maintenance-free technology permits higher speeds where this is appropriate. The top speed was increased by 33% from 6 km/h to 8 km/h. Like its predecessor, the machine can simultaneously move and lift, and this ensures efficient and productive deployment.

Another new feature is the Access123 system, also used in other Crown trucks. Alongside a range of information for the user, the system also offers additional safety features, such as activation of the alarm.

Like the AC drive motor, the batteries are maintenance-free. In addition, Crown uses a lot more steel in the new Wave, and this prolongs the machine's service life.

The IFOY Test vehicle was also equipped with the new, optional electric load tray lift. The load tray has a maximum load capacity of 90 kg and is available with a range of additional inlays which offer adequate options for the order picking of smaller objects. The Crown WAV 60 can carry and transport an additional 130 kg on the bottom load platform.

The eGen braking system is also new. This regenerative braking system ensures practically wear-free braking (with the exception of the parking and emergency brake).

The test vehicle was equipped with an (optional) integrated charger and the Work Assist package, which includes additional storage compartments and LED lights.


IFOY Test verdict:
The Crown WAV 60 is an extremely practical alternative to mobile ladders. Operation of the machine and the high-level safety features takes some getting used to but after some practice, working with the wave is extremely pleasant. The machine is quiet, runs smoothly and represents a safe option for shelf filling or other work activities at heights of almost five metres.