Mustang offers remote control

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24 April 2008

Remote-control operation is now being offered by Mustang Manufacturing in the US on its 742, 944 and 1155 telehandlers. The system will be particularly useful when used with an attached aerial platform because it will eliminate the need for an operator in the cab during aerial work.

'You can control boom extensions, retractions, and also raise and lower the boom”, says John Koepf, Mustang's product manager, 'And you can turn the engine on and off, so [the operator in the basket can] talk to people on the ground.” The system, which can be retrofitted to models going back three or four years, will also be suitable for use from the ground when an access platform is not attached, providing the operator with a better view of load placement.

He says the device's real benefit is that you don't constantly need an operator sitting in the cab; 'A lot of people realise the productivity benefits, that's the real driver here.”

Mr Koepf says the customers most interested in the product are small- to mid-sized, independent rental companies which may not already have aerial platforms in their fleets.

Mustang is meanwhile looking to extend its telehandler range in smaller and larger sizes. The company's core handler products are in the 6000 to 10000 lb (2725 - 4540 kg) capacity range, but Mr Koepf says the company will develop additional models with smaller and larger capacities. He says there is no clear timetable for the introductions.

Mr Koepf reports that the small telehandler market in particular is growing in the US - at rates of 25% per year - with customers looking for handlers to augment the use of large skid steers in landscaping and agricultural applications.

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