Genie has unveiled a new 15,000lbs/6.8 tonne Heavy Duty telehandler -the GTH-1544 the first high capacity model in its product line.

The GTH-1544, which was designed in Italy, is based on a military telehandler that it introduced in 2007. Production will begin in the second quarter of the year and will initially be available for North and South America.

The new Genie GTH-1544

Weighing 15.2 tonnes the machine has a maximum lift height of 44ft/13.4 metres and maximum reach of just over 27ft/8.3 metres. Lift capacity at maximum height is 10,000lbs/4.5 tonnes and capacity at maximum reach is 3,500 lbs/1.5 tonnes. It has a 4.45 metre outside turning radius and does not require outriggers.

The new telehandler features environmentally-friendly Deutz or Perkins Tier 4i diesel engines, mated to a two speed hydrostatic transmission, with shift-on-the-go capabilities giving a maximum travel speed of 18 mph

Its newly-designed cab provides several new features including a rear view video camera with a monitor, along with greater comfort for the operator.

Scott Krieger, senior product manager, booms and telehandlers, said: “We are very excited to expand our commitment to the Genie telehandler line of products. We have seen a trend toward larger telehandlers, not only in larger construction sites, but also the burgeoning oil and gas industries, in mines and in ports. This product will offer a new standard for the industry by offering exceptional quality and sought-after features.”