The SP 1500 is Crown’s latest high-lift order picker. It offers a load capacity of up to 1,250 kilograms, driving speeds of up to 12 km/h and a maximum lift speed of 0.71 m/s at lift heights of up to 11.2 meters. To meet market demands, Crown redesigned the entire platform ̶ based on feedback from 250 customer surveys worldwide. The result is greater comfort, better handling, and more customization options for users. The only element in the cab that has not changed is the Gena system, although the display now runs a new generation of software.

Thanks to the Work Assist Rail, numerous customized solutions allow the operator to set up the workstation entirely as desired. In the current configuration, however, this is only possible with tools. The safety doors that provide access to the booth have been renewed and are now easier to operate. The cab itself is 150 millimeters higher so that even tall operators do not feel trapped as quickly or hindered by peripheral equipment attached to the Work Assist.

For the first time in high lift trucks, Crown offers the option of a dual configuration that allows the operator to control the truck from either side of the cab. The controls feature active sensing: When the right-hand control unit is gripped, the left-hand unit will be automatically activated. Thanks to the clever positioning of the controls, all hydraulic functions can be operated in a single movement. The steering wheel is tiltable and can be adjusted and operated in both horizontal (European) and vertical position (standard in the USA). The two control units on the mast side are also height-adjustable. Also new are the bright LED lights on the sides of the cabin contours. These illuminate the picking positions in the often dark aisles and give the operator an even better view of the goods.

During the IFOY test drive, it is obvious that visibility is optimized to an unprecedented degree on the SP 1500. A standard center window, unique to these trucks, provides unsurpassed downward visibility even from great heights. Two large viewing windows are also present on the fork side, while the cab floor features grilles that provide optimal visibility without requiring the operator to leave the safe contours of the truck. For the first time on high-lift order pickers, Crown has also included a panoramic skylight that also optimizes upward visibility.

The IFOY test team would have liked to have seen the central lift cylinder also replaced with two cylinders recessed into the mast for even better visibility during the extensive visibility optimization. According to Crown, this will be considered in a future optimization. In addition, a central cylinder that is up to 100 millimetres shorter than the previous one would be sufficient now.

Another improvement expected in future forklift models, especially in Europe, is a footplate that acts as a dead man’s switch as a whole. At present, the SP 1500 is equipped with a large dead man’s button, which is also much more convenient than that of its predecessor.

Another innovation is found under the battery cover. In addition to 24-volt units, Crown now supplies the SP 1500 with 48-volt batteries (from 432 Ah to 960 Ah). For example, for application situations where a higher residual capacity is required or a longer operating time is needed. The 48-volt batteries significantly increase the truck’s performance and enable, among other things, high-performance lifting. Here, the lifting speed increases to up to 0.71 m/s. The standard lifting speed is already 0.58 m/s, which is well above the market average. Another standard feature is regenerative lowering of the mast for greater energy efficiency.

IFOY test verdict

The SP 1500 high-lift order picker is the new standard for efficient order picking. Visibility and clarity are industry-leading and bring the greatest benefits. But the numerous customization options to configure the workstation entirely according to your needs are also unique.