Harlo Upgrades HP6500 and HP8500 Straight-Mast Forklifts

Harlo Products, Grandville, Mich., has developed a prototype of its upgraded HP6500/HP8500 rough-terrain forklift, which will be available later this year. The HP6500 lifts up to 6,500 pounds; the HP8500 lifts up to 8,500 pounds. Both models use the same chassis, power train, and controls, but different masts and amount of counterweight.

In a major change, an easy-to-use multi-axis joystick beside the operator’s seat replaces four traditional long-handled mast-control levers mounted on the dashboard. Buttons on the joystick control side shift. Also, a tilt steering wheel has been added for provide more operator comfort and convenience.

The upgraded HP6500/HP8500 can be powered by a Tier-4-interim-compliant John Deere 4045 diesel engine that uses exhaust gas recirculation (EGR). And the power train features a four-speed automatic transmission in place of the four-speed manual transmission used in current models.

The improved efficiency of the engine and hydraulic system deliver the same performance as current HP6500s/HP8500s while using 74 horsepower instead of 99. Harlo estimates the better efficiency will cut fuel use by about 10 percent.

Harlo unveiled the prototype HP6500 at The Rental Show in New Orleans earlier in February.