JCB and Randle Engineering co-operated closely in the design and development of the High Mobility Rough Terrain Forklift (HMRTF) - a relative of JCB’s Loadall range of telescopic handling vehicles, specifically developed for military applications. The vehicle is a high-speed, rough terrain, wading-capable loader with the specific aim of being able to load and unload palletised ordnance from both inside transport containers and from DROPS vehicles.
The project
Randle Engineering worked closely with JCB on the suspension and steering systems, and the related hydraulic and control engineering.
HMRTF is a high mobility vehicle, meaning that it’s capable of tackling very rough terrain as well as being capable of road speeds of up to 55 mph (necessary to keep up with military convoys). In trials, it coped at least as well as any conventional 4x4 despite its weight of 7.2 tonnes.
HMRTF features a height-adjustable gas-hydraulic suspension system for travelling, with the ability to lock the front suspension completely in 2 different modes of operation for low speed handling of heavy loads. These modes are:
- Locked condition in fully lowered position to reduce cab height for entry into an ISO container (opening height 2083mm).
- Locked condition in fully raised position to increase operator height for visibility onto DROPS flatbed vehicle (bed height 1982mm).
In conjunction with the locked front suspension, the rear axle is constrained to a pure roll only mode. The vehicle has a handling reach of 5.0 metres, and the ability to move loads of up to 2.3 tonnes.
The steering system is mechanical through a conventional steering box at the front, coupled to a hydraulic rear-steer system, which allows the rear wheels to counter-steer for tighter turning. This function allows HMRTF to manoeuvre into and out of shipping containers to retrieve goods and equipment more efficiently than previous methods. The steering and suspension systems feature a number of patented innovations.
The project, from concept brief to running vehicle, was completed on-time and on-budget.