Wika launches rated capacity indicator for telehandlers

The qSCALE 12 TH RCI display screen alerts telehandlers operators when they near the machine’s maximum load capacity. (IMAGE: Wika)

United States-based technology specialist Wika Mobile Control has launched its qSCALE 12 TH rated capacity indicator (RCI).

Due to be showcased at the Bauma 2022 construction equipment trade fair in Germany next week, the qSCALE I2 TH RCI system was designed specifically for use with telehandlers.

It comprises a cable reel for measuring boom length and angle, sensors in the cylinders to monitor hydraulic pressure and an easy-to-use 4.3-inch display screen.

Situated inside the cab of the telehandler, the qSCALE display screen provides the machine operator with the telehandler’s “actual and allowable load, boom length, boom angle, load radius & height”.

“One of the benefits of the RCI system is that it reduces operator error,” said Wika. “While operating within the allowable range (determined by the load chart), the top bar graph on the display will be green.

“As the operator starts to reach the allowable limits, the bar graph will change from green to yellow. Once the limit is reached, an alarm will sound and the bar graph will turn red.”

Three optional system components are also available for use with the new RCI, which is suitable for both OEMS and aftermarket providers.

“If a longitudinal load moment indicator or limiter is required, the rear axle sensor can be added to measure the strain on the rear axle. The gSENS WGX sensor can be added to indicate the tilt of the chassis,” said the Pennsylvania-based firm.

With the addition of Waki’s cSCALE DIO module, the qSCALE 12 RCI can also be upgraded to perform as a rated capacity limiter (RCL) that will lockout the machine – preventing the boom from moving or telescoping in the event of its capacity limit being reached.

According to the manufacturer, these features optimise the machine’s lifting capacity so that it is not damaged by being overworked or overloaded by operators lifting loads that they should not be.

“The integrated data logger tracks machine usage and helps to determine whether a machine has been misused,” said Wika.

“Using a USB stick, the data logger information can be extracted from the console to an Excel spreadsheet. The data logger provides a report that indicates machine productivity and any overload instances.”