Finding a Tilt Compensating Cylinder for the Champ CRL-60 Forklift

[MikePhua]

Essential Insight
The tilt compensating cylinder on the Champ CRL-60 telescopic forklift is a non-standard hydraulic component critical for maintaining fork level during boom extension. Sourcing a replacement requires precise measurements, cross-referencing with legacy parts catalogs, and possibly custom fabrication.
Champ CRL-60 Background and Hydraulic Architecture
The Champ CRL-60 was produced in the 1980s and early 1990s as a heavy-duty telescopic forklift designed for construction and military logistics. Manufactured by Champ Equipment, a company later absorbed into larger OEM networks, the CRL-60 featured a swing cab, four-wheel drive, and a multi-stage boom capable of lifting loads up to 6,000 lbs.
One of its defining features was the tilt compensating cylinder—a hydraulic actuator mounted between the boom and carriage that automatically adjusted fork angle as the boom extended. This ensured load stability and reduced operator input during high-reach operations.
Understanding the Tilt Compensating Cylinder

• Function: Maintains fork level by counteracting boom angle changes.
  
• Mounting: Typically pinned at both ends, with one end fixed to the boom and the other to the carriage.
  
• Stroke and bore: Varies by model; the CRL-60 uses a cylinder with a unique stroke-to-bore ratio not found in standard catalogs.
  
• Hydraulic flow: May be passive or actively controlled via pilot lines depending on configuration.
  

Without this cylinder, the forks tilt downward as the boom extends, increasing the risk of load shift or drop—especially with pallets or long materials.
Sourcing Challenges and Solutions

• OEM Discontinuation
  Champ Equipment ceased production decades ago, and no direct replacement parts are available through standard dealer channels.
  
• Non-standard dimensions
  The CRL-60’s cylinder does not match common sizes used in JLG, SkyTrak, or Genie telehandlers. Off-the-shelf cylinders often lack the correct stroke or mounting geometry.
  
• Custom fabrication
  Hydraulic shops can build a replacement using the original cylinder as a template. Key specs needed include:
  • Extended and retracted length
    
  • Bore diameter
    
  • Rod diameter
    
  • Mounting pin size and spacing
    
  • Pressure rating (typically 2,500–3,000 psi)
    
• Used parts networks
  Salvage yards specializing in military surplus or legacy construction equipment may carry CRL-60 components. Search using terms like “Champ CRL-60 tilt cylinder” or “telehandler fork level cylinder.”
  

Field Anecdote
In Sacramento, a contractor acquired a CRL-60 for site cleanup but discovered the tilt cylinder was missing. After weeks of searching, he contacted a hydraulic shop that reverse-engineered the cylinder using photos and boom measurements. The shop fabricated a new unit with reinforced seals and a nitrogen-charged accumulator to dampen movement. The retrofit restored full functionality and improved load control on uneven terrain.
Recommended Steps for Replacement

• Measure all mounting and stroke dimensions precisely.
  
• Photograph the boom and carriage interface for reference.
  
• Contact hydraulic cylinder rebuilders with specs and photos.
  
• Request pressure rating confirmation and seal type (Viton or Buna-N).
  
• If possible, locate a parts manual or exploded diagram for the CRL-60.
  

Preventive Advice

• Inspect tilt cylinder seals and rod surface every 250 hours.
  
• Keep hydraulic fluid clean and within spec to prevent internal scoring.
  
• Avoid side-loading the forks during boom extension—this stresses the cylinder.
  
• Label hydraulic lines and fittings during disassembly to aid reinstallation.
  

Conclusion
Replacing the tilt compensating cylinder on a Champ CRL-60 forklift is a specialized task requiring careful measurement and custom fabrication. While OEM support is no longer available, hydraulic shops and salvage networks can help restore this critical function. With proper documentation and proactive maintenance, even legacy machines like the CRL-60 can remain safe and productive in modern job sites.