Tailor-made for North America

Click image to enlarge Image 1: Haulotte's jib-equipped HB-44J

October 6, 2004—Although the Haulotte brand name isn't as recognizable in North America as it is in Europe, the French-based manufacturer is the third-largest full-line producer of aerial work platforms and telescopic material handlers. The company's heritage dates back to 1881.

 

Haulotte officially entered the North American market in September 2001, only after many years of test marketing and careful consideration. As it turns out, they couldn't have picked a worse time in recent American history to launch a U.S. based operation. Yet, today, North America is Haulotte's third largest market, so success here is critical to Haulotte's overall success. With the recent introduction of the 40-foot HB-40 straight boom lift and its jib-equipped HB-44J counterpart, the company is well-positioned to compete in this important product class popular in conventional construction applications. Part One of a two-part series follows on Haulotte's HB-40 and HB-44J straight boom lifts. Watch next issue of Lift and Access 360 for a hands-on evaluation of the machines.

Looking to compete in North America, Haulotte bided its time while the economy was less than inviting. Initially it considered entering the market through the acquisition of an existing North American manufacturer—something that never materialized—the company opted instead for the Greenfield approach with the establishment of Haulotte U.S., its subsidiary in Hanover, MD.

 

While they prepared for their North American launch, it was important for the company to be committed to product support and the addition of new models better suited to North American applications. During discussions I had with Pierre Saubot, chairman of the board, in early 2000, it was clear to me that the company was missing a strong product in the 40-foot straight boom class. In response, the company introduced the 40-foot HB-40 and the 44-foot jib-equipped HB-44J in February 2002.

Click image to enlarge Image 2: This is part of Haulotte U.S.'s inventory ready for immediate delivery from headquarters in Hanover, MD.

Additionally, Haulotte has made a substantial investment in North American facilities, staffing, and inventory. While the current manufacturing climate has shifted to longer delivery lead times, Haulotte U.S. is well-prepared for immediate deliveries out of its substantial in-stock inventory. The company has also made some recent leadership changes, bringing Tom Stachurski on as V.P. last month.

The HB40 Series is a bit of a paradox—modern-looking on the outside, but simply-designed on the inside. The lines of the units' fiberglass cowlings flow nicely into the counterweight. And you won't confuse the bright yellow paint scheme with any other yellow Brand X.

In an industry of advancing technology, there are two schools of thought. One is to utilize technology in order to improve performance whenever possible. That's great as long as dependability and serviceability aren't sacrificed in the process. It can be a real nightmare, especially in light of the ongoing shortage of skilled technicians, to maintain a highly sophisticated machine. So, the other thought process is to keep things as simple as possible. Yet, failure to properly utilize the advantages offered by technology can leave a manufacturer at a huge disadvantage. With the HB40 Series, Haulotte believes they have struck a balance between the two.

From the tech side, Haulotte offers a Central Processing Unit (CPU). This

Click image to enlarge Image 3: The CPU is common to every IC-powered machine in the Haulotte product line.

electronic management control system is common to all the company's IC scissor and boom lifts. With the assistance of a hand held analyzer a technician can manipulate both input and output functions, such as setting control thresholds and ramping. The CPU also provides diagnostic information for easier troubleshooting and repair.

Taking advantage of Hall Effect joysticks (for drive and lift functions) has eliminated the need for contact points inside the control system. Controller output is communicated by the position of the joystick in an electrically controlled magnetic field, thereby eliminating the possibility of switches and contacts that wear out.

 

From the simplicity side, the output is directed to Sauer Danfoss proportional control valves, which feature the ability to be manually overridden. Although this method is a bit of a throwback to machines built in the early 1990s, it is still a nice feature.

 

Another design choice that runs contrary to most is the use of a simple worm drive to actuate the swing of the superstructure. Today, the more common method is to use a planetary drive with integral brake.

Click image to enlarge Image 4: An optional GM dual fuel engine is offered to placate some North American market demands.

The unit I test drove was equipped with the standard air-cooled Deutz F3L 1011 diesel engine. This engine's reputation speaks for itself. The optional dual fuel 1.6 liter GM 49 hp water-cooled engine (see Image 4) is offered as an option only in North America where the market requires it for those applications where diesel is not an option.

Next issue watch for a detailed review of the machine's features and my operational evaluation. The success of the this family of straight boom lifts will depend how well the units adhere to the company's philosophy of producing robust, reliable, and easy-to-maintain products.