The French Definition for COMPACT™

Enlarge Image Image 1: The Haulotte 2668RT COMPACT™

June 1, 2005 — Although used somewhat generically in this industry, the term “compact” scissor lift typically refers to machines that deliver working heights equal to their full-size counterparts with reduced overall dimensions and, quite necessarily, capacities.

More specifically, the rough-terrain (RT) versions of this class have gained popularity over the past decade due to their ability to perform well both indoors and out on the same project. For example, the overall stowed size of these machines allows them access to the interior of a structure as well as 

Enlarge Image Image 2: With the exception of the extra scissor X, the COMPACT 3368 and 2668 models are virtually identical.

the ability to exit an unfinished set of double doors. They can also hit the jobsite long before either concrete slabs and/or power to recharge battery packs are available — a trend that's become somewhat of a necessity with impatient developers throughout the United States. While several OEMs build compact scissor lifts, Haulotte has taken matters one step further and trademarked the word.

 

Its COMPACT™ line of scissor lifts includes both slab electric and IC-powered RT products. On the RT side, 20-, 26-, and 33-foot platform units share the same 68-inch-wide, four-wheel-drive chassis. The two taller models (the 26-foot 2668RT, as shown in Image 1, and 33-foot 3368RT (shown in Image 2) compete directly with Genie Industries' GS-2668RT (26-foot platform height) and GS-3268RT (32-foot platform height) and JLG Industries' 260MRT, which features a platform height of 26 feet.

 

Power system

Originally, the COMPACT RT line came with a Deutz  diesel engine (Image 3).  The unit I previewed was fitted with a model F2L1011-F, which offers a peak 22-HP output at 2,200 rpm and 80.5 pounds of torque at

Enlarge Image Image 3: Deutz model F2L1011-F, provides high fuel efficiency.

Enlarge Image Image 4: Kubota's DF-1005 provides the needed ability to operate of dual fuel.

1,800 rpm. The popularity of diesel power in Europe has heavily influenced the entire Haulotte product line. As mentioned earlier, one of the keys to success for a compact RT scissor in North America is its ability to work inside. This mandated the development of a dual fuel-powered product. Subsequently, the highly respected Kubota line of gas engines was tabbed for this application (Image 4). In this case, the Model DF-1005 produces 31 peak hp when running on gas and 29.5 hp when running on the cleaner burning dual fuel. In Image 5, note the dual LP fuel tank storage located on the aft end of the unit — one side (on the left) allows for a connection; the other is just a caddy.


The key to product classification
Since both the 26- and 33-foot units share the same chassis, their performance should be identical in all but one area: gradeability. Although the specification sheet states that all the RT COMPACT units feature 40% gradeability, it stands to reason that the extra 1,100 pounds (7,341 pounds vs. 8,443 pounds) carried by the 3368RT (with the extra scissor X required to gain its additional 7 feet of platform height) has to deteriorate that percentage to some degree — at least, you would think.

 

While compactness is the key to this product classification, there are many more attributes that define its effectiveness with maneuverability topping the list, thanks to a short wheelbase and tight turning radius. With a 6'1” wheelbase and 4-foot inside turning radius, Haulotte delivers on both counts.

 

Enlage Image Image 5: Dual LP fuel tank storage is standard.

Another important factor to consider when looking at a compact scissor is platform size, which must be of adequate size and capacity to allow for an acceptable level of productivity. Again, Haulotte comes through — these units share a roomy 8'2” x 5'1” main platform. All-steel diamond plate decks also include a standard equipment 47-inch roll-out extension. As you might expect, the capacity on the 2668RT is higher (1,245 pounds) than the 3368RT's 990 pounds. The only other minor differences between the two relate to the overall lowered height of the guardrails (7'10” vs. 8'4”) and platform (4 feet vs., 4'6”) — both of which are byproducts of the extra scissor X.

One very nice option is the hydraulic leveling package (also shown in Image 5). These stabilizers are intended to level the unit when working on any uneven or unimproved surface. They can be deployed with a single auto-level button that automatically sets the outriggers in a safe operating configuration, or you can set them individually. List price for the automatically leveling hydraulic levelers is $8,000. A simple bubble sight gauge is located directly under the upper control box so the operator can readily identify when the platform is level enough for operation.

Next issue, look for details on service and operational issues of the 3368RT along with my overall impressions of its performance.