The French Definition for COMPACT™ (Part 2)

Enlage Image Image 1. Haulotte's COMPACT™ RT 2668RT scissor lift.

June 15, 2005 — Introduced in 2000, Haulotte's COMPACT™ RT line of scissor lifts, which appeared in North America in January of 2002, shares a common chassis and identical platforms. The only difference between the three models (2068RT, 2668RT, and 3368RT) is platform height, reaching 20, 26, and 33 feet, respectively. The two taller models — the shorter of which is shown in Image 1 and lists for $39,000 with dual fuel and $39,900 with diesel power — compete directly with Genie Industries' GS-2668RT (26-foot platform height) as well as JLG Industries' 260MRT, also featuring a platform height of 26 feet. For additional information on how this product is classified, go to Part One.

My test model, the 3368RT, lists for $46,560 in dual fuel and $47,460 with diesel. It was equipped with the Deutz diesel Model 1011-F, offering a peak 22-hp output at 2,200 rpm and 80.5 pounds of torque at 1,800 rpm. Its closest competitor is the Genie GS-3268RT (32-foot platform height). The Kubota Model DF-1005 dual fuel-powered, water-cooled engine is the gas option for both. It produces 31 peak hp when running on gas and 29.5 hp on propane.

 
 

Enlarge Image Image 2. Emergency-lowering valve not identified.

Operational impressions

Before operating any piece of aerial equipment, users are required to walk around the unit and inspect it — looking for lower controls location, checking tires, and keeping an eye out for anything that might prove to be problematic. Something else I always do before climbing into a machine is to make sure the terrain around me falls within the guidelines established by the manufacturer for that specific piece of equipment.

 

In my test case, locating the lower control panel was easy — all switches and icons were clearly visible and easily understood. However, in my efforts to locate the emergency lowering valve, I was surprised to find it was not identified or distinguished in any way other than by a bright red T pull handle (see Image 2). In my opinion, this is a very critical yet simple oversight that could be easily rectified.

 

Access to the platform is easy with a gravity gate for the entry's mid-rail. I like the way the control box is configured — the large joystick provided good support when bouncing around a rough patch of ground. The box itself can be mounted anywhere along the front guardrail and easily removed for safe storage or repair.

 

You can select between three drive ranges: high torque, slow speed, and high speed. Haulotte has designed the system so that operators must come to a complete stop with the joystick in a neutral position before the drive will shift from one range to another. This is to increase safety — something to do with the jerking that might occur when you downshift. If this is the only reason for this feature, I would suggest re-evaluation, as I found the process inconsistent with the otherwise straightforward operation of the machine. While compactness is the key to this product classification, there are many more attributes that define its effectiveness with maneuverability topping the list. I found the steering to be precise and quick. The 48-inch inside turning radius combined with a short 6' 1” wheelbase also help it deliver a very maneuverable package.

Enlarge Image Image 3. The deck rolls smoothly on rubber wheels mounted vertically and horizontally (shown here).

I really like the way the roll-out deck system is put together. Dual grab bars on either side actuate the locks, enabling one person to position the deck in one of four different detents. The deck, made from an all-steel diamond plate, rides on large

Enlarge Image Image 4. Features to assist the operator include leveling gauge and a deck extension that offers four detents and a see through opening.

hard rubber rollers positioned both vertically and horizontally (see Image 3). In Image 4, you can see that a circular series of holes are placed in the center of the extension to provide added visibility to the ground for the operator. There is also a very handy level gauge for quick orientation. While my 33-foot test unit was not equipped with them, all box decals are universal. Therefore, options such as self-leveling hydraulic stabilizers appear whether they're equipped on the unit or not.

 

Hydraulic drive system

The RT line up comes standard with 4-wheel drive. Under normal operation, the system operates in a series parallel hydraulic drive mode. When you want more torque, you must depress a button on the upper control box. This brings in a pair of flow control valves that divide the oil diagonally between the front and rear drive motors. As I was navigating around a large grassy mound located in the front of Haulotte's property, I could feel the difference instantly as the pull dramatically improved.

 

Service issues

Enlarge Image Image 5. Most service points easy to access under large swing-up hoods.

Large flanges support the high-strength synthetic hoods that swing high for easy access to all major hydraulic service points. These hoods are held in place by a pair of struts, and the interior of the engine side compartment is insulated to limit noise emissions. Image 5 shows how easy access is to the hydraulic valves and filters. Deutsch-style connectors are used for a highly dependable electrical connection of all valves. As you can see in Image 5, the battery is safely stowed in the nose of the cowling.

 

All service points are easy to reach wit h the exception of the starter on the Deutz diesel. This would be a very difficult task, esp

Enlarge Image Image 6. Extra care taken to protect hoses and cables were required.

ecially if the scissor stack was in the down position. When it comes to routing cables and hoses, Haulotte generally does a great job. Wherever wear could be a potential problem, the company has taken extra measures to limit premature abrasions or chaffing.

 

A good example of this is shown in Image 6 where the upper control box is threaded through side of the deck. Note the cable sheave and the metal edge guard around the eye. Another nice feature is that foam filled tires are standard.

 

Likes:

• The RT 2668RT's size and maneuverability combine to make this an effective compact scissor lift.
• Details giving consideration to the operator include an optional hydraulic leveling package and the roll-out deck system with four position possibilities.
• Haulotte has taken extra measures to protect cables and hoses from premature wear due to abrasions or chaffing.

 

Dislikes:

• The inability to shift on the fly is inconsistent with otherwise straightforward operation.
• The location of the Deutz engine starter is not ideal.
• The emergency lowering valve is not clearly identified.

Verdict:

• Addressing a couple of significant yet easily remedied shortfalls are the only issues that stand in the way of the COMPACT™ RT 3368RT scissor lift.being an otherwise great all-around performer.