Haulotte launches into electric

All future self propelled boom products launched by Haulotte will be electric powered, the company announced at Intermat.

The new Haulotte Pulseo Generation range of rough terrain self propelled booms marks the beginning of the strategy and is first represented by the 21m working height HA20 LE and HA20 LE Pro, with the former being presented on the manufacturer’s stand.  

Haullote is the first MEWP manufacturer to commit to all-electric powered platforms. Speaking at Intermat on Monday Haulotte COO Alexandre Saubot confirmed there will be no boom products with internal combustion engines launched from now on. “We want to be in the right position in the value chain and we want to put our customers in the right place in the value chain.

He explained part of the plan would be to produce a fully-electric line of equipment that offers the same performance and capacity as their diesel forerunners. “We intend to only release new machines with this power source in the future.”

Saubot added that some existing diesel machines will remain in the line-up for customers and some countries that are slower to move over to electric equipment. “We don’t know how long it will be before we get rid of all the diesel machines but it will happen.”

Saubot said the electric-strategy was only the start of the company’s new direction in which it would concentrate on being a service provider first and foremost, rather than just being an equipment manufacturer. This will lead to new partnerships in R&D and service.

The new all terrain Pulseo models are designed to offer a flexible two-in-one solution for inside and outside work. They have maintenance-free asynchronous motors (AC), while batteries feature a centralised filling system for easy maintenance. 

“Whatever energy source you use, you will see a reduction in energy costs associated with using the machine. The low cost of electricity with the built-in charger and a reduction of more than 55% in fuel consumption for use of the range extender, compared to a diesel-powered device, all contribute to offsetting the initial cost of the machine in record time,” said a company spokesman.

“Electric motors feature considerably fewer hydraulic hoses, thereby reducing maintenance costs for these components. Low demands on the power generator during the battery charge phase also allow for longer maintenance intervals,” added the spokesman.

The Pulseo range offers dual load versions to increase the platform capacity from 250kg to 350 kg. They also include independent 4-wheel drive, An oscillating axle, Solid cured-on tires, 4-wheel steering, High ground clearance and up to 45° gradeability to operate on heavily inclined terrain.