Haulotte completes testing on new boom

Haulotte Group has nearly completed testing on its HT23 RTJ telescopic boom, ready for the first deliveries at the beginning of 2013.

Over the last four months customers in North America and Europe have been putting the machine through its paces. It's prototype was exhibited at Intermat 2012 in April this year. Haulotte said the main purpose of the field tests was to study the HT23 RTJ's performance under real working conditions and to ensure it conforms to customer expectations.

According Haulotte, the HT23RTJ has the best working envelope in its class, with a working height of 22.5 m and 18.1 m horizontal outreach, which, said the company, is between 80 cm and 1 m higher than industry standard. It has a dual load system for a lifting capacity up to 450 kg.

Full height can be reached in 54 seconds, while the system offers a high hydraulic flow thanks to the use of a piston pump for boom movements. This allows the operator to make more simultaneous movements, claimed Haullotte.

“The HT23 RTJ is able to be driven at the same time as operating all lifting and lowering movements and turret rotation. This unique feature in the market gives the HT23 RTJ exceptional productivity performances, unmatched by the competition,” said a company spokesman.

Comfort and safety were a top priority. Particular attention was paid to the rigidity of materials. The boom is made of high elastic modulus steel making it very stable and safe to operate, said the manufacturer. The capacity of hydraulic circuit was also optimised so the operator can achieve maximum control in safety and comfort.

The machine has an excellent turning radius, added Haullotte, with 4-wheel steer and drive designed for ease of operation on congested building sites and in tight spaces. There are three steer settings: two wheel steer, four wheel steer and crab. “With centralised control, the four wheels are controlled simultaneously, allowing the steering movements to operate more quickly and safely,” said the spokesman.

The HT23RTJ boasts oscillating axles as standard for rough terrain capability. It also offers a differential lock, and a narrow chassis for compact environments.

The HT23RTJ is the first to include the new Haulotte modular basket. “The basket is fully modular which means it is possible to replace the damaged component, instead of changing the whole basket. It is also possible to replace the basket or its floor without disassembling the support structure and disconnecting the control panel,” explained the spokesman, “This decreases the maintenance time and the risk of electrical failure of the control box.”