Haulotte shows off new US acquisition

US manufacturer Bil-Jax will no doubt attract extra interest from European buyers at APEX now that it is owned by Haulotte Group.

The company, which makes a range of scaffold products as well as trailer mounted platforms, has in the past 18 months launched the X-Boom series of lightweight self-propelled machines that are likely to be of particular interest to Europeans.

There are two models available, the 13.4 m working height 36XT telescopic model and the 13.4 m working height 45XA articulated version (pictured). The 45XA weighs less than 2077 kg.

"The X-Boom is a lightweight, self-propelled boom lift", says Bil-Jax, "Instead of a heavy counterweight and hefty price tag the X-Boom reduces the weight and cost using auto-leveling hydraulic outriggers. Gradeability is 45%, travel speed is 3.5 mph (5.6 km/h), and the machine has four-wheel drive capability.

Hydraulic outriggers replace the heavy counterweights found on conventional self-propelled machines, and Bil-Jax claims that set-up can be completed in less than 30 seconds.

Haulotte will of course have its own stand at the show and will exhibit a wide range of machines, including the new 28 m H28TJ+ telescopic boom; the 17 m HTL 4017 telehandler; and the Star 10 and Compact 12 platforms.