of the operation speeds, a laptop equipped with Haulotte's software can be
plugged into a ... An optional manual platform rotator allows the platform to rotate
90°.
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Story SHOWCASE
Haulotte|BilJax 5533A
W
hen the Haulotte Group acquired BilJax in 2008, the company gained a highly engineered and proven trailer-mounted aerial lift line from a company that’s had a history of building these products for 20 years. The biggest in the Summit Series line is the 5533A articulating boom lift, which made its debut in 2006. Other models in the series range from 26 to 45 feet in platform height with three models of telescopic booms and two articulating units. All models in the Summit Series are manufactured in Archbold, Ohio. At the Showcase, the 5533A featured only standard equipment, but the range of standard features are often only available as options on other similarly sized competitive machines, including a 4,000-psi air and water line to the platform and 12.5-inch diameter, plastic-coated outriggers for indoor use. The powder-coated unit includes a 2-inch ball hitch and hydraulic or optional electric surge brakes plus a parking brake. The Dexter free-backing axle, which keeps the surge brakes from locking up if the aerial backs up a hill or over a curb, also features the Dexter E-Z lube system. Large dolly tires allow the unit to be moved easily by hand. An important feature is the presence of forklift pockets incorporated on every model, so the unit can be picked up with a forklift from either side or lifted with a crane. Setup time on this unit is about 30 seconds, and the outriggers will auto-level up to 12.5°. Outrigger deployment is performed quickly due to the regenerative hydraulic system; once it stops, the machine is level. The system is designed so that operators can manually override the automatic leveling, which enables them to level the outriggers on even greater slopes. According to Haulotte, outrigger setup is as easy as pushing two buttons, and once complete it is within one degree of being level. Two indicator lights for each footpad on the lower controls display show when the outrigger is level and the footpad has made contact with the ground. When fully deployed, the outrigger footprint is 13'x13'. Powering the Showcase 5533A were four 6-volt, 245 A/h batteries. The batteries swing out on both sides to allow the and
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operator easy access. The 30-amp DC smart charger shuts off automatically when it reaches full charge. It will completely charge in 8 hours and provide an 80 percent charge in 3.5 hours. A generator pedestal is located at the base for owners or renters to set their own generators. Straps to tie it down and a plug is provided, allowing 110-volt power to the platform and/or the battery charger. If a customer goes with the hybrid power option, the unit will be equipped with a 9-hp Honda 4,500-watt continuous output generator mounted on this same pedestal. Note that the engine choke and starter switches are located at the ground and platform controls. Upper and lower control panels are virtually identical, which makes it easy for first-time operators to understand and learn how to safely operate the machine. Two hour meters are standard, one showing the actual run time and the other shows the switch on time. Units equipped with an engine also will have meters to monitor engine hours and rpm. The lower control provides a fault code system to indicate if there are any errors with the machine. To change any of the operation speeds, a laptop equipped with Haulotte’s software can be plugged into a serial port on the lower controls to alter the values.
Upper and lower control panels are virtually identical.
Even though the 5533A employs a motor controller, it offers four-speed operation of the boom. A unique feature of the Haulotte|BilJax unit is the negative boom geometry, which provides a greater working envelope for the operator. With the lower boom extended straight up, the unit has a 33-foot outreach from the center line of rotation. Turret rotation is 700° non-continuous. Safety valves on the boom include emergency lowering on each cylinder, along with a hand pump. A bleed-down hydraulic system is speed controlled, so the boom can come down quickly or slowly. The 5533A, as well as all other tow-behind aerials in the Summit Series, includes a 500-pound, aluminum two-person basket that is easily removed with one pin. An optional manual platform rotator allows the platform to rotate 90°. An optional material-lifting hook is available, which converts the unit into a 500-pound capacity crane in about five minutes with no tools. Haulotte|BilJax notes that Large dolly tires allow the unit to be moved by hand.
this is a popular option for companies that set small trusses or light poles or plant trees. To control the boom and hook attachment, the upper control box can be connected to the lower controls and has a 6-foot-long extension cord. This allows the operator to stand 6 feet away from the unit in order to run it. The lift has a scale that tells you how much weight is being lifted, and if the weight exceeds 500 pounds, the scale is part of an interlock system that will monitor if the boom is overloaded. If 500 pounds is exceeded, it will beep and won’t allow the machine to lift. The drive and set is an option with all of the Summit Series machines and enables the unit to be driven from the platform when it is in a stowed position. Drive and set is activated through a push-button drive engage. Operators do not have to get out of the machine, as it can be operated from the platform when the boom is fully stowed. The 5533A measures 5'5" wide when stowed, which allows it to be driven through a standard double doorway Other options include a variety of hitches, a tool tray, and a spare tire and mounting bracket. List price for the Haulotte|BilJax 5533A is $54,346.
