With the arrival of the HS21 E, Haulotte is introducing a new upper control box, designed to offer greater intuitiveness, robustness, and consistency. This control box marks a key step in the renewal of the Haulotte control box family and introduces, for the first time, an integrated display, a true interface between the machine and the operator.
Laurent Muguet, Marketing Project Manager, and Arnaud Robardey, Project Manager, discuss the origins and benefits of this innovation.
A need for consistency and intuitiveness
For years, each new machine developed its own upper control box. The result was a wide variety of architectures and functions. « Before this project, we had almost one upper control box per machine, » recalls Laurent Muguet. « Our primary objective was therefore to create a range identity, in terms of aesthetics, ergonomics, and functionality, while keeping the operation at the center of our thinking. »
This desire for harmonization is part of a broader program: the development of a complete family of control box, consistent in their ergonomics and design, and ready to accommodate future innovations.
A compact, lightweight, and ergonomic control box that puts the user at the heart of the design
The new HS21 E control box offers considerable improvements: its compact size and reduced weight are key advantages for everyday use.
In addition, its ergonomics have been developed with the help of an ergonomist to ensure comfort, accessibility, and immediate understanding of the controls: « We have worked extensively on the position of the buttons, the zoning, and the readability of the visual feedback so that everything is intuitive and easy to understand, » explains Arnaud Robardey.
This is the most striking innovation: for the first time, Haulotte has integrated a screen into an upper control box. This screen plays an essential role in driving: « It provides the operator with information on the status of the machine and advice on which controls to activate to optimize performance or get out of a stuck situation, » emphasizes Laurent Muguet.
The screen becomes an intelligent interface, capable of assisting the user in all stages of the maneuver. The teams paid particular attention to its robustness: « We know that a screen can be perceived as fragile, which is why it was put through its paces during the project validation phase. The control box was developed according to Haulotte standards and tested in all conditions, » reassures Arnaud Robardey.
Another distinctive feature is the Self-adjusting interface, a technology that allows only the functions that are available on the machine to be displayed.
This system makes the functions that are not activated on the machine invisible and ensures perfect readability thanks to automatic backlighting.
« Self-adjusting interface allows only the options built into the machine to be displayed, and provides backlit buttons for optimal visibility, day or night, » explains Laurent Muguet.
If an after sales option is added as a retrofit, the option will then be visible on the control box and usable by the operator: « For example, if a Range Extender is added to the machine, the REX start buttons are automatically activated on the upper control box. »
Performance and productivity maintained on the job site
As machines become more complex, the risk of blockages or suboptimal use increases. The control box, via its screen, helps to limit these situations: « The goal is for the operator to be able to resolve issues independently. The screen helps them in the same way as a modern car: if it won’t move because the handbrake is on, a message appears. Here, the screen plays the same role, » explains Laurent Muguet. The result: fewer stoppages, fewer calls to the rental company, and increased productivity.
By displaying accurate information on the machine’s status, the screen also simplifies on-site maintenance work. « The control box is designed to be a true interface between the machine and the rental company, » summarizes Arnaud Robardey.
A major step forward for the user experience
The control box has already been tested in real-world conditions by several customers, with very encouraging feedback.
« It was presented in a functional way and was very well received. Customers noted the real usefulness of the screen and the quality of the feedback, » says Laurent Muguet.
This control box is also the first in a new family that will eventually equip other Haulotte models. « It’s the first in a renewal of the control box range. The next ones will offer the same ergonomic and functional consistency, » he adds.
Robust, user-friendly, and easy to maintain for maximum daily productivity
1. 4.3-inch color screen (non-touch). Reinforced to resist shocks and scratches (IK9 rating)
2. Only 8 screws to access the electronic components
3. Removable joystick
4. Function not available on the machine: command not visible
Technological innovations, advanced ergonomics, proven robustness: this new console marks a turning point for the operator experience at Haulotte. It paves the way for a unified, intuitive, and scalable generation, perfectly aligned with the needs of modern construction sites.