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Hugg & Hall Equipment Company Announces Acquisition Of Southern Material Handling Company

Dealership Expands to Provide Full Line of Equipment Needs to Eastern Oklahoma

LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS – April 1, 2022 – Hugg & Hall Equipment Company, a leading industrial and construction equipment provider in Arkansas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Missouri and Texas today announced the acquisition of Southern Material Handling Company of eastern Oklahoma.

“When I made the decision to retire, I knew that I would only consider selling to Hugg & Hall Equipment” says Mark Segress, President and CEO of Southern Material Handling. “I have known John Hugg and Robert Hall for many years and have a great deal of respect for them as individuals and business owners. Their team has built Hugg & Hall into one of the largest and most successful dealerships in the country. I’m excited for our team to join Hugg & Hall and grow in their careers. I know our customers will continue to receive the very best service available. They will have the opportunity to learn about the vast array of products offered by Hugg & Hall to improve their material handling efficiencies.”

Headquartered in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Southern Material Handling began in 1948 as the first forklift dealership in the state of Oklahoma and now represents Toyota Material Handling equipment for eastern Oklahoma. SMH is engaged in the sales of new and used material handling equipment, as well as rental equipment, parts and service.  This acquisition will allow Hugg & Hall to expand its Toyota presence to include the entire state of Oklahoma.

“We are very excited to add eastern Oklahoma to our Toyota territory.” says Robert Hall, Vice President of Hugg & Hall Equipment Company.  “Southern Material Handling has had an excellent reputation for many years.  We will continue that passion for an unequalled customer experience. The addition of more products and services that we offer will add value to our customers, making them even more competitive in their specific industry.”

Hugg & Hall Equipment Company has represented the Toyota brand since 1994, expanding its territory most recently in 2019 to service customers in Louisiana. In addition to Toyota, Southern Material Handling also represents Tennant Cleaning Solutions and Kelly Warehouse Dock Solutions. With the Southern Material Handling acquisition, Hugg & Hall Equipment will now have a team of over 700 employees and 18 locations across Arkansas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Missouri and Texas.

About Hugg & Hall

Hugg & Hall Equipment Company, headquartered in Little Rock, Arkansas, has been family owned and operated since 1956. The company is a full-service dealer for material handling equipment, representing Toyota, Taylor, Doosan, Crown (Arkansas only) Enersys, Combilift, Sellick, Bobcat, and more. Hugg & Hall provides comprehensive material handling solutions including new & used equipment, parts and service support and a fleet of over 3000 rental forklifts.  The company is also one of the largest construction and industrial equipment rental providers in the south, with a fleet of over 12,000 rental units. With value-added services and a focus on their customers, Hugg & Hall Equipment Company is the one-stop shop for every construction and industrial equipment need.

For more information about Hugg & Hall Equipment Company, please contact John Hugg, President, at john.hugg@hugghall.com.

Fort Smith Arkansas: Mars Petcare Expansion Project

Fort Smith, AR

Beginning May, 2021, Hugg & Hall started work with contractors on the the Mars Petcare Plant expansion in Fort Smith, AR. Mars Petcare Associates began work on the multi-million dollar expansion to their wet food plant located in Chaffee Crossing, adding 200,000-square-feet.

The project, which started in January 2021, is scheduled for completion of its current phase in the beginning of 2023.  With the addition of two production lines, they expect to increase the production capacity by more than 40%.

Hugg & Hall is working directly with contractors pulled in from across the country for this project, renting out well over 150 pieces of equipment to complete the job. Outside Rental Salesman, Kevin Lea, says, “This is easily one of the largest projects Hugg & Hall has had the pleasure to be a part of in many years here in Fort Smith.”

“I expect to see us on site with more major projects in the near future,” says Lea. “With expansions in production facilities in Chaffee Crossing, it’s not hard to see why.”

The 48-acre Fort Smith plant has plenty of room to continue to expand as work begins on “phase 3” in 2023. 

Why expand?

Mars Petcare says that over the past year (due in part to people staying home and getting more pets), the demand for wet pet food has risen nearly 18%. The two expansions at the Fort Smith plant are expected to grow this location’s production capacity by more than 75%.

“At Mars Petcare, everything we do is in service of our purpose: A Better World For Pets,” said Ikdeep Singh, Regional President of Mars Petcare North America. “Pet parents are at the center of everything we do, and at Mars Petcare, we’re committed to answering their evolving needs as a trusted partner for pet parents.” 

“The role of pets in our lives has grown even stronger during the pandemic, and our latest investment in Fort Smith enables us to deepen our commitment to our Associates and the City of Fort Smith.”

MARS is Going Green

The Fort Smith facility, which first opened in 2009, was the first sustainable manufacturing facility in Arkansas and the first sustainable pet food manufacturing facility in the world. It is LEED-Gold certified by the United States Green Building Council.

Hugg & Hall worked directly with contractors to ensure they meet this high standard for eco-friendly building. Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is the nationally-accepted benchmark in the U.S. for designing, constructing and operating green buildings. 

The wet pet food factory achieved gold certification for its efforts such as recycling water, reduction of energy use and protection against light pollution and soil erosion.

For more information about Mars Petcare, visit www.mars.com/made-by-mars/petcare.

Looking to rent Hugg & Hall equipment for your next large project? Visit our rental page! Rental Equipment – Hugg & Hall (hugghall.com)

Partners renting with Hugg & Hall for the “Blue Moon Project”:

 

Prepare for the Winter: Machine Winterization Tips

Winter brings shorter days, frigid temps, and icy conditions. During this time of year, we need to take extra care of our equipment to avoid any damage. Read on to learn some tips on machine winterization!

Want more information? Download our complete guide to winter construction site prep! 

 

MACHINE WINTERIZATION TIPS

Follow these best practices to make sure your equipment is ready for winter.

Check the fuel filter. A clogged fuel filter can build up moisture and freeze. Empty the water traps in the filters before cold weather arrives. To avoid downtime, keep an extra set of fuel filters in your cab.

Check for water in chain tanks, final drives, swing gear baths, and gear boxes.

Use coolant that complies with ASTM standard D-621, with a freeze point low enough for your climate. If coolant freezes, it can crack the engine block and ruin the engine.

Add fuel conditioner. Fuel conditioner prevents your fuel from freezing. The amount of fuel conditioner you will need varies depending on the brand and model of the machine, so check the manufacturer’s recommendation. Always match the fuel conditioner to the type of fuel you’re using (e.g. low sulfur).

Check diesel cold start aids. Diesel engines spray ether into the air system to help the engine start in cold weather. For older machines that have ether spray bottles, check the bottle to make sure it isn’t empty. For newer machines with an automatic ether system, inspect the connections and hoses for cracks or loose connections.

Check the block heater. Block heaters keep fluids at the optimum temperature and viscosity. If the block heater isn’t working, the oil can thicken, making it harder to turn the engine over and causing added stress on the battery. To test that it is working properly, plug in the heater and ensure the hoses are warm.

Inspect air intake pre-cleaners. Snow and ice can collect around dust particles and debris in the pre-cleaner, which allows moisture into the air system. It can cause engine failure. Remove any debris from the pre-cleaner before winter. 

Check battery and connections. Battery connection corrosion increases strain on the battery and can drain it. Periodic inspections for corrosion can reduce the chance of having a dead battery.

If your machine is still giving you trouble after you perform these winterization tips, contact our service department!

 

WINTER STORAGE

Run the engine after cleaning. Run your machine after cleaning the engine and replacing the oil. Running the machine coats the internal parts in a protective film of oil and prevents rust. Pour a 50/50 mixture of water and antifreeze into the coolant system before running to protect the cooling system up to -34°F.

Clean and fully charge batteries, then disconnect the power leads. Never store discharged batteries. Colder temperatures slow the discharge rate of fully charged batteries.

Start machines once a month. If the weather is slightly warmer, take the opportunity to start your machine. Avoid starting machines in extremely cold weather. Find a time when the temperature is above freezing to start the machine and fully warm hydraulics after the engine comes to operating temperatures. 

Drain the fuel tank, if possible. If you have a diesel engine, either drain the engine or leave it completely full during the winter months. Draining the fuel tank can be time consuming, but this eliminates the possibility of condensation forming in the fuel tank and spreading. Condensation can clog the fuel filter, fuel lines, carburetors, and injectors.

Never try to break crawler-type machines from a badly frozen situation. It can result in powertrain damage.

 

COLD WEATHER OPERATION

Protect your machinery. If you can’t keep your machine inside when it is not in use, keep a water-resistant tarp over the engine. Condensation and moisture can cause problems for the entire engine. 

Manage productivity. Most projects take longer during winter. Cold weather makes the earth harder. Frost can penetrate roadways and make utility, road, and crushing jobs much more difficult and time-consuming. Time management is important.

Be prepared to add additional power, heat, and lighting. Generators and heaters can keep your space warm and well-lit. Lights are a great option if you need to work before sunrise or after sunset. 

Clean areas designated for snow removal. Clean up debris or equipment that will be hidden by fallen snow. Mark any areas of concern with reflective stakes, so snow removal crews can easily identify and stay away from those areas.

Warm up machines to improve steering response. Let machines come up to operating temperature before working. Steering response on equipment with hydraulic steering may become very slow at low temperatures, even when the correct oils are used. 

Check for ice buildup. Check for ice or snow buildup in exhaust or intake if applicable. Inspect and clear any ice or snow from the throttle and brake area.

Use standard safety practices. Use the three points of contact when stepping into a machine. Snow, ice slips and falls are a common cause of injuries. Wear your seatbelt when operating equipment and stay alert. 

Take care of groundwork before it freezes. Plan to complete any groundwork before the weather gets bad. You should also be prepared for muddy conditions in any areas where groundwork has not been completed. 

 

Prepare your equipment, jobsites, and employees for these temperatures to help avoid injuries and downtime from work. Visit our blog to learn more winter safety tips!

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in January 2022. It was updated for freshness, accuracy, and comprehensiveness in January 2024. 

Average Lifespan of a Forklift

Forklifts, like any heavy machinery, are a pricey investment. You want to make sure you’ve chosen the right one and that you’re maintaining it correctly. Determine the age of your forklift, average lifespan of a forklift, and how to make your forklift last longer by reading this article.

 

How old is my forklift?

A forklift’s lifespan is measured by hours of use, not years, because every business utilizes their machines at different rates.

A five-year-old forklift that was utilized 15 hours a month will usually be in better shape than a one-year-old forklift that was used 8 hours every day.

The stress on a forklift’s mast from raising and lowering of equipment is what causes most machines to break down over time.

Buying a used forklift? Always inspect it for wear, even if it has low hours. Heavy loads can cause damage to a forklift, which won’t be reflected in the running hours.

 

How long should I expect my forklift to last?

The average lifespan of a forklift is 10,000 hours, but it varies based on the manufacturer, type of forklift, and average running conditions. It’s possible to have two forklifts, manufactured the same year, that have different life expectances.

Manufacturer

Brands like Doosan and Toyota typically have longer lifespans up to 15,000–20,000 hours.

Internal Combustion Engines vs Electric Forklifts

On average, you can expect an electric forklift to last longer. Electric forklifts’ batteries typically need to be replaced every five years, or approximately 1,500 charging cycles. However, since they have fewer moving parts, they are less likely to break over time.

Average Running Conditions

Regular heavy loads will shorten your forklift’s total run time, and exposure to extreme temperatures, uneven surfaces, and hazardous substances will cause significant wear. A truck used indoors in clean conditions will last a lot longer than one exposed to extreme conditions. If you have a fleet of forklifts, it’s a good idea to rotate them every few months so they wear at the same rate.

 

How can I extend my forklift’s lifespan?

Regular Maintenance

Preventative and regular maintenance are the key to a forklift’s survival. Always perform daily, routine checks, schedule preventative bi-annual maintenance, and get any issues checked up on immediately.

Most forklifts should be serviced every 200 hours and have extensive maintenance performed every 2,000 hours. Always check the manufacturer’s recommendations to find out exactly when your forklift should be serviced.

Being proactive could help your forklift survive up to five years longer (based on daily use) than expected!

Yard and Warehouse Maintenance

Potholes, sharp turns, and other safety hazards can cause damage and uneven wear to your fleet. A safe environment can lead to less expensive repairs over time.

Staff Training

Several people are standing around a forklift learning how to use it.

Your operators have a huge effect on your forklift’s lifespan. Collisions and tip-overs are obvious causes of damage, but heavy braking, excessive speed, and skipping inspections will also cause your forklift to wear down quicker.

Need staff training? Contact us.

 

 

How do I know when my forklift needs to be replaced?

If a forklift is slowing down productivity by requiring downtime for repairs, it may become too expensive to maintain. Consider the lifespan of the forklift and how much it costs per hour to run.

 

Forklifts are an important part of your warehouse operations. Ensuring your forklifts are running at top efficiency can help them last for years.

Prefer to rent a forklift instead of purchasing? Contact us!

 

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in October 2021. It was updated for freshness, accuracy, and comprehensiveness in January 2023. 

The Future in Equipment Training

Earlier this month, the Fayetteville Public Library in Fayetteville, AR opened the J.B. & Johnelle Hunt Family Center for Innovation. This space provides patrons with free and public access to technology and educational resources. The Center for Innovation stems from the 2020 expansion of the library, which added more than 5,000 square feet to the building. The new space offers access to workforce simulation, virtual reality, audio/video production and editing, and a robotics/fabrication lab.

The Crossland Companies Simulation Lab offers training on equipment such as large trucks, hydraulic excavators, and forklifts. These simulators offer a similar experience as hands-on training. Participants are able to log hours and then use those hours towards their certification. These simulators allow library goers to learn various trades and gain valuable knowledge that can launch them into the workforce.

Will this make a difference in the equipment training world? Absolutely. These simulators allow more people to gain training. This training allows for more efficient starting employees and less time spent on onsite training. Geared towards teens and those interested in heavy equipment, the opportunity to learn these skills come at a much earlier age.

The world needs tradesmen and the simulation lab gives people the opportunity to try out these machines and see if these fields of work are right for them- free of cost. With the construction boom currently happening, there are plenty of opportunities to come.

The library is already working on adding more simulators in the future to allow training on other pieces of equipment. A tool rental center/shop is in the works as well, with hopes to open in late 2022.

Tips To Keeping Your Equipment Up & Running In The Heat

Summer Equipment Maintenance

 

 

 

 

 

For equipment owners, warmer temperatures require summer equipment maintenance routines. Here are some tips for keeping equipment operational amid sweltering temperatures!

Check your engines

When it’s warm outside, your engine has to work harder to stay cool. It’s essential that engines have the correct coolant and oil levels. To prevent damage to your radiator and engine, make sure to regularly check that water, coolant and oil remain at manufacturer-recommended levels.

Check for leaks

Leaks can happen any time, but extreme temperature fluctuations can exacerbate existing problems. Remember to regularly check for hydraulic/oil leaks around seals and bolts.  

Check your brakes

It’s especially important to check your brakes in the warmer months. Brake friction is less reliable when it’s hot outside because brakes are adjusting to the additional heat. Make sure to check your brakes often: you may prevent a disaster!

Properly store your equipment

It’s important to give equipment reprieve from direct sunlight. Because the heat can have negative effects on some equipment components, consider storing your equipment outside of direct sunlight or, at the very least, under tarps for sun protection.

Check your coolant

It’s essential to use the correct concentration of coolant in the summer. Operators are typically advised to use a 50/50 concentration of coolant to water. Too much water can lead to decay, a lower boiling point, and further damage.

Check your belts

If you’re concerned about overheating, check for discolored hoses and loose belts. These are often early indicators of an overheated machine. Regularly checking for signs can keep you out of a pickle.

Remember to grease

To keep your engines up and running, don’t forget to properly grease. Check the machine’s manual to confirm you’re using the appropriate grease as often as advised. Since dirt and grime can mix with grease and speed up wear and tear on equipment, it’s important to regularly clean machines before re-greasing.

Cool your jets

During the summer heat, it’s especially important to ensure your cooling system is operating effectively. Regularly inspect your machine for debris. It’s advised to habitually clean cooling systems with compressed air and to check radiators, inlets, and outlets for grime and debris. Cleaning the cooling systems optimizes air flow. 

Check your tires

Hot weather adds extra stress on tires. Tire pressure can increase with the temperature, so it’s essential to regularly check that tires aren’t over-inflated.

Continue regular preventive maintenance

In addition to these extra steps, don’t forget to continue all standard preventive maintenance procedures. Consult machine’s manuals to confirm your maintenance routine covers all the bases!

 

Does your equipment need preventative or emergency maintenance? We can help! Contact our service team today! 

 

Prepare your equipment, jobsites, and employees for warmer temperatures to help avoid injuries and downtime from work. Visit our blog to learn more summer safety tips!

 

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in July 2021. We updated it for freshness, accuracy, and comprehensiveness in January 2023. 

Product Support Team Gathers for Unprecedented Meeting in Little Rock

The Hugg & Hall Equipment Company (Hugg & Hall) Product Support Team gathered for a meeting like no other. For the first time (in anyone’s memory) all parts and service managers, as well as all product support sales representatives (PSSRs), gathered together to build comradery and talk about upcoming changes in the coming year. This unprecedented meeting took place in downtown Little Rock, Ark., from May 14 to May 15 at the DoubleTree Hotel and the Robinson Center.

Vice President of Parts and Service Operations, Chris Shields, set the tone for the next two days by offering definitions of comradery and what it means to be a team player in a company of this magnitude. Shields also spoke on the game plan for the meeting, noting that the first day would be difficult because he was going to be talking about the various struggles the departments face internally. He said that he hoped by the end of it all each department would have a better sense of what it means to be a team.

“One objective, one team,” said Shields. “Relentless passion to be the best provider of services that deliver maximum equipment up time to our customers.”

Before diving into the struggles of the Product Support Team, Shield’s spoke on the team’s achievements from the previous year. The Product Support Team had a record-breaking year, they contributed about 45% of the company’s total gross profit. With technicians bringing in 72% of total revenue deriving from product support operations.

“We are in a great place as a company, not only to provide quality service to our customers but to provide quality service and training to attract and retain skilled technicians,” said Shields on the importance of the role technicians serve. “Saying things like ‘they could’ve done better’ or ‘they should’ve tried harder,’ is unacceptable. The value of our techs can’t be understated.”

Larry Denson, Parts Operations Manager at the Hugg & Hall Oklahoma City branch, was surprised by the impact technicians play in the overall success of the company.

“To see the average number in dollars of their (technicians’) contributions to the company’s gross profit and the bottom line was eye-opening, to say the least,” said Denson. “I think if more of the employees understood this it could and should help to eliminate some of those negative views technicians are saddled with.”

Shields was also proud to announce that the team is currently doing business with 55 Fortune 500 companies and 17 Fortune 1000 companies, a large majority of which are located, or have a substantial presence, in Arkansas.

“You should be very proud to do what you do and you should be very proud to do what you do with this company,” said Shields.

When it came time to address the struggles and hardships that the Product Support Team has been facing internally, Shields addressed it head-on, owning up to his part of the problem.

“I receive that, I own that, I believe in that,” said Shields.

The room grew quiet as everyone seemingly began to realize that the problems and issues they were having with specific departments were universal.

“The great thing about old walls is they can be removed,” said James Burgess, Product Support Sales Representative at the Hugg & Hall Fort Smith branch. “Our culture is changing with the business landscape, we are proving to be progressive and self-reflecting. I’m excited to be a part of the Product Support Team and look forward to the great things ahead.”

After the meeting, everyone gathered at the Flying Saucer, a local restaurant near the River Market, for dinner. This was also a great time for everyone to decompress and enjoy meeting people from other branches.

“It is always a neat experience when you get to put a face with a name,” said Denson “You hear these names of your counterparts that are in the same position as those you work with at your branch and then you finally get to meet them.”

The next morning, everyone gathered for the second half of the meeting. Shield’s kicked off the meeting by introducing structural changes within the Product Support Team’s leadership. After the new introductions were made, Mitch Perry, Regional Vice President of Product Support for the southern region, and Mark McLarty, Regional Vice President of Product Support for the northern region, conducted break off meetings with their respective colleagues to answer any questions and set the tone for future meetings.

“This isn’t going to change today, we aren’t going to be all huggy dovey as soon as we leave here, but you’ve got my trust and I hope I’ve got yours,” said McLarty to his group.

“We have the resources and people to do something incredible,” said Perry.

After a short break, everyone gathered to conclude the meeting. The meeting ended with small presentations from Lucas Hall, Product Support Software/Data Developer/Business Analyst, Tracey Gibbs, Corporate Parts Manager and Tom Mitchell, Product Support Manager at the Hugg & Hall Springdale branch. Each presented on new initiatives to minimize downtime and maximize productivity. Each of these initiatives will be detailed in future blog posts.

“This unprecedented meeting provided a unique opportunity to share real-world experiences that may be brought to bear for the benefit of our customers both external and internal; time well spent,” said Mitchell.

 

Learn How to Protect Your Equipment From Theft

How to Protect Your Equipment From Theft

There’s no way to perfectly protect from theft, but there are some measures you can take to reduce your risk. Here are some tips for keeping your equipment protected!

Check your locks

When you’re starting your project, install secure lock and fence protections, and make sure they’re maintained. Check any locks, fencing, and other systems daily. This is especially important if you’ll be away from your jobsite for a few days. Identify any potential weaknesses before someone else does! 

Check your cameras

If your company has security or surveillance cameras, check and maintain them regularly. Make sure they are operating well, positioned at the correct angles, and that they area they’re covering is well-lit. Some cameras record over old footage as a default. It’s important to have external digital storage and keep the footage until the job is complete, if not longer. 

Have a secure process and keep all documentation

Vetting procedures can help keep your equipment safe. If you are renting equipment, make sure the company you’re renting from is legitimate and trustworthy. Keep a paper trail of credit checks and identity verification. Even if your equipment is vandalized or stolen, this documentation will assist law enforcement as they recover your property. 

Register your equipment

It’s always a good idea to register your equipment with databases like the National Equipment Register (NER). These databases store and maintain your equipment information and VIN numbers. That information can help law enforcement track down and, hopefully, locate stolen items. The American Rental Association (and other like organizations) have partnerships with databases that provide an extra layer of security and a contingency plan in the unfortunate event that your property is stolen.

 

Have additional questions about how to protect your equipment from theft? Contact us! 

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in February 2019. We updated it for freshness, accuracy, and comprehensiveness in February 2023.

7 Best Safety Features to Add to Your Forklift Today

Forklift safety is vital to keeping your warehouse running smoothly. Here are seven forklift safety features to add to your warehouse! 

Orange Seatbelt

A simple orange seatbelt can help save lives! In the event of a forklift tip-over, a seatbelt can keep your operator from being crushed by the lift. 

When you install an orange, high-visibility seatbelt on your forklift, you’ll easily be able to see whether or not employees are wearing their seatbelt. 

An orange seatbelt can also remind operators to wear it, since it’s more noticeable and harder to ignore than a standard seatbelt. 

 

LED Lighting

LED lights can be easily installed in forklift cabs. They’re longer-lasting and brighter than traditional forklift lighting, which keeps the interior better-lit for your operators. 

 

Rear View Mirrors

A simple way to optimize forklift safety is to add rearview mirrors to forklift cabs. Greater visibility can lead to fewer accidents.

 

Blue/Red Light

While it’s important for your operators to be aware of your surroundings, it’s equally as important for the rest of your employees. Blue or red lights can alert your employees when a forklift is in motion.

These lights are ideal for high-volume areas, noisy workplaces, and areas with pedestrian traffic. Some lights even cast shadows alerting pedestrians that the machine is approaching.

 

Track Lighting

In addition to red/blue lights, track lighting illuminates forklift working areas. Clearly marked forklift work zones alert other workers about your forklift. 

 

Fire Extinguisher

Attachable fire extinguishers can be added to forklift cabs in the event of an emergency. 

 

Clear Cab

If your forklift ever operates outside, or is exposed to natural elements, a clear cab is a safer option than a standard cab. The clear cab protects forklifts from precipitation without sacrificing visibility. 

 

Read our article on how to safely operate a forklift here.

 

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in August 2018. We updated it for freshness, accuracy, and comprehensiveness in November 2023.

Genie Releases New “High Float” Telescopic Boom Lifts

Genie-S-85-HF-Boom

Genie S-85 HF-Boom

Genie has introduced the release of two “high float,” ANSI-compliant boom lifts. The lifts are engineered to avoid damaging soft ground surfaces while maintaining high lift capacities. Designers created the S-80 HF and S-85 HF machines to “float” on more frangible surfaces like sand and turf. The new boom lifts protect softer surfaces during operation that could be damaged by more aggressive tread on regular rough terrain machines. Hugg & Hall Equipment Company (Hugg & Hall) continually assesses the latest industry trends and advancements. As such, the features of Genie’s new telescopic boom lifts are explored in the below sections.

Float Capabilities

The S-80 HF and S-85 HF lifts were engineered to perform heavy-lifting without creating extensive damage to more delicate surfaces. The lifts protect softer surfaces that could be damaged by the more aggressive tread on regular rough terrain tires, according to Genie. The lifts feature a virtual pivot primary boom which aligns the machine’s center of gravity for lower machine weight.

Lift Capacity

The new high-float machines feature lifting capacities of 600-lbs restricted and 1,000-lbs unrestricted. The capacities will allow lifts to carry up to three people along with any necessary tools and materials, according to an article published by Lift and Access. The capacities are comparable to other models but are notable in congruence with the minimal invasiveness on vulnerable surfaces.

Platforms

Purchasers will have the option between lift baskets featuring 6-foot platforms, with dual-entry, or 8-foot platforms, with tri-entry and side-swing gate, according to Equipment World. The side-swing gate simplifies the process of entering the basket and streamlines the loading of tools and materials.

Tires

The lifts are equipped with air-filled 41/18LL x 22.5 20 ply tires, according to Equipment World. The tires support the machines intended design for productivity on sensitive surfaces, according to Lift and Access.

Engine

Both units are available with a 74-hp diesel engine, according to Lift and Access.

Working Height

The S-80 HF delivers up to 86-feet of working height and 68’6” of outreach, according to Lift and Access. The S-85 HF provides up to 91-feet of working height and 72’6” of outreach.

Features on the new high-float models include automatic envelope control, which retracts the boom when it reaches its operating envelope, and a load-sense cell that automatically limits the operating envelope to match the load chart, according to Equipment World.

Tier 4/ANSI A92 Compliance

The diesel engine offered is Tier 4 compliant, according to Lift and Access.

Corrado Gentile, a Genie product manager, said that the new Genie HF models are based on the design and engineering of the Genie Xtra Capacity (XC) booms, complying with the overload restriction and terrain-sensing guidelines in the new ANSI A92 and CSA B354 industry standards in North America, as well as European EN280 and Australian AS 1418.10 standards, according to Lift and Access.

Smart Link

Genie also added its Smart Link control system to the booms for easier operation, according to Equipment World. Its onboard diagnostics can be displayed on a new LCD screen at the ground controls, allowing machine setup, calibration and troubleshooting on the machine, with no need for a laptop or other accessories.

Other Features

  • 4WD and positive traction drive maintains equal power to all drive wheels
  • 45% gradeability (stowed) for driving on slopes
  • 160˚ platform rotation and 360˚ continuous rotation turntable for quick, precision positioning