DOLL Launches Series Production of Half Cut Highloaders for Airports
DOLL Airport Equipment has started series production of its Half Cut highloaders. For this, the leading international supplier of catering, cleaning and medical highloaders is increasing its production capacity and shortening its delivery times.
The special vehicles for loading aircraft will not only be ready for use on the tarmac more quickly, but also offer greater safety and ease of use.
“To manufacture our Half Cut highloaders, we use a standardized, documented process that enables shorter throughput times despite the demanding conversion,” says Renato Ramella, Managing Director at DOLL Airport Equipment. “For our customers, this means consistent high quality with faster delivery – even for large orders. Customers can plan exactly when the vehicles will be available to them.” In the past, the driver’s cabs were converted by an external service provider in individual manual work. Today, DOLL uses a standardized industrial process and controls the entire manufacturing process from conversion of the cab and production of the lift system to final assembly according to clearly defined procedures. All production steps are precisely timed and coordinated with each other.
The new DOLL Half Cut highloader consists of an Iveco Eurocargo – with the passenger side removed – and a superstructure. This design makes it possible to position the superstructure and the transfer bridge lower. As a result, smaller aircraft with low sill heights can be serviced, and the driver has a clear view of the aircraft door when docking. During conversion, the original cab is separated from the frame, shortened by half, and reinforced. The trim parts, seals, insulation and instrument panel are then adapted. Electrical wiring is also rerouted before the cab is remounted on the chassis. The interior fixtures are rounded off with a specially adapted passenger seat. The stability and safety of the halved cabs were proven in a comprehensive ECE crash test before the start of series production. The vehicle also meets all the requirements of the EU-wide General Safety Regulation GSR II.
To ensure safe and smooth docking with the aircraft, the DOLL Half Cut highloaders are equipped with state-of-the-art assistance systems. On the missing passenger side, DOLL has replaced the classic exterior mirror with a mirror replacement camera system. It shows the driver three views of the right side of the vehicle on two screens in the cab. This allows the driver to remain fully aware of his surroundings even in tight spaces – even when multiple service vehicles are maneuvering around the aircraft at the same time.
When approaching the aircraft, a 3D sensor system scans the area around the vehicle and protects against collisions. As soon as it detects the aircraft at a distance of less than 0.5 meters, the system brakes automatically. The driver can also see the distance between the aircraft and the vehicle in real time via a 3D camera. An additional display allows the driver to check the position of the stabilizers, lifting scissors, box body, or platform. “Every second counts when handling aircraft,” says Maximilian Roth, Vice President of Operations and Engineering at DOLL Airport Equipment. “Loading demands the utmost precision from the drivers. Even the slightest lapse in concentration can result in millions in damage or, worse, injuries. Our systems ensure that drivers maneuver safely and efficiently – even in stressful situations.”
In addition to the safety features, customers also benefit from a faster approval process. The DOLL Half Cut highloader has been fully certified throughout Europe. The Certificate of Conformity (COC) confirms that the vehicle complies with all EU type approval regulations. It contains all the technical data relevant for registration. This means that the vehicle can be approved in a single step, without separate approval processes for the cab and superstructure. This saves time and ensures that the special vehicles are ready for use on the road and tarmac more quickly.