Refuse truck body manufacturer Heil released the Heil Autonomous Lift Option, which assists drivers by leveling, dumping, and replacing front load containers with the push of a single button. This allows drivers to simply operate their vehicle and focus on maintaining a safe work environment. In addition, the H.A.L.O. joystick also incorporates standard front load body packing functions, so that operators don't have to take their eyes off the road.
In the current job market, finding and retaining capable equipment operators has proven to be a universally challenging task. While highly productive commercial front load vehicles are the mainstay of waste hauling companies, the operator shortage is compounded by the complexity and learning curve of operating traditional front loaders.
Pat Carroll, President of Environmental Solutions Group stated, "With H.A.L.O., we've incorporated smart machine learning into Heil's legendary Odyssey hydraulic control-equipped Half/Pack commercial front loader, making it much easier for drivers, both new and seasoned, to operate more safely and more productively."
Carroll added, "H.A.L.O. assists the driver by automatically emptying ANSI-compliant 2 through 8-yard containers and replacing them back into their original positions, all with the push of a single button. New drivers operating H.A.L.O.-equipped Half/Pack front loaders are productive on day one, as H.A.L.O. allows them to focus on driving the vehicle instead of concentrating on lifting, leveling, dumping and packing."
"H.A.L.O. virtually eliminates the costly effects of cab shield damage or broken windshields associated with improperly dumping a can – a problem we see much more frequently with newer drivers," said Carroll. "Further, it reduces driver frustration and fatigue as they no longer have to focus on dumping the container while straining to watch for people, overhead wires or other obstacles. With H.A.L.O.'s one-button controls, the operator can focus on safely maneuvering these large vehicles without having to figure out complicated levers and buttons."
In addition, Carroll noted that the integration of the packer controls onto the joystick, which allow the driver to concentrate on their surroundings without having to look at the control panel for the correct button, has received very positive operator feedback.
TCC is a performance metric that calculates the overall cost of the asset (i.e., vehicle cost, fuel, maintenance, tags, depreciation, labor, etc.) divided by the number of container yards serviced each day. Fleet owners are increasingly using TCC as a key factor in purchasing decisions as the lower the TCC, the higher the overall return on investment of the vehicle.
The Heil Automated Lift Option is offered through Parts Central as an aftermarket installation for 2018 and 2019 Heil Half/Pack Commercial front loaders with Odyssey hydraulic controls (non-residential units) only – and available on new Half/Pack orders.
Check out a video of the lift option in action below:
