Faster in Operation, Safer at the Aircraft: DOLL Receives Europe-Wide Certification for New Half Cut Highloader

DOLL Airport Equipment is making its Half Cut highloader for aircraft loading even safer and more user-friendly. The international leading provider of catering, cleaning and medical hub systems has already received full Europe-wide certification for the vehicle. This allows customers to register the specialized vehicle much faster. The new DOLL-Half Cut highloader also offers improved driver visibility and enhanced safety on the tarmac. Intelligent assistance systems support the driver during safe maneuvering and precise docking at the aircraft.

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 an unobstructed view of the aircraft door during docking. The Europe-wide certification confirms that the Half Cut highloader complies with all EU type approval regulations. All technical data relevant for registration is included in the Certificate of Conformity (COC). Separate approvals for the cab and superstructure are no longer required. This significantly shortens the registration process. Even outside the EU, the COC provides a basis for technical assessments and can accelerate import procedures.

Until now, the cab modification was handled by an external service provider, while the lifting structure was manufactured separately at DOLL. In the future, the specialty vehicle manufacturer will control the entire manufacturing process through to final assembly, following clearly defined series production standards. This ensures planning reliability. “We can schedule the production steps more precisely and increase our capacities in a targeted manner,” emphasizes Maximilian Roth, Vice President of Operations and Engineering at DOLL Airport Equipment. “This enables us to deliver large-scale orders even faster and on time.”

Greater Visibility and Improved Handling – Even in Tight Spaces

The driver’s cab complies with the EU’s General Safety Regulation GSR II.  The vehicle is equipped with state-of-the-art camera and side radar systems for collision avoidance. In addition, the cab successfully passed the comprehensive ECE crash test conducted by a certified EU testing authority. All safety standards for frontal, side, and roof impact were met.

DOLL has extensively redesigned its Half Cut highloader. The focus is on maximizing driver visibility and enhancing safety – even in high-stress situations. Instead of a conventional right-hand exterior mirror, the vehicle features a modern mirror replacement camera system. Two monitors inside the cab display three camera views of the vehicle’s right side. This allows the driver to maintain full situational awareness, even when multiple service vehicles and GSE units are operating around the aircraft at the same time.

Faster and Safer Docking

 Precision and safety are crucial when docking at the aircraft. That’s why the new DOLL Half Cut highloader is equipped with advanced assistance systems. A 3D sensor system scans the area around the vehicle and continuously measures the distance to the aircraft during approach. As soon as the aircraft is detected within 0.5 meters, the system automatically initiates braking.

A 3D camera provides the driver with a real-time display of the distance between the vehicle and the aircraft. Once in final position, the system indicates the exact alignment of the stabilizers, lifting scissors, box body, and platform. This reduces operator error and speeds up the docking process. In addition, a display offers a full 360-degree view around the vehicle. Here, the driver can access short, easy-to-understand training videos explaining all key vehicle functions. This makes it easier for new or less experienced operators to get started and ensures safe handling.

A video of the successfully completed ECE crash test can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZLwW9rcxVIs

About DOLL Airport Equipment 

DOLL Airport Equipment is a leading manufacturer of scissor lift vehicles for loading aircraft. The company develops and manufactures catering, cleaning, and medical highloaders for transporting people with limited mobility. Innovative smart assistance systems enhance their product lineup and boost safety and efficiency on the tarmac. DOLL Airport Equipment is part of DOLL Fahrzeugbau GmbH and comprises the wholly-owned subsidiaries DOLL America Inc., based in New Jersey, and DOLL Airport Equipment GmbH, located in Oppenau, Black Forest.