Hammar is set to launch two new models as it celebrates 50 years of operations – Hammar 550, the world’s first Sideloader with 50 tonnes Safe Working Load, and the new flagship model Hammar 500.
This year marks 50 years since Bengt-Olof Hammar developed the first Hammar Sideloader and founded Hammar in Sweden.
Hammar Maskin AB was founded in 1974 and the first Hammarlift was built in the same year. This first unit was later nicknamed “the shark” due to its registration number HAJ 789. Haj translates as shark in Swedish.
“The Shark” is now something of a legend, having travelled around both Sweden and Norway. In 2008, the Shark returned home to Hammar in Olsfors where, 50 years since manufacture, it still can be operated and lift heavy containers. The original owner of the Shark remains a loyal Hammar customer to this day and, in fact, took delivery of their most recent Hammar Sideloader in December 2023.
“Performing the first lifts with the first Sideloader I built is one of my strongest memories during my 50-year journey with the company,” said Bengt-Olof Hammar, CEO and owner.
“We are proud of its history and what it says about Hammar. It demonstrates the principle we stand behind, high quality and satisfied customers.”
Over the years, Hammar has had one single focus: sideloaders. This dedicated focus has earned the company an estimated 65-70% share of the global sideloader market. With five subsidiaries and more than 50 service stations worldwide, Hammar Sideloaders have been sold into more than 122 countries, and can be found on all world continents, including Antarctica.
Hammar has always strived to be the leader in sideloader technology. For example,1974 through to 2023 has seen the tare weight for the lightest 30+ tonne capacity Hammars decrease from around 10 tonnes to less than 7 tonnes. The model programme has grown from two to seven different models and the Safe Working Load has increased from 30 to 45 tonnes.
In 2024, during the 50-year anniversary, Hammar will take another big step in sideloader development, adding two new models and increasing the maximum Safe Working Load from 45 to 50 tonnes.
Fifty years on, and the next significant development is the Hammar 550 model. It comes with a world-first 50 tonnes Safe Working Load (CE-marked). Initially developed for handling large cable drums, the design will be usable for many more applications.
“The Hammar 550 is a big step forward in broadening the Sideloader market and expanding what sideloaders are used for. It has been developed for loads that are heavier and larger than any other sideloader has previously been able to handle,” said Bengt-Olof.
The first Hammar 550 will be built in the second quarter of 2024 and will handle cable drums in the UK, with the most extreme weights at 50 tonnes.
New flagship model
Another major innovation is Hammar’s new flagship model, the Hammar 500. The Hammar 500 is based on a range of proven technologies that have been merged and improved. What is unique about the 500 model is its 6m crane reach and support legs that provide significantly increased stability.
These features allow a large handling area that, for example, enable you to stack two containers two rows deep, and has a capacity approximately equivalent to 100 tonne-metre. The 500’s support legs will have three different operating positions providing great versatility. Offered with 36 or 45 tonnes Safe Working Load, the first Hammar 500 will be presented at Lastbil 2024 in Jönköping and at IAA Transportation Exhibition in Germany.
