HUDDIG: The Transformer of Construction Equipment Lands in North America
When you first lay eyes on a HUDDIG, it’s hard not to think you’ve stumbled onto a real-life Transformer. With its multi-function design, this Swedish-built powerhouse blurs the line between wheel loader, excavator, man lift, and more. At the recent equipment showcase, HUDDIG Inc. President Paul Barlow walked us through the machine that’s redefining what versatility means in heavy equipment.
A Swedish Legacy, Now Breaking Ground in the U.S.
HUDDIG has been building construction equipment for more than 65 years, focusing primarily on the Scandinavian market. Recently, the company set its sights on North America—introducing the HUDDIG 1370 Cable Machine, a true “tool belt machine” that can run virtually any hydraulic attachment.
“If we can lift it, we can operate it,” said Barlow. “It’s the Swiss Army knife of construction.”
The Power to Run Anything
At the heart of the HUDDIG 1370 is a Cummins QSB 6.7 engine, paired with Parker hydraulics, Bosch pumps, and ZF axles and transmissions—all well-known Western components. The machine delivers up to 45 gallons per minute of hydraulic flow both front and rear, allowing operators to run high-demand attachments like snow blowers, brush cutters, and even cranes.
“Everything about it is modular,” Barlow explained. “The base machine provides the power, and you simply attach what you need—snowblower, bucket, lift, crane—you name it.”
Certified, Safe, and Smart
The HUDDIG 1370 comes with a fully certified A92.2 man lift and features remote operation capabilities, allowing it to be controlled entirely via shoulder-mounted control harness. This adds a unique level of safety and flexibility for operators working near power lines or other sensitive environments.
And yes—it’s road legal, capable of driving up to 26 miles per hour between job sites.
Inside the cab, operators will find a seat-position sensor that automatically recognizes which way the operator is facing. “If you rotate the seat, the controls and directional logic follow you,” said Barlow. “You can even press a reverse function and operate behind you—it’s completely dynamic.”
Training and Dealer Support
While the machine itself might seem complex, Barlow assures that servicing it isn’t.
“It’s hydraulics, hydrostatics, and electronics—just more of them,” he said. “If you can work on a Cummins engine or Parker system, you can work on a HUDDIG.”
Training is done entirely hands-on in the field, rather than in a classroom. When a machine is sold, HUDDIG sends a factory expert to the dealer or job site to conduct multi-day training sessions covering operation and maintenance.
Dealers are certified as part of HUDDIG’s Authorized Repair Network, with some technicians sent to Sweden for in-depth factory training.
Versatility in Action
One standout capability of the HUDDIG 1370 is its ability to set utility poles single-handedly. With a Grab John bucket and man lift attachment, operators can remove old poles, set new ones, and reconnect cables—all without moving the base machine.
“It’s one of the most impressive demonstrations we do,” Barlow shared. “You can unhook cables, dig, set, and backfill—all with one operator.”
Dealer Network and Expansion Plans
HUDDIG is establishing its North American presence through an expanding dealer network, rather than direct sales. Dealers are already in place in Nebraska, Alberta, and Ontario, with additional partnerships on the horizon.
“Our strategy is to build support locally,” Barlow explained. “We want dealers to handle day-to-day support, backed by factory expertise.”
Precision You Can See—And Taste
HUDDIG is no stranger to showmanship. At ConExpo, the company famously demonstrated the precision of its hydraulics by using the excavator arm to open beer bottles—without breaking a drop.
“We can control hydraulic flow from zero to one hundred percent,” Barlow said. “It’s smooth enough to pop a cap, pour the beer into a glass, and hand it to someone—all with the excavator arm.”
Looking Ahead
From public works to utilities and municipal maintenance, HUDDIG’s hybrid design is proving that one machine really can replace five. As Barlow put it, “We’re not here to compete with wheel loaders or excavators—we’re here to redefine what a single machine can do.”
With its innovative design, field-based training model, and relentless precision, the HUDDIG 1370 isn’t just another machine—it’s a movement toward smarter, more adaptable construction equipment in North America.
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