Less downtime, more productivity: JLG's new ES scissors

The new features on JLG's ES scissors – the range of electric models first launched in 2003 - aim to make the equipment more reliable and reduce the cost of owning a machine. The changes will also be capable of retrofitting to existing models.

The five machines now have an on-board fault diagnostics, removing the need to use the plug-in, hand-held analyser that isn't always available on site. The new fault code display shows a four-digit code that can be used to pinpoint the exact problem with the machine. The most common codes appear in the operator‘s handbook, so they can be identified on the spot.

A lot of attention has been given to tidying up cables, where some problems have been encountered with the first generation models. Drive motor cables could be inconsistently routed during servicing and when too tight or too loose became damaged. Platform cables, meanwhile, were too long and could became damaged when untied. The drive cables have been redesigned to hold the correct position and cannot be over tightened or sag; and the over long platform cable has been replaced with a part-spiral cable which stretches and retracts with the platform extension. Cable ties have been replaced with plated steel fasteners.

The one-piece brake housing used on the first models has been replaced with a two-piece assembly. This allows the removal of the top half only, leaving the brake cover secure. There is also better protection against moisture intrusion with an improved seal. Some operational adjustments have also been made. The ‘function ready' delay has been reduced from three to just two seconds – reducing the likelihood that an operator will try to engage a function before it is ready - and there is no longer any need to re-boot the system if the operator trys to “beat the beep”. JLG said this is expected to greatly reduce the number of ‘nuisance' service calls. New, heavier, cast wheels – rather than the welded steel used previously - will reduce damage to the rims caused by high impacts such as forklifts setting the machine down too hard at an angle. The U shaped runner on the deck extension has been changed to an L shape so debris cannot collect in the channel and jam the extension deck.

The hand rails on the scissors have been made easy to raise and lower, and JLG has designed a suite of accessories for the ES platforms including: pipe racks, a vice, ‘workstation in the sky' multi-unit and electric tree for wire and panel holding clamps.

Most of these new features can be retrofited to the ES series. Bill Dovey, JLG's product champion for scissors, told AI; “Changing an existing product affects what's being sold. Enhancements must be backward compatible so they can be ‘bolted' on to existing products. It could always be carried out at a service centre like ServicePlus, but it should be easy enough for the rental fleet guy to do it himself.”

Mr Dovey adds that some of the new details may be suitable for use on some other scissors, for example, on-board diagnostics on the LE range.