JLG debuts numerous new products

JLG Industries used ConExpo, March 7-11, to take the wraps off a number of new products, including high-capacity telehandlers, narrow electric scissor lifts, hybrid and redesigned boom lifts.

JLG’s latest hybrid model the H800AJ, leverages the design of its standard 800AJ articulating boom. The only significant difference between the two is defined by the power package and batteries.

The JLG H800AJ uses parallel hybrid technology, boasting a powerful electric motor/generator and a Tier 4 Final fuel efficient engine. Together, the motor/generator and engine combination provide diesel-like performance. The machine can also run exclusively in electric mode through its battery pack located in the counterweight. These batteries are maintenance free and charge on demand by the machine’s generator during operation, resulting in reduced noise and zero emissions, making the machine ideal for work in city, green and low emissions zones.

The platform height of the H800AJ is 80 feet with an unrestricted platform capacity of 500 pounds.

The two new high-capacity telehandlers, the JLG 1644 and 1732, will be available to North and Latin America customers in May. As the nomenclature would state, the 1644 will be a 16,000-pound capacity unit with a lift height of 44 feet, while the 1732 will be a 17,000-pound telehandler with a 32-foot lift height.

“Not only are these machines the first JLG telehandlers in the high-capacity category, but they are also the first telehandlers in North America with SmartLoad Technology,” said John Boehme, JLG Industries product manager, telehandlers. “SmartLoad is an advanced bundle of three integrated technologies that work together to deliver a greater level of operator confidence. It will be offered as optional equipment on the 1644 and 1732 telehandlers.”

The first component of the SmartLoad Technology bundle is attachment recognition, which allows a telehandler to identify an attachment and display the appropriate load chart to the operator. The second, a load management information system (LMIS) graphically depicts the location of the load within the load chart, provides the operator with an indication of compliance, and prevents the operator from violating the boundaries of the chart; and the third, a load stability indicator (LSI) works in conjunction with the LMIS to limit operation when a load becomes non-compliant.

“Armed with the real-time load data this package provides, operators will work with increased confidence, while fleet owners avoid the costly repairs that may result from overloading a machine.”

Additionally, the JLG 1644 and 1732 are among the first equipped with JLG’s precision gravity lowering system. Equipped with this system, the telehandlers rely on hydraulic power to raise the boom, but use gravity to lower it, providing the operator with better, more precise control. According to Boehme, JLG plans to incorporate this new technology throughout its entire line of JLG telehandlers later this year.

Scissor launch

JLG also debuted two new electric scissor lifts, the 4045R and 1532R, which will be available globally mid-2017.

“The new 4045 features a slim line design for seamless movement in and around tight work areas, offering a 45 inch machine width —the narrowest offered among competitive manufacturers in its size class,” said Paul Kreutzwiser JLG Industries global category director, aerial work platforms. “Machine width is extremely important when used in distribution centers and warehouse applications, where machines are maneuvered through tightly spaced aisles. The compact footprint of the 4045R enables side-by-side transport on most trucks and inside containers for lower transportation costs and improved efficiency.”

The 4045R, which features a 40-foot platform height, is the first JLG electric scissor lift to feature side forklift pockets.

“In addition, the lift’s innovative self-centering feature uses a five-level scissor design with fewer linkage points versus competitive six -level models,” JLG said. “Fewer linkage points improve operator comfort.”

JLG said the 4045R is one of the only scissor lifts in its category with both an indoor and outdoor rating. Operators can drive the machine at full height indoors and at a maximum 28 feet outdoors for enhanced versatility.

Like the 4045R, the JLG 1532R features compact dimensions, including a 32-inch machine width.  The unit has a platform height of 15 feet and platform capacity of 600 pounds.

Both units feature: pothole protection; an improved battery charger that allows technicians to program changes that optimize charge curves for conventional wet or AGM batteries through a simple USB port; and an all-steel platform, steel component trays and recessed ground control panels.

Updated booms

JLG also showcased its redesigned 600 series of telescopic boom lifts and showed its 600S at the event. The company also has updated its 660SJ.

Lift speeds on these new booms are faster, JLG said, with the ability to operate multiple functions at once. In addition, the machines are easier to transport. Their lighter-weight telescopic booms allow for multiple transport configurations. With a properly equipped truck, two of these units can be moved at one time without an overweight permit.

The new 600S and 660SJ include the JLG SkyGuard enhanced control panel protection system as standard equipment. The SkyGuard sensor, when activated by approximately 50 pounds of force, stops all functions in use, temporarily reversing the unit for enhanced operator safety. These two new booms also benefit from extended wire rope and sheave replacement intervals - from eight to 12 years - up to 7,000 hours.

Aftermarket support

The company also announced its new parts distribution center in Las Vegas. The new 215,000-square-foot parts distribution center will stock more than 20,000 SKUs. The parts offering from this facility will include all products from the JLG Genuine, JLG Reman and new MaxQuip lines. All parts are available for domestic shipment with next day availability in North America. 

“Opening the Las Vegas parts distribution center represents our continued commitment to being the industry leader in aftermarket service and reducing our customers’ cost of doing business,” said Jonathan Dawley, global vice president, aftermarket at JLG Industries, Inc. “This new PDC brings our parts inventory geographically closer to customers for quicker delivery of parts. As a result, machines are up and running in less time, increasing productivity and reducing total cost of ownership.”

Customers will continue to use the company’s Online Express customer portal or retail order hotline to place parts orders for new or remanufactured parts. Orders will be shipped from the nearest JLG parts location directly to the customer. Shipping options will remain the same.

The new parts distribution center will employ a team of 25 full-time workers and is part of a strategic partnership with XPO Logistics, a proven provider of distribution and logistics services that operate in 33 countries. JLG plans to open an additional 316,000-square-foot parts distribution center in Atlanta later this year.

“These two new distribution centers will enable us to efficiently service the parts needs of customers coast-to-coast,” said Dawley. “In addition to reduced delivery times and improved customer service, the locations will provide added storage capacity and warehouse systems, along with transportation efficiencies, which will contribute to cost savings for the buyer.”

The new location will also include a JLG Service Training facility, including a classroom and two fully appointed service bays to offer customers on the West Coast an option to receive JLG technical training.