Product analysis: what’s next for boom lifts?

JLG’s EC450AJ boom lift. (Image: JLG).

Electric and hybrid lifts continue to influence equipment development, particularly in Europe. However, manufacturers are saying that uptime, productivity and ease of use remain the primary drivers behind new boom lift designs, with many innovations focused on updating existing models rather than introducing entirely new machines.

Demand drivers

Continued investment in infrastructure and industrial construction projects worldwide is driving demand for access equipment, according to Samuel Myers, product manager at JLG.

Full reconditioning Genie has launched a new refurbishment programme, Genie Recon, enabling customers to add factory-reconditioned boom lifts to their fleets at a lower cost than purchasing new machines. A newly reconditioned S-86 boom lift from Genie Recon. (Image: Genie). Initially focused on the Genie S-65 and S-85 telescopic boom lifts in North America, the programme is operated from a dedicated facility in Springfield, Missouri. Factory-trained technicians follow a structured process using Genie Genuine Parts, comprehensive inspections and functional testing to restore machines to near-new condition. Each unit is backed by a three-year warranty, providing customers with a cost-effective route to reliable equipment while extending product life cycles.

“We’re seeing significant activity tied to large-scale developments such as data centres, power generation facilities, grid modernisation projects and manufacturing expansion, all accelerated by the rapid growth of AI and digital infrastructure requirements.”

These projects are also creating increased demand for urban construction, including housing, schools, hospitals, warehouses and commercial developments.

As a result, customers are demanding greater productivity, performance and reliability from their boom lifts.

“Jobsite schedules are tighter than ever, and crews need to accomplish the same amount of work, or more, in less time,” says Myers.

This means demand for higher-capacity platforms capable of carrying more workers, tools and materials, alongside machines designed to maximise uptime.

Customers are also increasingly interested in technologies and accessories that improve the overall jobsite experience.

Uptime and serviceability

Reflecting these priorities, JLG previewed its new 860SJ+ telescopic boom lift at ConExpo earlier this year.

Based on the existing 860SJ, the new model incorporates a series of design enhancements intended to simplify maintenance and keep machines operating at peak performance. Improvements include better access to service points and centralised maintenance components to streamline troubleshooting and servicing.

The machine also incorporates JLG’s ClearSky Smart Fleet Internet of Things (IoT) platform, providing enhanced connectivity and fleet management capabilities.

For the European market, JLG recently launched the EC450AJ Compact electric articulated boom lift. Designed and manufactured at the company’s Hinowa facility in Italy, the machine is aimed at congested worksites where compact dimensions and manoeuvrability are essential.

The lightweight boom is equipped with a standard 10kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack, with an optional 20kWh configuration for extended operating times. JLG says the batteries are designed to last the life of the machine and are fully supported by warranty.

Practical innovation

Newly updated Sinoboom has upgraded its AB18J Plus and electric AB18EJ Plus boom lifts with a range of features aimed at rental customers in Europe, North America and Australasia. (Image: Sinoboom). Both models now offer dual platform capacities of 250kg and 340kg, with a maximum platform height of 18.58m and up to 12m horizontal outreach. A 360° continuous rotation system improves flexibility while reducing the need for machine repositioning. The AB18EJ Plus receives a larger 500Ah battery pack, while an optional range extender further increases operating time. Customers can also specify a four-wheel-drive and four-wheel-steer configuration for improved rough-terrain performance. Designed on the same platform as the larger AB22J Plus, the machines retain transport-friendly dimensions suitable for containers and flatbed trucks.

For MEC Aerial Work Platforms, innovation must remain focused on helping operators work more effectively.

“There is a lot of conversation in the industry around automation, jobsite technology and the future of work,” says David Baxter, vice president of product.

“Those are not bad things, but they can become distractions from the main mission

of helping operators get into position easily and complete their work efficiently.”

Hybrid power forms part of that strategy, but only where it delivers practical benefits.

MEC’s latest boom lift developments include the 66-RJ, 135-RJ and DualReach 85-J Hybrid.

The DualReach 85-J Hybrid combines electric operation with an onboard diesel generator, allowing operators to work in low-emission environments while maintaining productivity when charging infrastructure is limited.

The 66-RJ and 135-RJ feature MEC’s Max Series multi-directional rotating jib, providing 135° of vertical movement and 120° of horizontal rotation.

“Often, operators tell us that what matters as much as working height and reach is local positioning,” says Baxter. “Once elevated, can they position the platform precisely without constantly moving the entire machine?”

The 66-RJ offers a 22.2m working height and 17m outreach, while the 135-RJ reaches 43m with 24.4m outreach.

Niftylift’s HR22SE, the first stick-boom self-propelled platform from the company. (Photo: Niftylift)

Electrification continues

Nevertheless, electrification remains one of the industry’s most significant trends, particularly across Europe.

According to Simon Maher of Niftylift, growing demand for lower- and zero-emission equipment is shaping product development across construction, infrastructure, industrial maintenance and indoor applications.

The A38E from Snorkel is part of the all electric trend. (Image: Snorkel).

“Our current development direction is focused heavily on sustainable powered access solutions, particularly in the all-electric, hybrid and hydrogen-electric sectors,” says Maher.

Customers are also increasingly seeking longer operating cycles, faster charging, reduced machine weight and lower total cost of ownership.

Among Niftylift’s latest launches is the HeightRider 12 Narrow (HR12N) MK3, available in both all-electric and diesel-electric configurations. The machine offers a 12.1m working height, 6.4m outreach and 225kg platform capacity within a compact chassis.

The company has also expanded its second-generation HR12 4x4 MK2 range, available with either hybrid or diesel power. Weighing 3,480kg, it delivers a 6.4m outreach and 227kg safe working load.

At the larger end of the range, Niftylift recently introduced the HR22SE Stick-Boom, an all-electric 22m telescopic boom with an unrestricted working envelope and 18.8m outreach.

Lightweight and versatile

Snorkel also identifies hybrid and electric power as key trends across Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

“Lightweight and compact designs are becoming increasingly popular due to their transportation efficiency, application flexibility and ability to operate in congested urban environments,” says the company.

The manufacturer points to its A38E articulated boom lift as a good example of this trend. Weighing 3,843kg, it is among the lightest machines in the 12-14m articulated boom category.

Its compact turning radius, fully electric drive system and full-day operating capability on a single charge make it suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications.

Localisation strategy At APEX 2026 in Maastricht, Zoomlion highlighted its European localisation strategy, centred around its new manufacturing facility in Tatabánya, Hungary. Zoomlion’s ZT14JE telescopic boom lift will be on its APEX stand. (Image: Zoomlion). “This facility represents a major milestone in our European strategy, demonstrating our commitment to local manufacturing, local service and local support,” the company said. Among the products showcased were the ZT14JE electric telescopic boom and the 50.6m working-height ZT51J ultra-high boom. With the exception of the ultra boom, all exhibited models were electric, reflecting growing demand for low-emission access equipment.

Looking beyondpurchase price Haulotte believes increasing competition is prompting customers to evaluate machines based on lifecycle value rather than acquisition cost alone.

“Customers are paying closer attention to uptime, maintenance efficiency, durability and residual value,” says the company.

At the same time, demand for high-performance electric rough-terrain booms continues to grow, alongside increasing interest in compact slab electric boom lifts for industrial applications.

Haulotte HA20 E

Haulotte’s latest developments include the HA16 E and HA20 E ranges, which combine zero-emission operation with performance levels traditionally associated with diesel-powered rough-terrain booms.

The HA16 E offers a 300kg platform capacity, while the HA20 E provides a 250kg unrestricted capacity, increasing to 350kg with the Extra Reach option.

The company says it is currently the only manufacturer offering additional tilt capability alongside increased platform capacity, allowing operation on slopes of up to 6°.

Both machines also feature four-wheel steering to improve manoeuvrability in confined working environments.

Customer requirements are also high on the list for JCB. They increasingly want boom lifts that can deliver greater productivity on site, said the company. Key areas of demand include dual-capacity platforms, increased outreach and lift height and smoother boom movements while elevated to improve operator control and confidence when working at height.

There is also growing demand for machines that can deliver strong on-site performance while reducing emissions, noise and operating costs, particularly in urban environments and projects with stricter sustainability requirements.

The A60E showing its height to ground capabilities. (Image: JCB).

As such, JCB’s latest boom lift models are the A60E and A60EH articulated booms, available with either full battery-electric or hybrid power. Both offer an 18.3m platform height, 11.9m outreach and dual platform capacities of 300kg unrestricted or 454kg restricted. Key features include four-wheel drive, 360° rotation, regenerative braking, IP67-protected drive motors and JCB LiveLink telematics. The A60E delivers zero-emission, low-noise operation, while the hybrid A60EH combines electric drive with a diesel engine for extended runtime on remote sites.

Understanding uptime

Skyjack says maximising uptime remains central to its boom lift development strategy.

Common components across product ranges simplify maintenance and parts management, while service points are designed for easy access.

The latest battery-powered SJ45 AJN and SJ45 ARJN slab booms provide a platform height of 13.69m and a platform capacity of 227kg.

Skyjack’s SJ45AJN.

The SJ45 AJN delivers 7.8m of up-and-over reach, while the SJ45 ARJN adds a rotating jib for more precise positioning.

Both machines can pass through standard double doorways and feature compact transport dimensions.

Skyjack has also introduced the rough-terrain SJ45 AJE+ and SJ60 AJE+, along with hybrid SJ45 AJHE+ and SJ60 AJHE+ models, combining rough-terrain capability with operation in emission-sensitive environments.

For the Chinese and Southeast Asian markets, the company has launched the battery-powered SJ28 TE+, a 28m telescopic boom equipped with lithium-ion batteries and AC drive technology designed to reduce ownership costs.

Tracked launch The 1450 self-levelling tracked telescopic boom delivers 14.8m working height. (Image: Almac). Almacrawler has launched the JIBBI 1450, a self-levelling tracked telescopic boom offering a 14.8m working height, 7.5m outreach and class-leading transportability. The machine weighs just 2,890kg in diesel form and 2,910kg in lithium-electric configuration, making transportation easier than many comparable products. Three key engineering features define the machine: dynamic self-levelling on slopes of up to ±15°, a variable-width undercarriage and the company’s Integrated Drive System (IDS), which allows operators to control drive and boom functions through a single joystick. According to Almacrawler, rental customers increasingly demand genuine zero-emission capability, reduced transport weight, advanced safety systems, connectivity and improved operator ergonomics. “Productivity is increasingly determined by these details,” says the company.