New Boom Lifts Introduced by JLG

New Boom Lifts Introduced by JLG

McConnellsburg, Pa.-based JLG Industries' product introductions will cause some excitement in the aerial work platform industry, particularly with two new boom lifts—the 150-foot 1500SJ and the 340AJ— it will show at ConExpo. In November, Lift and Access spent time with JLG product managers at the Orrville, Ohio, facility to discuss the latest additions to its AWP product line, as well as the new telehandler tire supplied by Bridgestone Americas and the updated T26E mast boom model.

Most significant is the 1500SJ, the tallest straight boom lift in North America, which will available in the spring. According to JLG, this Ultra Boom model shares many of the same features as the 1350SJ, including the newly adopted steel hood design to improve durability, swing-out 74.9-hp Deutz diesel engine, and the passive oscillating axle system, which locks at six inches on each side. However, the unit weighs 48,000 pounds, 3,000 pounds heavier than the 1350SJ, requiring a weight permit for transport. Note that it does not need a height or width permit when transported on an appropriate trailer, as it measures 8'2" wide and 10 feet tall when stowed.

The 1500SJ's telescoping jib measures 25 feet when extended and 15 feet when stowed. The jib rotates 180° at the platform . Total horizontal reach for the 1500SJ is 80 feet. When the boom and jib are completely stowed, it collapses down to 43 feet (61 feet long with the jib out). Swing is 360° continuous.

In terms of performance, the new Ultra Boom features a 3 mph drive speed and 40 percent gradeability. With axles retracted, outside turning radius is 22'6". Crab steer ratio is 1:1. Tires are foam-filled as standard. Three steering modes are available. New on the 1500SJ is the 53 gallon fuel tank, which is a significant increase in capacity compared to the 31 gallon tank on the 1350SJ. Both units have a 55 gallon hydraulic reservoir.

At the 36"x96" platform, the control box is similar to other Ultra Boom models. A new graphical LCD display offers up key information including flash codes, should the machine need to maintained or repaired, without having to plug in a laptop or other diagnostic tools. Platform capacity is 500 pounds unrestricted and 1,000 pounds restricted, which must be selected manually by the operator to keep the machine from going beyond its intended lift envelope.

340AJ boom lift

JLG also has introduced the 340AJ boom lift to its product line, which features a lift height of 34 feet, 20 feet of horizontal reach, and 17-foot up-and-over reach. The boom rotates 350° non-continuously on a worm-driven bull gear swing drive. Gravity down boom operation requires only 1/2 amp of solenoid power to lower the boom to a stowed position.

The unit, which fills a gap in JLG's articulating boom lift product line, weighs 9,700 pounds and measures 18 feet long. According to JLG, when the 500-pound capacity platform is tucked in the length is only 13 feet, enabling three of these boom lifts to fit on a 40-foot trailer.

The company showed Lift and Access its gas/propane prototype, but a Tier 4-compatible diesel option will also be available. From a maintenance standpoint, oil samples can be taken from a port on the hydraulic valve to test the oil without going directly into the tank. Batteries also can be tested on the outside of the machine. The GM engine swings out for service, and a steel hoods enhance the 340AJ's durability.

For performance, the engine has four RPM modes: 1200 at idle, 1800 when lifting/telescoping, 2400 with multiple boom operations, and 3000 in high drive. Additionally, the brakes are built into the hubs. To keep the machine from running out of gas during operation, the boom lift will shut down when only 1.5 gallons of fuel are left in the tank. The operator can then start the engine once more to move the unit.

Pneumatic tires are standard on the 340AJ, although non-marking, solid cushion, and foam-filled tires are available as options.

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