Next steps in boom lifts

However, the situation has not stopped manufacturers from continuing their focus on green energy equipment launches, which falls into step with Bauma’s central theme of sustainability, when it takes place in Munich this April.

In Europe, rental companies, are calling for manufacturers to provide a full range of electric lifts, while realizing that their customers still find challenges in using them, (see the interview with Mateco in this issue).

JLG’s new EC600AJ electric, articulated boom lift. (Image: JLG).

It seems traditional US-based manufacturers like JLG, Genie and Skyjack are aiming to deliver that promise in a bid to match the fast-paced product launches from the Chinese manufacturers. At US-based World of Concrete in January, JLG introduced a new articulated electric boom and said there would be additional models in the line later this year.

The new EC600AJ features a platform height of 60ft, horizontal outreach of 36ft and an unrestricted platform capacity of 550 pounds (restricted capacity is 750 pounds). It has an up and over height of 27ft, 1 inch.

New on the scene The new ABL16Gold from Motelift. (Image: Motelift). New MEWP supplier Motelift is the latest brand of Turkey-based parent company of 50-year-old Hisarlar Makina, which produces a range of and construction and other machinery. The new access producer, based in the Eskişehir province, already has a range of scissor lifts, diesel and electric articulating booms, including the battery and diesel-powered articulating ABBL and eABL series ranges from 12.4m to 16m working height. The company says it has already seen interest from a range of parties in Turkey and globally for its new MEWPs. The products were introduced at a special event at the group’s headquarters this month at which the lifts were demonstrated to the visitors. Motelift ABL16GOLD: The new ABL16Gold from Motelift.

The EC600AJ is powered by two 10.7kWh lithium-ion batteries and features 4WD AC drive motors. Both 2WS and 4WS options, widen the manoeuvrability, while the machine offers 40% gradeability with a 5-degree tilt cut-out.

The new model is currently only available in North America, however global production of the EC600AJ, at JLG’s Shippensburg, Pennsylvania, facility, is set to begin this summer. The model will be followed by a 66-foot version later this year.

“This model demonstrates our ongoing commitment to electrification while meeting the rugged demands of a construction environment, with performance capabilities similar to those of its diesel counterparts,” said Angela Patterson, product management specialist lead, JLG.

The aim is also to improve transportability, and as such the EC600AJ has a shorter stowed length and compact design, meaning two units onto one trailer.

Hybrid efficiencies

Genie is expanding its eco ranges with hybrid and electric offerings. New versions of its rough terrain S-85 XC telescopic boom lift were debuted at February’s ARA Show, which again too place in Las Vegas.

Genie’s S85 XC E being used for welding. (Image: Genie).

The 91ft (27.91m) working height S-85 XC FE hybrid and S-85 XC E electric boom lifts are powered by Lithium-Ion batteries and feature four independent AC drive motors, 4-wheel drive and active oscillating axles. They have also seen significant updates with around 80 design tweaks to provide greater efficiencies and lower service requirements.

The existing S-85 XC is commonly used for steel erection, rail and bridge construction, and in shipyards and refineries. Offering the XC in hybrid and electric configurations expands utilization to job sites that require quiet daytime or emission-free performance.

Right-sized batteries

The FE and E models are both powered by a 48-volt lithium-Ion batteries, which is the smallest Lithium-Ion battery in the industry in the 85ft (27m) height class, says the manufacturer, yet still capable of a full day’s work.

Built to last, the battery is rated for extreme temperatures (from -22° F/-30° C to 122° F/50° C).

They are supported by an intelligent Battery Management System software protects it during operation to ensure it won’t be damaged. Two battery sizes are available: standard size for the FE hybrid, or an XC battery for the electric E machine. The XC version of the 48-volt battery has a 7-hour rapid recharge, compared with 10-15 hours that other machines on the market require. The XC battery can be added as an option on the FE machine.

These follows Skyjack’s first launch into 100% electric booms in the UK last May with the AGM-battery powered SJ45 AJE + and SJ60 AJE + feature 15.7m (51ft) and 20.1m (66ft) working heights, respectively, suitable for indoor and outdoor use. The company now looks set to launch hybrid versions with a model shown at a UK meeting of the UK’s Access Alliance association, which was hosted at Skyjack’s UK facilities in February this year.

The company said it had chosen the 415 Ah AGM batteries for the pure electric booms over lithium as they fitted in with the architecture of the machine but also as it had noted a preference from customers for this option, which remains low maintenance but do not have the associated costs as lithium.

Features of the models include all-electric axle-based drive providing a high level of traction, while AC electric traction and pump motors deliver high torque power and consistent multi-function capability, said the company. The electric models are capable of more than a typical full day’s use on a single charge.

The oscillating axle works in conjunction with the drive system to keep all four tyres in contact with the ground, even in the roughest of terrain. They also offer 45% gradeability.

First straight boom Niftylift’s first ever straight boom platform, launched in September, is also all-electric. The HR22 SE follows requests from customers for a telescopic boom. Niftylift’s HR22SE, the first stick-boom self-propelled platform from the company. (Photo: Niftylift) “Customers have been asking us for a simplified, lower cost, straight boom option that still features Niftylift’s trademark engineering,” said John Keely, Managing Director at Niftylift. “It’s perfect for construction, and other industrial applications, and delivers great reach and control from an all-electric design that ensures lower noise and emissions on site.” The HR22 SE is designed to cover a large working area with up to 21.7m of reach from a platform that extends up to 19.7m vertically and with a horizontal outreach of 18.8m. The unit’s zero-emissions, electric drive is based on Niftylift’s existing technology and there’s a low-noise pump for even less disturbance. Other features include a compact tail swing of 0.55m (22 in) for operation in congested spots. PICTURE HR22-SE: Niftylift’s first telescopic boom.

According to Chinese manufacturer Zoomlion, the MEWP industry is increasingly focused on sustainability, particularly in the European market, where strong regulations emphasize low-emission and energy-efficient machinery.

“Customers also value equipment designed for local demands, such as compact, high-performance machines suitable for urban and environmentally sensitive areas. At the same time, the integration of intelligent systems, remote monitoring, and energy-saving technologies has become a priority.”

The new ZT14JE will appear at Bauma. (Image: Zoomlion).

The company will launch new boom lifts at bauma too, including the ZA42J, ZT14JE, and ZT51JEH, as well as a large spider lift of ZX37T. As far as new technologies are concerned, the company will introduce a smart safety harness and helmet, as well as an online parts shop.

Dingli will debut products with mild-hybrid technology will on its stand at Bauma, in which the lithium battery can be used as a starter battery. Meanwhile, the engine can also charge the battery during daily operation, so that in complex working conditions, the lithium battery will provide additional torque output. Importantly, the product can be refueled with biodiesel, which is more eco-friendly.

They will join the 44m diesel and hybrid articulated boom, 28m electric articulated boom, 22m mild-hybrid articulated boom, 12m electric articulated boom, on the manufacturer’s stand.

Sinoboom has also been actively updating its boom range. From an electric standpoint launches late last year at a customer event at its headquarters in Changsha included the AB26(E)J Plus, with 25.65m height, 19.1m outreach, low transportation costs, and is ideal for narrow worksites.

The TB38(E)RJ Plus and TB42(E)RJ Plus are high-meter telescopic lifts feature a new X chassis and can be driven into containers for transportation.

Sinoboom’s 360° Tank Turn device. (Image: Sinoboom).

A new feature from the company, appearing at bauma, is the 360° Tank Turn, enabling the whole boom lift to make complete 360° turns, thanks to the unique four-wheel independent control system. In conjunction with precise lifting and boom movement functions, it substantially expands the machine’s flexibility in restricted workspaces.

LGMG’s booth at bauma will also debut telescopic booms from the new -2 series, featuring the T26JE-2 and T38J-2 telescopic boom lifts, as well as the AR20JE-2 articulating boom lift. It follows their launch at Bauma China last November.

The T26JE-2 has a new Parallelogram tower boom design for an

LGMG AR20JE-2.

impressive reach and excellent obstacle- ability. The T38J-2 is equipped with an X-type chassis expansion structure for compact transportation and operations in confined areas.

Both T26JE-2 and AR20JE-2 are powered by large capacity 80 V Lithium battery and equipped with PMSM (Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor) as a lifting motor. This advanced system integrates the motor and controller into a single, maintenance-free unit, ensuring a lifetime of reliability. The PMSM significantly enhances efficiency while reducing energy depletion and operating costs.