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Equipment

Market Insights: A Look at Tracked Aerial Lifts

Expert Q&A - Nov 21

Market Insights: A Look at Tracked Aerial Lifts

Jennifer Stiansen
Director of Marketing
____
JLG Industries

There are many names in the industry for tracked aerial lifts, including spider lifts, atrium lifts and compact crawler booms. These types of lifts feature low weight and non-marking tracks that allow operators to go more places around the job site. And, they can climb slopes with ease as compared to standard lifts thanks to their tracked wheel carriage. Their narrow chassis allows for access through gates, yards, standard doorways and public buildings. 
At A Glance Compact Crawler
These unique features make tracked aerials ideal for a wide variety of indoor and outdoor applications, such as atriums, gymnasiums, arenas, auditoriums, airports, schools and universities, as well as city, state, federal and military facilities. The versatility and ease of mobility of compact crawler booms make them ideal for jobs performed in hotels and convention centers by window washers, painters, maintenance professionals, electricians and tree trimmers.

Below are excerpts from a recent interview with Randy Marzicola, JLG’s Director of Channel Development, with more insights into today’s tracked aerial lift market…

Some people see compact tracked access equipment as lacking the “user friendliness” compared to other types of access equipment (due to complicated set ups and operation.) How do JLG’s products combat that?

At JLG, we frequently receive feedback from the field about the operating experiences users have with this type of equipment. We listen and continue to carefully consider design cues that not only meet the needs of our customers but also address their wants.

For instance, forklift pockets are very important to both our rental customers and end-users who need to move the machine around large facilities, plants and campuses. So, the JLG® compact crawler boom models are equipped with these as standard.

And because safety is always a top priority, JLG equips all our compact crawler boom models with SkyGuard®.

Productivity is always a top priority, and with our one-touch outrigger leveling and an interactive display in the platform and controls, JLG compact crawler boom operators can easily set the outriggers and get to work.

The workplace environment is a key consideration when selecting the right machine, and that’s why JLG continues to make a significant investment in developing smart, advanced machine technologies for our compact crawler boom product line. For example, we have pioneered the lithium-ion powered machine, which provides better performance than petrol, as well as is cleaner and runs quieter, without cords. And, all JLG compact crawler boom machines come with biosynthetic hydraulic oil.

Other highlights of the JLG product line include our newest X1000AJ model that features QuikStik, enabling the operator to quickly return to ground level with a push of a button and an intuitive ground control with a color monitor. And, all JLG compact crawler boom models have a best-in-class 500-lb platform capacity, maximizing the working envelope and providing a more comfortable operating experience when working at height,

A shift to lithium-powered machines is happening across the entire access industry. Where does the compact tracked access equipment market stand with electrification of machines and the use of lithium batteries?


Like the larger construction industry, trends in this product segment address the move toward electrification and drive toward urbanization. We see more and more customers choosing the clean and quiet performance of lithium-ion battery powered machines. JLG pioneered lithium-powered machines over 10 years ago — and the momentum for this kind of technology in compact crawler booms will continued gain the market’s attention and interest as the access market shifts more and more towards electrified solutions. 

What models are included in the JLG tracked aerial lift product family, and what is the newest model offered by JLG? 

JLG offers five compact crawler boom lifts: The X430AJ, X500AJ, X600AJ, X770AJ and X1000AJ models. Our line of compact crawler booms offers innovative features that transform how facility and construction professionals complete work at height safer and more productively. 

When choosing one compact crawler boom model over another, there are several features that are key to meeting operators’ needs. Up-and-over reach is considered very important, as are, platform height, working height and platform capacity. Finally, tight workspaces and weight criteria, such as ground bearing pressure are important when working on sensitive floor surfaces.

The latest addition to the JLG line – the X1000AJ – addressed the 100-ft height class. It offers a 56 ft vertical and 54-ft horizontal outreach delivering a best-in-class working envelope. The Kubota® diesel power source is standard. With the electrification trend rapidly gaining acceptance, the 76V lithium-ion battery system is a popular choice. In fact, since this machine’s launch, we continue to experience tremendous growth in customer adoption of the clean and quiet performance of its lithium-ion battery power source. The X1000AJ comes with fully synthetic biodegradable hydraulic fluid for use in environmentally sensitive areas.

All models in the JLG range have a 500-lb unrestricted platform capacity to complete a wide range of work at height.

To learn more about the JLG tracked aerial lifts (known as compact crawler boom lifts), click here

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