A Machine That Never Quits

Enlarge Image
Image 1. The JLG 600 AJ

Subject: JLG 600AJ, 60-foot platform height, articulated boom lift with jib

Serial number: 300065786

Date in service: September 2002

Hours in service: 1,566

Equipment owner: Midwest Aerials and Equipment

Service location: Kansas City, Mo., and greater metropolitan area

Date of review: 9-1-06

October 19, 2006 • With the product slogan, “The Power To Do More,” JLG Industries, McConnellsburg, Pa., has set a high bar for its equipment. JLG wants its machines to not only function but continue to achieve “more” than what the owner bought the machine for. The JLG 600 AJ • which is a 4 wheel drive articulating boom lift with jib, featuring a 60-foot platform height • reviewed at the Kansas City branch of Midwest Aerials and Equipment certainly fit JLG's slogan and has achieved a high level of productivity without the burden of additional expenses. The 600 series, introduced in 1996, were the first from the company to enter the era of what JLG called its WOW! Effect • as in, “Wow, look at that machine!” The aerodynamic styling of the 600 series set the tone for all JLG products that have followed.

With 24/7 customer support and an impeccable maintenance record, Midwest Aerials has allowed this JLG boom lift to continue to function admirably despite its age and the number of hours the machine has operated. With over 1,450 pieces of equipment in their fleet, Midwest Aerials is one of the largest independent lift rental operations in the Midwest. With headquarters in St. Louis, it has branches in both Kansas City and Springfield, Mo. Other types of machines include: Genie, MEC, Custom, and Snorkel scissors; JLG, Genie, and Snorkel booms; and Skytrak, Lull, Gradall, and Terex/Genie telehandlers.

Observation highlights

Enlarge Image
Image 2. The guardrails are still impeccably straight.

The 600AJ appeared to be structurally sound. Note the straight guardrails and unaltered body structure in Image 2 and Image 3. The build-up of extraneous material (such as paint) on the guardrails and parts of the boom are typical of rental applications. But even with extensive use, the machine remains in

Enlarge Image
Image 3. The boom is in great condition.

remarkable shape. Upon entering and exiting the machine, the platform gate would occasionally stick or not shut completely, but for the most part it functioned adequately.

Enlarge Image
Image 4. The controls, despite being painted by past customers, continue to function correctly.

The in-basket controls, along with the rest of the platform, have been the victim of some operator overspray (as seen in Image 4), but there was no problem with functionality during operation. Likewise, the platform foot control function enabler was in great shape and worked every time. The ground controls responded instantaneously to the operator's touch and were holding up well to the elements.

Enlarge Image
Image 5. The hoses are beginning to show the effects of constant movement.

There was no evidence of residual oil build-up or leaks from the hydraulic hoses. However, the age of the machine was beginning to show on some of the hydraulic hoses, as can be seen in Image 5. Note that the rubber gasket intended to protect these hoses is worn away. If you own one of these machines, take care to replace these gaskets to prolong hydraulic hose life. With the constant stress placed on these hoses, it's easy to understand why they would begin to show some signs of wear. The boom's power track appeared to be in good condition with no dropping or unusual wear noted.

Enlarge Image
Image 6. The orange paint is beginning to fade and corrosion is starting to set in.

The cosmetic appearance of the machine, overall, was adequate considering the machine's age. Most of the finish was holding up well, but there were some instances where the orange finish on the base cowlings was beginning to fade

Enlarge Image
Image 7. Pieces of the protective padding are losing their adherence to the machine.

. Some corrosion was even beginning to set in on the rear portion of the machine, just past the ground controls. (Image 6). Some of the decals were looking a bit rough, as were the tires. The worst aging was evident on the padding located alongside the engine. The adhesive just seemed to be wearing off so the padding would hang free (Image 7).

Operational impressions

Enlarge Image
Image 8. The Ford LRG-425 gives this boom lift reliable power.

This was where the JLG 600AJ really shined. It's always a thrill to go up in a machine and know that each of your control movements translates into a smooth, efficient movement of the machine. The 180 degree platform rotator, 6-foot articulating jib, and main telescoping boom all performed exactly as the operator would want them too. Extending to full reach was no problem for the machine and there was no hesitation during operation. Travel speed left nothing to be desired. The 82 hp Ford LRG-425 engine, which can be seen in Image 8, was clean and accessible. It comes standard with the ability to run on either gas or propane. There's no wonder why this machine has logged 1,566 hours of operation.

Service issues

This is where the JLG boom lift truly shows its worth. Aside from operator induced conditions and basic service functions, there has been very little work done to this machine. Computer records indicate that only $154.73 has been spent on parts over the last three and a half years, and the machine has gone months on the jobsite without a call for a field service technician. All other problems were caught during normal service inspections.

Overall impressions

Midwest Aerials' diligent maintenance and constant service has made this machine an extremely valuable asset. Even with the number of hours clocked on this machine and some of the obvious wear and tear caused from being in typical rental applications, this JLG 600AJ continues to perform well and operate without problem. Coupled with great styling and dependability, it isn't hard to understand why these machines have become such a market favorite.