Genie Boom Shines Brightly
Subject: Z-45/25 RT articulating boom lift, manufactured by Genie Industries,
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Image 1: Genie Z-45/25 RT.
Serial number: Z-4525-17366
Date in service: Jan 2001
Hours in service: 1,920
Equipment owner: SUNSTATE Equipment Rentals,
Service area:
Date of review: 3-19-06
March 22, 2006 -- Genie owes a lot of its success to the Z-boom product line, and the Z-45/25 is no exception. It replaced the very popular Z-45/22 in November of 1998. Some key features of the Z-45/25 are its terrain-tracking, oscillating axle system and drive-enable system. The enabler system is a safety feature that requires recognition by the operator when the unit is rotated opposite normal drive orientation.
At five years and two months old, this particular unit had just slipped past the parameters we set for the age of our used machine reviews. But in light of its condition, the extra two months were not an issue. As you can see in Image 1, our test subject is in very nice condition. SUNSTATE is renowned for its service and the high standards it sets for the appearance and condition of its equipment. This unit is a good example of those commitments.
Standing at the upper controls (Image 2), it didn't take me long to realize this was a well-maintained machine. As I inspected all the critical operational points, I felt as if I were on a new unit. Controlling the Genie was very much like operating a fresh machine. The controls allowed smooth and precise operation of the unit, lift functions were quick, and the boom seemed very tight with little deflection.
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Image 2. Upper controls have held up admirably and delivered precise and responsive control.
Image 3. The OTR loader lug tires have held up exceptionally well.
The tires (Image 3) were OTR supplied and branded for Genie. Although this 4-wheel drive unit is not all that often used in a true RT application, it's important to note that the normally abrasive hard pan desert terrain has not chewed these tires up • a condition that's often problematic in this area.
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Image 4. Steel framework doing its job to eliminate cracks in fiberglass.
Fiberglass has become a common material for larger cowlings and covers on aerial work platforms and other types of equipment. Although they work wonderfully for the intended purpose, cracking and oxidation are often downsides. Cracking on this unit has been minimized with a proper steel skeleton (Image 4) to support it. I closely inspected both hoods and am pleased to say that the steel supports have worked perfectly • not a single crack.
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Image 5. Hose and cable hanging below platform invite damage.
My only concern is with the hose bundle that bridges from the tip of the boom to the platform. Note the dangling loop in Image 5. This could get easily hung up. If you will look at Image 6, you will see the hydraulic steering cylinder. I noted that the hoses that supply these cylinders are beginning to rub against the cylinder housing when the wheels are turned back and forth. If you own one of these, you might want to take a closer look at this.
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Image 6. Watch for hose rub on steering cylinders.
Power is derived from an 82-hp Ford LRG425-4 EFI water-cooled engine. In this application, it runs on both gas and propane. If you have any history at all with these engines, you know that there has been an ongoing issue with the electronic engine management control (EMC). I was surprised to learn that on this unit the module had not failed, which is rare for a machine more than five years in age.
Image 7. Robust guardrail and control guard design have done their jobs.
The platform has held up well. Genie uses a pair of simple, yet effective, square loops to protect the upper controls. If you refer to Image 7, you will see that the platform has held up exceptionally with not a single bend in the upper rail. A review of the service records indicate there have been no repair or replacement of any of the platform structure. I was also impressed with the way the upper controls have held up. The decals were quite legible, and the joysticks still delivered positive and precise performance.
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Rants and raves
In talking with David Craig, SUNSTATE's regional service manager, I discovered that his company is quite pleased with the Z-45's performance. Reviewing the service records, which are tracked by Wynn System software, with David was an eye opener. The first breakdown service call was at 1,574 hours to repair wires that connected the main wire harness. In June 2005 (1,633 hours), four hydraulic hoses were replaced in the boom. With the exception of some minor function adjustments and normal PM, the only other repairs involved the Ford engine. Those were to replace a cracked oil pan and to add a fuel cooler and new electric fuel pump. Both of these fuel system repairs were related to an upgrade to stem a vapor lock situation that plagued these engines on many high temperature or high altitude applications. All the engine repairs were made under a factory campaign or warranty. The total cost of parts not covered under warranty totaled $447.71 • less than $100 per year. Amazing! This is not only a tribute to the unit's design and construction but also to the benefits of a well-executed preventive maintenance program.
