Easy to Service
 click to enlarge Image 1: Hawkeye Equipment Rentals' JLG 600S |
Subject: JLG 600S straight boom lift manufactured by JLG Industries,
Serial Number: 030068828
Date in service: August 2002
Hours in service: 1,204
Equipment owner: Hawkeye Equipment Rentals is a mid-sized independent rental, sales, and service operation in
Service area:
Date of review:
The 600S is “part of the best selling boom lift line in the world,” so says JLG on its website at www.jlg.com. Since JLG introduced its first 60-foot boom lift in 1976, the venerable 60F, this equipment class has been a mainstay in the company's product line. When you combine the 600 series with the F, G, and H models that preceded it, it is safe to say there are more conventional 60-foot JLG boom lifts in the world than any other brand.
The 600 series, introduced in 1996, was the first JLG unit 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. I have operated many 600S boom lifts since 1996 and I am always impressed with their smooth, precise control. Coupled with great styling and dependability, it isn't hard to understand why these machines have become such a market favorite.
Hawkeye's 600S is a two-wheel drive model equipped with standard oscillating axle. According to Hawkeye, it is rare for a customer to really need a four-wheel drive unit, even though it is often requested. Despite the fact that there are a lot of four-wheel drive boom lifts rented in southern
Skin deep
Overall, the paint finish has withstood the test of time. The only noticeable degradation was on the two steering cylinders. And, aside from expected rub marks along a few of the guides, the simple, yet effective, power track, shows no signs of premature wear.
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Image 2: The power track shows no signs of premature wear.
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Image 3: The integrity of the gate's latch and support mechanism is good as new.
warped. JLG offers an updated metal box at a cost of about $300. Decals on the upper control box, which have been subjected to the full force of Hawkeye's pressure washer, have for the most part remained legible and intact.
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Image 4: Decals on the upper control box, which have been subjected to the full force of Hawkeye's pressure washer, have for the most part remained legible and intact.
Upward swinging gull-wing style hoods make for easy service access. I checked closely for cracks in the fiberglass where the steel support framework attaches to the hood, and was pleased to find not one. This is certainly a superior support system.
Rants and raves
The 600S scores extremely high marks with Hawkeye's staff. They especially like the wide swinging engine tray. In addition, they find the service analyzer an effective and very easy-to-use tool. This hand-held pendent interfaces with the unit's Advanced Design Electronics (ADE™) control system. It provides default codes and the ability to customize ramping and controller thresholds.
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Image 5: The O-ring that seals the pressure cartridge against the valve block has a tendency to blow out.
A review of the service log indicated that there have been few breakdown repairs on this 600S. One repair, however, involved the drive system's hydraulic fluid flow divider, which is located in the center of the chassis next to the rotation manifold. The O-ring that seals the pressure cartridge against the valve block has a tendency to blow out. According to JLG, this issue has been addressed on current production machines. Otherwise, the hydraulic system has been trouble free. Likewise, design steps taken to protect exposed hydraulic lines have done their job.
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Image 6: Debris builds up on the capacity limit switch causing it to default to the 500-pound limit.
The electronics system of this 600S is just as dependable. Hawkeye's only complaint, which is minor at that, relates to the boom capacity limit switch. Most JLG aerial work platforms are dual rated. That means it has a platform capacity of 500 pounds through its entire work envelope, but some limited positions allow for 1000 pounds in the platform. The capacity limit switch, which monitors this, occasionally defaults to the 500-pound limit when debris builds up in it preventing it from correctly activating.
Engine issues
This 600S is equipped with a quiet running 82 hp Ford LRG-425 engine. It comes standard with the ability to run on either gas or propane. While the engine itself is a great performer, the electronic management system does not share that reputation. Notorious for ignition failures, Ford is slowly replacing these under an exchange/update program. A new control module is the remedy for units that are hard to start or frequently backfire. The one on this particular machine had just gone caput and had to be replaced before I could review the machine.
Owner's impressions
As previously stated, the Hawkeye staff is very happy with the performance and dependability of their 600S. The only exceptions were the life of the upper control box and the Ford engine ignition failure. Additionally, Chris Fix, president of Hawkeye Equipment Rentals, is especially complimentary of JLG's after sale service support efforts.
