Great Boom Lift ROI

Enlarge Image Image 1: Genie S-85

Subject: S-85 telescopic boom lift manufactured by Genie Industries, Redmond, Wash. Features 85-foot platform height, 4-wheel drive, and terrain tracking axles.
Serial Number: S-85-1805
Date in service: January 2000 Hours in service: 3,522 Equipment owner: Ross Equipment Rentals is a leading independent rental, sales, and service operation based in Phoenix, Ariz. The company's lifting equipment fleet includes Genie, Grove, and UpRight aerial work platforms, and CareLift and Ingersoll-Rand telescopic handlers. Service area: All of Arizona
Date of review: 2-17-05


The S-80 and jib-equipped S-85 were first introduced in 1992, then updated in 2002. Design updates included stronger boom construction and upgraded power options. Among the key features of the S-85 are its closed loop hydrostatic drive system and terrain tracking oscillating axle system. A 5-foot jib provides 85 feet of platform height and 77 feet of horizontal reach. In addition, it has a +75°/-60° range of motion.



End-user Opinions
At the time of this review, Ross's S-85 was on rent to a crew installing metal brackets (stringers) to secure an architectural wall at the Performing Arts Building at Paradise Valley Community College. This task required drilling into a concrete block wall, then screwing the supports in place, which was facilitated through the use of the on-board 3500 watt hydraulically driven generator supplied by Tendaire Industries. For on-demand power, the Deutz F4L-913 diesel engine must be kept running constantly. Although Deutz engines are not known for quiet operation, the generator did not require a lot of flow, allowing the engine to run at a lower RPM. As a result, the noise level was acceptable for those working in close proximity to the machine.

Enlarge Image Image 2: Firestone tires with all terrain tread have performed will on both hard pan and in the mud.

Firestone tires with all terrain tread have performed will on both hard pan and in the mud. An unusually wet winter has made a muddy quagmire of jobsites in Arizona. And although the mud is not deep, it's slick and slimy as grease. Workers on the job were complimentary of the S-85's ability to navigate through the mud. This unit was equipped with Firestone tires featuring an all-terrain tread pattern popular in the southwest. (See Image 2.) Although there is a perception that this type of tire does not perform as well as those with loader lug tread, on this job there didn't seem to be any problem. It is also important to note that the normally abrasive hard pan desert terrain has not chewed these tires up, as is common in this region.

Enlarge Image Image 3: I found one minor crack on the fiberglass hood where it is bolted to the steel support. Enlarge Image Image 4: Exposed hoses (the steering and drive lines are shown here) display no wear or deterioration. Enlarge Image Image 5: A cracked nylon guide was the only problem found on the power track.

Basic wear and tear 
Fiberglass is commonly used for large cowlings and covers on aerial work platforms. Cracking, the only serious downside to this material, can be minimized with a proper steel skeleton. I noticed one small crack developing on one of the swing up cowlings where the steel bracket is bolted to it. (See Image 3.) Oxidation can also be problem with fiberglass material. Overall, this unit's paint finish has held up fine, except for a chalky residue on the fiberglass hoods caused by sun exposure.   

Because of the S-85's expandable axles, hoses to the drive motors and steering cylinders are subject to a lot of flexing. Close inspection of all the exposed hydraulic lines and electrical cables revealed little or no premature wear or deterioration. With the exception of the cracked nylon track guide (see Image 5), the power track looked as good as new. Later I learned that 117 links in the track were replaced last year due to customer abuse, but the carrier itself was in perfect condition. In addition, there was virtually no wear to the boom pads, likely due to Ross Equipment's diligent service department. Service records indicate that there have been no repairs to or replacement of the platform structure, despite being subjected to potentially damaging applications. There's not a single bend in the upper rail (see Image 6), and simple square loops have protected the upper controls. Additionally,

Enlarge Image Image 6: I was impressed with the condition of the controls due to protection provided by square loop guards.

decals were legible and joysticks delivered positive, precise performance. Ross Equipment reports that this S-85 has performed exceptionally well—in five years of service with more than 3,500 hours logged, it has not required a single major repair. There have not even been any hydraulic leaks or electrical problems. Except for the power track repair (which cost $300) precipitated by customer abuse, all other work to the S-85 was normal preventative maintenance with a total parts cost of only $967.