JLG Industries Replaces Ford Engines with GM Vortec™ 3000
November 3, 2005 — Despite record revenue reports from aerial lift manufacturers and the entire world clamoring for new equipment, the short supply of components, specifically gas engines, is one trend hindering production of new boom and scissor lifts. Publisher Guy Ramsey alluded to the short supply of gas engines earlier this year when he learned manufacturing lead times were stretching well into 2006 for even the most popular machines, like 60-foot boom lifts.
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JLG replaces the discontinued line of Ford gas-powered engines with the GM Vortec 3000.
Although a number of manufacturers including Deutz, Perkins, and Cummins have supplied diesel engines for boom and scissor lifts, Ford has virtually been the sole supplier for gas-powered engines. However, the company has discontinued production of gas engines manufactured for lifting equipment, leaving many OEMs scrambling to find a replacement.
Today, JLG Industries,
The four-cylinder GM Vortec 3000 gas engine boasts a 3.0-liter displacement and delivers 82 hp at 2,800 rpm. The engine has a multiport fuel injuection system with the injectors positioned to spray fuel directly on the back of the intake valves to enhance power, as well as improve throttle response and start-up characteristics. This design further promotes more complete combustion and helps reduce emissions, making the GM Vortec 3000 Tier 3 compliant.
Along with extensive pre-production testing, JLG has started inventorying GM parts and anticipates providing a high level of replacement parts capability for the GM engines, as well as continuing to support the large installed base of Ford gas-powered products.
Additionally, plans for JLG service training programs relating to the GM Vortec 3000 engines are underway, as well as plans for JLG ServicePLUS™ to install them in remanufactured JLG machines. Based on customer requests, warranty work for the GM engines is being simplified. All work will now be performed by JLG dealers with claims submitted directly to JLG for warranty reimbursement. The change means that JLG will act as a single source for all warranty questions.
