Superior Service Record

Enlarge Image Image 1: United Rentals' 2001 JLG 80HX.

Subject: JLG 80HX straight boom lift (this model has since been replaced by the 800 series)

Serial Number: 0300063095, manufactured in 1989

Date in service: May 2001

Hours in service: 1,416

Equipment owner: United Rentals is the largest owner of access equipment in the world.

Service area: Northern California and Arizona

Date of review: 6-14-05

 

JLG got the ball rolling with 80-foot boom lifts when it first introduced the 80F back in the late 1970s. The 80HX, part of the H series (one of the company's most successful product lines), was subsequently replaced with the 800S series in 2001.

 

Although my test unit (Image 1) was located in the United Rentals' aerial lift equipment yard in Tempe, Ariz., the unit has spent most of its life bouncing around between several of the rental giant's Northern California branches in Modesto, Napa, Burlingame, and San Jose.

 

When I climb into a piece of used equipment, I never know quite what to expect. In this case, I got more than I bargained for. It was nice to be able to get into a five-year-old piece of equipment and feel as if I was on a new machine.

 

Operation

Joysticks supplied by P-Q-Controls were firm and responsive. The most impressive thing about the way the unit performed was the absence of any lash in the slewing system. Even with the boom telescoped out all the way, backlash was minimal. This is in large part due to the use of a Fairfield planetary drive and its integral brake — simply the best way to go.

 

Controls on the H series were dramatically enhanced with the introduction of the 800S series. The biggest improvement is the dual-function joystick that controls drive and steer. The 80HX has a drive joystick with an individual toggle switch for steering, thus making driving a two-handed operation. Although everything responded nicely, the steering hesitated when the machine was static.

 

 

Appearance

 

Enlarge Image Image 2: The power track and the boom show no signs of premature wear.

Overall, the paint finish on this machine has withstood the test of time. The only noticeable degradation was on the platform itself — not an unusual occurrence for any boom lift platform. This unit features expanding axles and, on inspection, I found all related components to be holding up nicely. Wear on the boom has been minimal. Aside from expected rub marks along a few of the guides, the simple, yet effective, power track shows no signs of premature wear (Image 2).

 

Enlage Image Image 3: Decals on the upper control box have remained legible and intact.

The structure of the platform has held up well under what appears to be very demanding applications, such as steel erection, waterproofing, tree maintenance, and window glazing. As you can see, this is a top-mounted platform, making it a little harder to climb in and out of — an issue addressed in the new 800 series. The integrity of the latch and hinges on the inward swinging entry gate is as good as new, which sure helps offset the high basket mount. Decals on the upper control box have remained legible and intact (Image 3).

 

Structural observations

Enlarge Image Image 5: OTR tires show little if any wear.

Enlarge Image Image 4: All hoses and wiring like these on to the platform are holding up nicely.

As for the rest of the machine's structure, lockable upward swinging heavy-gauge steel doors make for easy service access. The pressurized struts keep them high and out of the way. This unit has an oscillating axle. I inspected every possible hose and cable that I could find. Thanks to brackets, holders, and extra friction-reducing steps not once did I find a problem with premature rubbing or chaffing — not even in and around the platform rotator where they really get put to the test (Image 4).

 

As you can see in Image 5, the OTR-supplied tires are in very sound condition. Service records indicate that one was replaced in 2003 due to customer damage. To be honest, I had a hard time picking out the new one.

 

Engine issues

This 80HX is equipped with a quiet, yet sometimes hard-to-start, 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. It took me several tries to coax my test unit to life.

 

 
Rants and raves

I spent several minutes reviewing every single service order that had been generated against this machine. Over the last five years, there have been a lot of

Enlarge Image Image 6: I found no evidence of any continuing minor oil leaks in and around the main hydraulic valve bank.

entries. But I am pleased to say that out of all the entries in this system most of them were related to inspections — quarterly, annual safety inspections and pre-delivery inspections. Since it has been in service, I could only find a handful of breakdown work orders. One was for a blown O-ring on the pressure cartridge on the control valve block — not uncommon to JLG booms. This was covered under warranty. Another leak repair related to loose fittings on the valves. When I inspected the machine, I was careful to look for any residual oil — signs of previous or ongoing drips or problems. I think I could have used a white glove and still come up clean, as I could not find any residue (Image 6). There were only two other engine-related service calls: one centering around a loose muffler; the other stemming from a starting problem — not uncommon for this particular Ford product. In total, I was hard pressed to find breakdown repairs that exceeded $1,000 in aggregate — a very impressive finding.