18.01.2011

JLG launches the 340AJ

JLG has officially launched the 34ft 340AJ Rough Terrain articulated boom lift shown as a prototype at SAIE in October. Its smallest IC powered boom lift since the early days of the company.

The quirky looking new 12 metre working height lift offers up to six metres outreach and over five metres up & over reach – with a dual riser and two section top boom- plus the versatility of an articulated jib, all in a relatively lightweight package at 4,400kgs.

The 340AJ is said to be easy to service and maintain with its swing out engine tray and large steel covers. It also features a 227kgs platform capacity, an oscillating axle and an environmentally-friendly Tier 4 diesel engine or dual fuel gas/propane option.

Chris Mellott, JLG vice-president - sales and market development for the Americas said: “We are pleased to add the 340AJ to our existing line of boom lifts. As with all our aerial work platforms, the 340AJ delivers industry-leading terrain ability, enabling operators to reach their work and efficiently complete their jobs.”

Vertikal Comment

This new lift looks very interesting and depending on price could be a winner, while it is lightweight compared to other JLG or Genie boom lifts in this height range, it could be argued that it goes head to head in terms of working height and outreach with the long established Nifty HR12/HR34, at least in Europe.

Nifty’s 4x4 version of the HR12 is a full tonne lighter though as well as being narrower, shorter and lower - great for transportation. The JLG has the edge though when it comes to capacity, outreach and up & over reach, thanks to its dual riser, jib and end mounted platform.

As such it is likley to be quite a bit more expensive and so will need to open up a new market segment. It will certainly appeal to users who like a fully specified machine and yet do not need the height of a 45ft unit.