06.02.2012

JLG unveils new low cost electric scissors

JLG has unveiled two new low cost Rental Series electric slab scissor lifts for the Americas and other markets that do not require CE certification.

The new RS range includes two units covering the most popular platform heights, a 1932RS - 19ft elevator model with 820mm/32inch overall width and 227kg lift capacity and the 3248RS - 32ft platform height 1.2 metre/48 inch wide mini scissor with 320kg capacity.

The new units feature passive pothole protection, eliminating the 73 parts that make up the active pot-hole protection system on the company’s ES scissor lift range. They retain direct electric drive, but use fixed rear axle drive motors, rather than the front wheel drive on the ES, the trade-off is a larger turning circle.
Please register to see all images

The new JLG 1932RS - foreground and 3248RS

The scissor lift mechanisms have also been modified for simple production and the hydraulic lift cylinder has been simplified to a more traditional format. Platforms are steel instead of aluminium as are all covers and the control box.

The new scissors will be built at JLG’S plant in China and sold both locally and shipped to the Americas. The units are expected to cost around 10 percent or so less that the higher specified ES series, but also be less cost to maintain due to fewer moving parts.
Please register to see all images

The new RS scissors attracted a good deal of interest at the Rental Show

Jeff Ford, JLG Industries global product director said: “The JLG 1932RS and JLG 3248RS will appeal to those who seek a service-friendly machine that delivers value without sacrificing performance and quality. Both models can be used in a variety of applications, and their innovative, rugged design makes them very reliable.”

The 1932RS and the 3248RS will be available for delivery in late spring, but at this stage will not be available in CE format for Europe.

Vertikal Comment

These new RS models are intended to appeal to rental companies for general applications and to help improve rental returns at current rates. The units retain the battery life benefits of the ES models although not the turning circle. The hydraulics are even simpler than that fitted to the ES range.

The big question is whether the passive pothole will be acceptable, JLG has gone to great lengths to help prevent the potential hang-ups or loading issues. But some buyers will see this as a retrograde step, while others will appreciate losing a service point and potential break down item.

The success of these new units will very much depend on the final price benefit over the ES range.