11.02.2013

Genie redesigns Z135/70

Genie will unveil an updated version of its popular Z135/70 articulated boom today, dubbed the ZX-135/70 .

The company says that the 135ft boom lift has been significantly redesigned, with significant improvements in reliability, performance, operator features and serviceability. The new model is already in production and available for purchase.
Please register to see all images

The new Genie ZX-135/70 offers a similar working envelope to the Z135/70

One of the key changes is the chassis, the new design has the advantage of shutting down to 2.4 metres, slightly narrower than the Z135, however the fully open width, is substantially extended from the Z135’s 3.94 metres to 5.2 metres giving it a much wider footprint. The advantage is that ground bearing pressures/floor loadings drop by around 30 percent.

The company also says that it has changed the articulating jib to provide better up and over and telescope-in capability, although its dimensions remain as before.
Please register to see all images

Genie says that the telescopic articulated jib has been significantly improved

Platform controls have been updated with new toggle switches and a tactile membrane surface. New hall-effect tri-axis joysticks are used for the major functions, one controls the lower boom up/down, extend/retract and slew functions, while a second tri-axis joystick controls jib up/down, extend/retract and platform rotate movements.

The self-supporting cable track has been strengthened with updated hose and cable runs and is capable of supporting platform options such as the heavy duty welder, weld leads, platform work lights and/or air lines.
Please register to see all images

Genie has also signed a long term strategic alliance with ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Disney World, Florida.

Scott Krieger, senior product manager, booms and telehandlers, said: “The Genie ZX-135/70 is an important step toward the introduction of a new family of next generation aerials. Our customers will be delighted with many of the new ground-breaking designs and products that we are introducing now and in the near future.”

Vertikal Comment

This looks like a very positive update to what has been a highly popular and successful unit for Genie. However not everyone will be delighted with its larger footprint, although many applications will benefit from the lower ground pressure and one imagines the significantly lower transport weight that this change should provide.

It would not surprise us if we see a ZX135/70N – narrower model - using the current base width, sometime in the future for those who appreciate the more compact footprint. Although it is possible that the company will offer a mid-stage extension option rather than all in or all out? More when we take a look later today.

What this new chassis does do of course is to introduce the larger base required for the company’s new big telescopic that we expect to be announced in the near future.

Watch this space.