29.03.2017

Genie extends telescope cable replacement

As mentioned in our Conexpo and Rental show coverage Genie has changed the telescope cable replacement protocol on all of its three section telescopic boom lifts, including the S-60/S-65, S-80/S-85, S-100/S-125, SX 105/125 XC, SX-135 XC, SX-150 and SX-180 models.

The change moves from the previous 10-year replacement cycle, to a mandatory 12-year inspection of the boom extend/retract cables. At this point replacement is only required if the cables do not pass the inspection. After that the cables should be inspected every three years.

The updated protocol should reduce the overall cost of ownership and enhance used equipment prices for machine over eight years old.

Bob Bartley senior director of product support and reconditioning, said: “With rental equipment constantly going out and coming in, less time in the shop translates to more time out on rent. This revised protocol replaces the mandatory cable replacement process with an inspection-only procedure, reducing maintenance time and costs. This change could significantly decrease our customers’ total cost of ownership, driving a higher rental return on invested capital.”

“Regular inspections and proper adjustments of the boom extend/retract cables are important for reliable machine performance and safe operation. Owners and operators are responsible for all preventive maintenance tasks outlined in the operator and service manuals provided with every piece of Genie equipment. This extended protocol does not replace the quarterly and annual procedures recommended by Genie.”
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Genie has changed the potential service life of its telescope cables

Vertikal Comment

Lest anyone think that Genie and previously JLG, were bowing to commercial pressures to extend the service life of critical moving components, it should be pointed out that the changes have come following longer experience with the modern cable extension systems and inspection of hundreds of cables that have been replaced after 10 years.

The move can be compared to the change to the protocol that required commercial trans-Atlantic aircraft to have four engines. After gaining long term experience and analysis of any engine issues that occurred, it was deemed that significant reliability improvements warranted a change to permitting two engine aircraft to cross long stretches of ocean.

However it should be pointed out that regular maintenance is the key along with special attention to machines working in challenging environments such alongside a dock or on marine related work where moving parts are prone to wear out prematurely. As always good maintenance and inspection practices along with strict documentation are critical in such cases.