21.03.2023

Mec’s new 85ft boom

US aerial lift manufacturer Mec unveiled its new 85ft boom lift at Conexpo last week, its largest model to date.

The 85ft Mec 85-J boom is the company’s fourth boom lift, joining the 34-J compact telescopic, the 45ft 45-J and the 60ft 60-J/65ft 65-J. The company has pitched it as a ‘Dual mode’ machine, allowing it to be operated as a telescopic or an articulated model. A simple switch on the lower controls converts from one format to the other.
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The Mec 85-J boom

The unit uses a heavy-duty over-centre single element riser three section boom, which uses a heavy duty chain extension system to reduce inspection requirements and provide a longer service life compared to the usual cables. The boom is topped by an articulated jib with up to 135 degrees of articulation. The unrestricted platform capacity is 272kg, with a maximum of 408kg.

In telescopic mode the riser acts as a rising pivot point automatically working proportionally with the main boom on a single joystick action, in a similar format to those seen on the Genie S-85 J or similar to the S-80 XC and JLG 860SJ. Maximum outreach is 21 metres, with the
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In articulated mode the operator operates the riser independently of the boom elevation function, the maximum up & over height is six metres, with an outreach of up to 16.6 metres, while the maximum outreach is 21 metres.
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A switch on the control box converts from Telescopic to Articulated

The new 85-J also has two oscillating axles providing up to seven degrees of automatic frame levelling. When the two axles are parallel – such as side-on to a ramp - the machine can travel while elevated. Four wheel three mode steering is standard. The new machine is now in the final stages of development, so we do not have a full and final specification.
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Both axles oscillate and provide up to seven degrees of frame levelling

Comment

This looks like a solid machine and relatively uncomplicated, but with user friendly features such as four wheel steer, frame levelling and the ability to be send out as either an articulated or telescopic boom lift. Unlike the 34 and 60ft models the 85-J did not have a lead customer at the development stage, but rather has been designed to meet the real life requirements of numerous customers.

Mec is also increasing production capacity which may well allow it to return actively to the export market later this year.