17.10.2009

JLG to drop pivot steer telehandlers

JLG has announced that it will discontinue production of its four (Gradall) rear-pivot steer telehandler models from the end of this year.

The G6-42P, 534D9-45, 534D10-45 and 544D10-55 will be dropped from JLG telehandler range in early 2010.

JLG will continue to manufacture its other North American JLG branded models the G5-18A, 619A, 723A, G6-42A, G9-43A, G10-43A, G10-55A and G12-55A and customers with continue to have access to rebuilt and reconditioned rear-pivot steer units from JLG Ground Support.

JLG’s rear-pivot telehandlers came with its acquisition of Gradall in 1999, which took the company into the telehandler market. Their 90-degree rear steering is a feature which differentiates these models from a market, now dominated by four-wheel steer models. The Gradall brand was dropped a year ago following the sale of the Gradall Excavator business in 2006, although the distinctive Gradall Blue/Grey colour scheme was retained for the four pivot steer models.
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The rear steer JLG models are going

JLG says that “the market for these niche models has been regionally focused and has continued to retract over the past several years”.

Brian Boeckman, JLG’s product parent for telehandlers said: “The market for rear-pivot steer telehandler models has been in decline for the last several years. The decreased demand for these units, combined with the continuing burden placed on manufacturers to comply with increasingly stringent EPA engine standards, lead us to the decision to discontinue these four niche models. Our customers can rest assured that JLG will continue to support machines in the field with the same level of parts and service available today for many years to come. JLG will focus its resources on developing and maintaining the products and services that bring the most value to our customers.”

Vertikal Comment

This is not really a great surprise, since the Gradall brand went last year, and the fact that the Blue line was beginning to look very dated it was only a matter of time before they went.

The 90 degree rear steer was perfect solution to on-site manoeuvrability and many would argue better than four wheel steer. However as many Iron Fairy drivers will attest rear wheel steer can be tricky to handle at speed or on the road.

While this decision finally puts an end to the era of the Gradall telehandler, it makes good sense and will allow JLG to focus on its other three North American telehandler lines – Skytrak, Lull and JLG.