As the industry continues to evolve, JLG has fully re-designed the rough terrain scissor lift, making these models the most modern in the industry. Today's rough terrain scissor lifts contain many new features and technology that delivers enhanced versatility, greater productivity, and intuitive data for improved performance on the jobsite.
New and improved rough terrain scissor lifts are stacked to get work done at height. Here is how the market for these machines is expanding whether being used on slab or off slab.
Major Innovations with JLG RT Scissor Lifts
From JLG, innovation in the updated rough terrain scissor lift line includes full drive at height abilities, allowing operators to continue working at a fixed height. This feature is helpful when running cables inside or outside along the length of a building or when changing the light bulbs across individual lighting units in a parkin glto. Prior to this, operators would need to ascend, then descend each time they needed to move the lift around the work site. Drive at height eliminates the need to do this and results in increased productivity.
As part of the re-design process, there is now the offering for both an engine powered rough terrain and electric powered rough terrain (model designation ERT) model in each size class. This gives equipment renters and buyers with a choice bewteen an engine or electric powered.
JLG’s RT/ERT lines also both feature the industry’s first control box with an LCD display. This display offers LiftSense™, a standard and exclusive JLG feature, which shows operators the maximum work height you can achieve before you elevate based on side-to-side and front-to-back tilt, as well as the current capacity in the platform.
Last but not least, there are 2 new features on our ERT line, regenerative braking, which actively recharges the battery, and the new Clean-Guard™ leak containment option, which provides an added safeguard against hydraulic leaks to protect sensitive flooring.
How have Rough Terrain Scissor Lifts Changed?
Rough terrain scissor lifts are used in both on slab and off slab indoor and outdoor applications. Some of the applications where we are seeing increased demand for RT/ERT models include warehouse construction, maintenance and data center construction.
As online shopping continues to increase at rapid rates, warehouse space is in high demand and warehouse construction is on the rise. This type of construction oftentimes requires continuous placement of utilities at a fixed height along the length of a building. The new RT/ERT line of scissors were designed with this capability at the forefront. Narrower lifts are being used between aisles for access to ceiling areas where lightbulbs and other maintenance requirements are necessary.
Data centers are also a growing segment of the market. Like warehouses, the growth in data centers to support our data driven world is growing demand for these types of products during both construction and longer-term maintenance work stages. Construction and maintenance are omnipresent at data center sites. As technology advances and some onsite facilities are up and running, others are undergoing upgrades, so there’s consistent work to be done. While we wouldn’t expect to find RTs near sensitive server racks or equipment, they are popular for construction and maintenance work at data center sites.
In any area where there are environmental sensitivities around fumes and noise, electric-powered products, like the new JLG ERTs models, would be more appealing than their diesel-powered counterparts. In general, electric-powered products are quieter and emit fewer fumes, making them ideal for use in space and noise restricted areas.
What to Expect in the Future of Rough Terrain Scissor Lifts
Urbanization is a trend we see impacting the RT/ERT scissor lift market. With less and less open space, buildings are becoming taller and the space between them narrower. With that, the demand for smaller machines with compact footprints and higher reaching equipment is growing. This will continue to drive growth in both the upper and lower end of machine categories, including RT/ERT lifts.
Also, Stage V engine regulations are accelerating the drive towards electrified products in regions impacted by these new requirements. On engine powered units, Stage V diesel engines become more complex and escalate in price. At the same time, lithium-ion battery technology is advancing, yet becoming more efficient and decreasing in cost. When taken into account together, these contribute to the accelerated adoption of electrified products.
While we don’t expect to see engine-powered models disappear altogether, we do expect to see electric models continue to gain in popularity. And, greater adoption and increasing customer demand are the primary drivers behind more and more manufacturers offering electric RT models.
If you are unsure whatscissor lift to rentpurchase, All Access Services has 3 locations throughout Southern California in San Diego, Orange County, and Riverside. Our friendly team is here to answer any questions and make sure you have the right lift for your jobsite!