As the trend towards electrification accelerates and the demand for emission-free equipment continues to rise, JLG is continually improving on its product offering. This includes the upgraded, second-generation 45ft and 52ft electric articulated boom lifts, the EC450AJ and EC520AJ. Following positive feedback on the performance of the first-generation EC Series, JLG introduced these latest models in 2022 to meet the evolving demands of its customers.
Updates include advanced battery technology, with an improved battery capacity of 10kW, and the option to upgrade the pack to 20kW for prolonged duty cycles and autonomy. JLG has also made improvements around cold weather performance, and the requested four-wheel drive option to increase terrain capability and expand its range of applications.
The two models share the same base machine and the EC520AJ has a slightly longer boom than the EC450AJ. Like the first-generation models, they use a dual parallelogram type riser, topped by a two-section telescopic boom and jib with 145 degrees of articulation. This allows for precise positioning and manoeuvrability in various work settings.
Lithium-ion battery pack
Power comes from a 200Ah lithium-ion battery pack with a recharge time of 3.5 hours, through the 3kW onboard Zivan battery charger. A dual 400Ah battery pack is optional. This compares favourably to the standard 144Ah and optional 216Ah battery options on the first-generation models. Two 220W integrated heaters have been added – replacing the first generation external 400W heater blower – to improve the performance of the new machines in cold weather.
The new models are capable of 30 work cycles at temperatures of 30 degrees, and 24 at -10 degrees (10kW battery). This increases to 60 work cycles at 30 degrees, and 48 at -10 degrees with the 20kW battery. Figures can vary due to ambient temperature, function speed settings, the age of the batteries, etc.
The travel function is provided by two (standard) or four (optional) AC direct wheel electric drive motors. Both machines have an overall width of 2.26 metres and an overall height of 2.27 metres.
For operators of the second-generation models, the five-inch LCD display on the ground controls is now available as standard. In addition, to further enhance diagnostics, the new models are connected to an app, which shows battery-related information and configuration settings.
JLG elevates the industry
JLG EMEA Product Manager Nicola Sacchet says: “With their exceptional capabilities, advanced features, and improved performance, the new generation of JLG EC boom lifts elevate the industry. They have comparable lift speeds, manoeuvrability, and platform capacities to diesel-powered models, but deliver a cleaner, greener solution for emission-free job sites.”
To put the second-generation EC boom lifts to the test in some of Europe’s most challenging working environments, JLG turned to its Finnish dealer, Rotator Oy. The main challenges for customers in Finland are low temperatures and muddy terrain during spring months.
“Freezing cold, wind and snow can lead to problems,” says Service Manager Kai Huttunen. “When the temperature drops below -20°C, we tend to face problems such as starting machines, but engine heaters help to prevent this.”
Charging in wintry conditions is also an issue: “Lithium batteries don’t charge below 0°C, so battery heating must be efficient,” he adds. The two 220W integrated heaters quickly bring the battery cell temperature above zero, enabling it to be charged. “The quicker we warm the battery, the sooner it can be charged, resulting in less downtime and higher productivity,” explains Nicola.
“Customers also want to know the battery capacity and how long the machine can be used – at least eight hours is crucial,” adds Kai. Having experienced both first and second-generation EC boom lifts, Kai is impressed with the improvements JLG has made: “The charging system works so much better and you can use the machine for much longer periods of time.”
Another potential issue in cold weather conditions is that the oil can thicken, but one of the new functions on the EC boom lifts enables the oil to be preheated: “It’s an excellent feature, especially in the Nordics, and it helps a lot,” says Kai.
Economical to run
Electric machines are growing in popularity in Finland because they are more economical to run (the cost of electricity is between 80 and 90% cheaper than diesel) and require less maintenance than diesel alternatives (resulting in a 27% reduction in maintenance costs). And access to power sources is not a major concern for those considering investing in electric equipment, according to Kai: “The number of charging points is increasing – the industry is changing.”
The Swiss construction market is also experiencing a shift towards electric equipment, according to spokespeople from JLG distributor Stirnimann AG. However, it’s a gradual transition, with concerns over supporting infrastructure and sufficient charging points, the price of machines, and the ability to work for a day on a full charge.
JLG has a proven track record for the reliability of its electric scissor lift and Toucan ranges, and is now aiming to strengthen its reputation in the country for larger models. “Customers believe in electric for smaller machines – scissor lifts for example can be used for several days without charging and charging takes relatively little time,” says Sales Manager Peter Borner.
The second-generation EC boom lifts are helping to convince Swiss customers to invest in electric equipment. Technical Manager Michael Thomi says: “The EC booms have improved – we have not had any serious issues with them. And our customers are getting used to them and are increasingly looking for such solutions with electric machines.”
JLG subsidiary’s expertise
The EC450AJ and EC520AJ are manufactured by JLG subsidiary Hinowa, which is renowned for its advanced track designs and electrification expertise as an early adopter and leader in lithium-ion technology. Hinowa has produced JLG compact crawler boom lifts since 2010, including electric, hybrid and diesel-powered models.
Since the start of their collaboration, Hinowa and JLG have combined resources and shared knowledge to develop innovative products and elevate customer experiences. As Mahesh Narang, Oshkosh Executive Vice President and JLG President, says: “Combining our capabilities enables us to better serve customers and unlock more potential globally.”
The second-generation EC boom lifts epitomise their successful partnership, according to Karel Huijser, General Manager for JLG in EMEA. “We are incredibly proud of our long-lasting partnership with Hinowa and to be one family now,” he says. “The EC Series Gen II introductions are a perfect example of how a collaboration based on sharing the same values, and an equal passion about product design and development, successfully works.”
More information on the EC Series Gen II models is available at jlgelectricboomgen2.com.
JLG EC450AJ:
Working height: 15.72m
Working outreach: 8.1m (up and over height of 7.3m)
Unrestricted platform capacity: 250kg
Weight: 6,260kg (2WD) – 6,446kg (4WD)
JLG EC520AJ:
Working height: 18m
Working outreach: 10.5m (up and over height of 7.3m)
Unrestricted platform capacity: 250kg
Weight: 7,690 Kg (2WD) – 7,876 kg (4WD)