JLG booms get bi-energy update

Leila Steed Editor, Demolition & Recycling International

13 January 2023

JLG Industries has updated two of its compact crawler lift models with Bi-energy technology, making the elevating work platforms more environmentally friendly.

JLG Bi-Energy Compact Crawler Boom Lift Option. (Photo: JLG)

The company’s X770AJ and X1000AJ boom lifts now feature both a Kubota D902 diesel engine and a lithium-ion battery pack, that offers low-noise operation and reduced exhaust emissions. The dual power system enables MEWP operators to use the machines both indoors and outdoors.

Angela Patterson, JLG Boom Lift Product Management Specialist, said, “With this option, operators can choose the best power source for the application (either the engine or the lithium-ion batteries).

“This dual power source design means that JLG Bi-Energy models can be used in a wide variety of settings — from general greenfield construction projects to environmentally sensitive job sites.”

For example, Patterson added, “Using the engine’s power, users can drive the machine to where the overhead work needs to be done, and they can switch to zero-emissions, all-electric battery power to work at height for the remainder of the shift.

“When the work is done, the users can power the engine back up and drive the machine for use at another location.”

The Bi-energy update means that the X770AJ articulating boom, which has a working height of 77ft 5in (23.6m) and a platform capacity of 500lb (226kg), comes with a 100Ah 76V lithium-ion battery pack, while the X1000AJ has a 150Ah 76V lithium-ion battery pack.

The battery packs can be charged from a mains outlet even while the machines are use and, “Both new Bi-Energy models use the same console box layout as the rest of our compact crawler boom lift line, simply adding two new buttons to switch between the independent power sources,” said Patterson.

According to JLG, these features mean the Bi-Energy X770AJ and X1000AJ models are particularly well suited to applications in cold environments, as well as those in the aviation, construction, maintenance and industrial sectors.