Independent axles mean that the new self-leveling technology differs from a traditional boom lift with a solid oscillating axle in the front and a fixed axle in the rear. This is accomplished with four independent axles with intelligent sensing technology enabling drive at full height while actively leveling the chassis. The system allows the machine to traverse uneven surfaces while keeping the chassis level and improving traction capability on sloped ground. This increases a boom lift's capability on slopes from 0 to 10 degrees in any direction. The system provides a fully integrated solution to always make sure the machine automatically levels, even when driving the unit with the platform elevated. The self-leveling technology is designed to adjust the boom lift's chassis to the ground conditions (rather than adjust the ground conditions). These challenges were translated into requirements that defined the system architecture, including the mechanical, hydraulic and controls, as well as user interface design, with the goal of allowing the operator to traverse uneven ground with full functionality while driving at height. Boom lifts over a certain length and height can create a situation that requires special permits for shipping, such as being classified as an oversized load. In addition to determining the best method to provide a practical self-leveling experience for operators on different grades, it is crucial to provide the operator with easy and intuitive guidance while using a boom lift with this technology.Īnother one of the challenges that needs to be considered when designing a self-leveling chassis is staying within the dimensional limits for shipping on a truck. This traditional axle design offers minimal ability to adjust to uneven ground, often causing the boom to lean to the side and providing an uncomfortable operator experience, especially when driving at height. The solid axles in the front and back of a machine cannot provide the flexibility and adaptability needed when operating over uneven ground. To accomplish an intelligent suspension system that can traverse uneven ground and tackle slopes up to 10 degrees, it is crucial to think outside the box of a traditional boom lift. However, developing self-leveling technology comes with many design challenges that need to be overcome. Manual labor and time are often required to set up cribbing and/or grading the work area with earthmoving equipment.Īfter seeing how challenging boom lift applications could be, it became clear there is a need to develop a boom lift with a more adaptable suspension. This scenario is the root cause of many customer pain points on the jobsite since the world is neither flat nor does it come with improved surfaces. In addition, the new ANSI 92.20 standard in the United States requires boom functions to be cutout when the machine is placed on slopes greater than what they are rated for. Conventional machines are typically rated to work on a firm, level surface, which is usually defined as less than a 5-degrees of slope, yet most job sites aren't flat. Many applications and working environments can be challenging for a traditional boom lift to work in, even if equipped with an oscillating axle. Real-world job sites Self-leveling technology was developed due to watching how boom lifts are being used on job sites and talking with operators about their pain points and moments of inefficiency. JLG’s self-leveling chassis is a unique sub-system that allows a boom lift to automatically level on grades up to 10 degrees enabling operation on uneven jobsite terrain. One such technology is the development and integration of a Self-Leveling Chassis (SLC) for JLG® boom lifts. As the demand for increased jobsite efficiency continues to grow, MEWP (mobile elevating work platform) makers are forced to adopt, deploy and develop new technologies.
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