Reach at Height

Both machines stated a max outreach of 80 ft, which we did not test. Instead, we tested reach at varying heights. Both were fairly comparable. At full height, JLG extended an extra 12 ft from the boom's center of rotation, compared to Genie. We also asked the operators to take their machines as far out and as high up as they thought the machines could go. In its 500-lb mode, JLG reached out more than 76 ft, with its platform 15 ft higher than Genie's.

In the basket, Genie provides a standard tool tray and no less than eight tie-off points for a worker's body harness. JLG offers three but sells an optional fall-arrest platform that provides more movement in and around the platform. As for anti-entrapment—or secondary-guarding devices, as some experts call them—both manufacturers offer optional alarms and belly bars installed at the controls, so that operators don't accidentally lean onto the joysticks and get crushed.

When tripped, JLG's SkyGuard system takes the extra step of moving the platform back to its last-known location. "It's like an 'undo' button on your computer," said Jeff Ford, JLG's global product director.

Both machines use platform controls common to their brand families, but some judges thought that the JLG machine had the most attractive layout. It includes an LCD screen that, although difficult to read in the sun, shows where the platform is relative to its working envelope, as well as other machine information. One judge noted that Genie's controls are simple, however, and therefore less likely to break.

JLG's control panel does not, however, tell you how high up the basket is. Why not? JLG engineers told us that customers want operators to focus on the work and not the ride. Even so, experienced operators can eyeball the envelope to avoid reaching into its outer edges, where functions automatically slow down for comfort and safety.

Both platforms rotate, but Genie's basket jib came with 60° of horizontal rotation and 135° of vertical jib rotation, making for a wide range of reach. JLG opted for a vertically articulating jib that telescopes from 13 ft to 20 ft from the boom tip, making up-and-over reach at height easier and potentially reducing the need to reposition the boom. Depending on the application, each design has its own perks.

Judges noted that Genie's tight tail swing and little more than 3 ft of iron hanging past the chassis make the SX-180 quite nimble, while the 1850SJ suffers from more than 7 ft of bulk. The Genie platform's center door was stubborn and difficult to operate, however.

Prices are more than $600,000; Genie included an optional $2,295 anemometer on its test unit. Judges expect they will rent for up to $8,000 per day—clearly, not enough time to experience the full potential.

"The sky's the limit," said Ramsey.