By Johnathan, American Rentals, Gowanus
Driving an articulating boom is not like driving a scissor lift. The platform can be swung around to face any direction, so “forward” on the joystick does not always mean forward for the machine. The JLG 800AJ has a few controls that keep that from catching you out. Learn them before you leave the yard or the delivery spot.
The three things to know
- Foot switch. Nothing drives unless you are standing on the pedal in the platform floor. Lift your foot and everything stops.
- The arrows. There are black and white direction arrows on the control box and on the chassis. Match them up and you know which way the machine will move.
- Drive orientation. If the boom is swung past the rear wheels, a yellow light comes on. The machine may now drive opposite to the joystick, and you have to confirm with the drive orientation switch first.
Interactive: the drive steps are highlighted. Tap a step to see the control on the box.
Step by step
- Stow the boom as much as the job allows. Driving with the boom low and centered is safest and fastest.
- Sound the horn and check your path, including overhead.
- Press and hold the foot switch.
- Look at the arrows on the box and on the chassis. Move the right joystick slowly in the direction you want to go. Steer with the thumb rocker on top.
- If the yellow drive orientation light is on, push and release the drive orientation switch, then start moving within 3 seconds.
On slopes and curbs: drive with the boom stowed, go slow, and never drive with the platform raised on uneven ground.
Speed
The function speed knob next to the joystick goes from turtle to rabbit. Keep it on turtle when you are near a building, a crowd or a parked car. Use the faster setting only on open, level ground.
Need a boom lift in NYC? See the 80 ft JLG 800AJ or call 718-344-1474, Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm. Browse every machine in the Lift Controls Guide.