09 · Heavy Equipment

Manlift

Also called Man lift · Z-lift · Straight boom · Telescopic boom · Snorkel · Genie lift · JCB manlift

A self-propelled lift that carries one or two workers to height on a boom, for work no ladder or scaffold can reach.

Engine or electric (varies by unit)

Sizes & models we rent

Show all models
45 ft straight boomTelescopic boom48 ft JCB Z-liftArticulating boom — up and over obstacles60 ft Genie Z-liftArticulating boom60 ft Snorkel straight boom, dieselTelescopic boom, diesel engine65 ft JCB straight boomTelescopic boom — more horizontal reach for its height80 ft straight boomTelescopic boom85 ft Snorkel straight boomThe tallest lift we rent

Selected model

Manlift · 60 ft Genie Z-lift

Articulating boom

Goes with this model

  • HARNESS, SAFTEY
View the 60 ft Genie Z-lift in the catalogue ↗Compare →

Overview

A manlift raises workers in a platform on the end of a boom. We rent them from 48 ft up to 85 ft, in two shapes.

Z-lifts (also called articulating or knuckle booms) fold at a joint partway along the arm. That lets the platform go up, then out and over an obstacle — a roof edge, a parked vehicle, a wall — and work in tighter yards.

Straight booms (telescopic) extend in a single line. For the same machine height they reach further horizontally, and they are quicker to position on open ground.

Both are driven from the platform, so a worker positions themselves without coming down. Ask what the customer needs to reach, what is in the way, and what the ground is like.

Catalogue specifications · 60 ft Genie Z-lift

  • AVAILABLE MODEL; Z-60/34
  • Working height maximum* 66 ft 4 in
  • Platform height maximum 60 ft 4 in
  • Horizontal reach maximum 36 ft 3 in
  • Up and over clearance maximum 27 ft
  • Platform length - 8ft / 6ft model 3 ft / 2 ft 6 in
  • Platform width - 8 ft / 6 ft model 8 ft / 6 ft
  • Height - stowed 8 ft 10 in
  • Length - stowed 26 ft 9 in
  • Width 8 ft 1 in
  • Wheelbase 8 ft 3 in
  • Ground clearance - center 1 ft 4 in
  • Productivity
  • Lift capacity 500 lbs
  • Platform rotation 180°
  • Vertical jib rotation 90°
  • Turntable rotation 360° continuous
  • Turntable tailswing zero
  • Drive speed - stowed 3.0 mph 4.8 km/h
  • Drive speed - raised** 0.68 mph 1.1 km/h
  • Gradeability - 2WD - stowed*** 25% 25%
  • Gradeability - 4WD - stowed*** 40% 40%

Best uses

  • Working at height where a ladder or scaffold will not do
  • Reaching up and over a roof edge, wall or parked vehicle (Z-lift)
  • Long horizontal reach from one parking spot (straight boom)
  • Building maintenance, painting and exterior cleaning
  • Utility, sign and light work

Not suited for

  • Lifting several workers with bulky materials — a scissor lift gives far more platform space
  • Soft or badly sloped ground unless the unit is rated for it

Troubleshooting

Nothing moves from the platform controls

Checks to try, in order

  1. Press and hold the foot switch (enable pedal) while using the controls.
  2. Pull out the emergency stop at both the platform and the ground controls.
  3. Turn the base key switch to PLATFORM.
  4. Check for a tilt or overload alarm — the lift locks out until it is level or the load comes off.

Reference draft — always follow the manufacturer’s manual.

Link to this fixDid this solve the problem?
Will not drive, or crawls, with the boom raised

Checks to try, in order

  1. Most manlifts cut or slow driving once the boom leaves the stowed position. That is by design.
  2. Lower and stow the boom before driving any distance.
  3. On rough ground, check the machine is not sitting on a slope past its rating.

Reference draft — always follow the manufacturer’s manual.

Link to this fixDid this solve the problem?
Tilt alarm sounds and the boom stops

Checks to try, in order

  1. Lower the boom and move the machine to level ground.
  2. Check the tyres and that no wheel has dropped into a hole or soft spot.

Reference draft — always follow the manufacturer’s manual.

Link to this fixDid this solve the problem?

Safety

  • Wear a full-body harness with the lanyard clipped to the platform anchor point, not to the rail of a nearby structure.
  • Stay at least 10 ft from overhead power lines, and further for high voltage.
  • Do not operate above the manufacturer wind rating — booms at height catch a lot of wind.
  • Never climb on the platform rails to gain extra height.

Videos & links

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