Hire and Rental News - May 2019

ACCESS IN ACTION Automated self- checking functionality Skyjack’s steps towards a goal of autonomous functionality for the construction rental industry was demonstrated with the new automated self-check from Australia on a new Skyjack SJ3215 DC scissor that impressed the crowd at The ARA Show in February. “T he focus of our demonstration was on fluid two way communication and what can be done from extreme distance,” Brad Boehler, President at Skyjack said. “We are always looking at how we can improve productivity for our customers and a machine that can autonomously perform a series of discrete tasks could do just that.” The SJ3215 DC scissor lift was engineered to respond to commands sent over the cellular network and independently perform a function check of its critical systems. After measuring physical feedback from drive, steer, and lifting systems, the machine then conducts a battery and solenoid test before audibly announcing the test was complete. The confirmations were presented in a mobile application for the demonstration. “It was important the demonstration was authentic and represented the progress we’ve made. We wanted to demonstrate how responsive and practical the technology actually is,” David Swan, Product Manager of Technology and Innovation at Skyjack said. “The first time we tested autonomous self-check from over 7,500 miles away, it was amazing to witness the quick response time. We designed it to provide real-time interaction with the machine, but seeing it happen; it really hits you how this technology is going to change our industry. That’s an understanding we wanted to share with the audience.” “It’s all part of Skyjack’s goal to increase productivity for our customers and help contribute to a safer job site for all,” Brad said. He explained this is the first step for Skyjack and it will pave the way towards self-loading, autonomous drive, and more. “But we’re doing this the Skyjack way. Every conversation we have focuses on how it will benefit our customers and their goals. We’re not doing this for the sake of ‘being cool’, we’re doing this to see how smart machines can improve efficiency and profitability for our customers,” Brad said. “We’re doing this in a simple, reliable way, one that generates the best ROI for our customers and maintains our reputation for being easy to do business with.” With all of this new technology, more and more questions are arising about where the data is going and who owns it. “At Skyjack it isn’t a question. Our customers are storing their entire business in the cloud and in 2019, 50% of our machines are projected to ship with Elevate,” David said. “Telematics isn’t a throw in; it’s becoming a core piece of our customers’ business systems. They’re paying for this product and get to have it on their terms; that means their data.” Skyjack equipment on show The company also showcased its newer, higher, redesigned Rough Terrain (RT) range to the show as well as a newly redesigned, ANSI compliant SJ3219 DC scissor lift. Barry Greenaway, Product Manager at Skyjack said: “We found an opportunity with the ANSI redesign to enhance certain features we think will better serve rental companies and their customers.” The new RT line-up features higher platform heights, increased capacity ratings, and an updated Skycoded control system. n Visit: www.skyjack.com An automated self-check from Australia on a Skyjack new SJ3215 DC scissor was a crowd pleaser at The ARA Show in February Skyjack has released its largest scissor lift to date, the SJ9253 RT New range of full size rough terrain scissor lifts With a working height of 59ft (17.98m), Skyjack has released its largest scissor lift to date, the SJ9253 RT, the first model in the new full size rough terrain range. Replacing its existing 88” and 92” models, the new range consists of the SJ9233, SJ9243, SJ9253, and SJ9263 RT. “The decision to move forward with a new larger rough terrain range is twofold; improve the specifications and performance of our existing models while also mitigating the cost impact of the new ANSI/CSA standards,” Corey Connolly, Product Manager at Skyjack said. “We’ve enhanced our full size models, but kept Skyjack’s philosophy of simple reliability in the design. Features like our AxlDrive four-wheel drive system and easily accessible service components are still standard in our new rough terrain models.” Skyjack also has plans for an even larger rough terrain scissor lift that would make work at six stories possible. The SJ9263 RT with a working height of 69ft (21.03m) is in its final design phase and is targeted for launch in Q4 2019, Corey said. “Similar to what we did with our DC scissor lifts, we looked at what changes needed to happen to meet ANSI compliance, and dug further to see how we can make these more beneficial for our customers,” Corey said. “We’re increasing the number of job sites these machines can be used on, while also lowering overall cost of ownership.” These models boast increased working heights, improved capacities, faster function speeds, with the largest work platform in the market across the range. The new models also feature an enhanced control system, maintaining Skyjack’s proven colour coded and numbered wiring system, while further improving the ease of troubleshooting and integration with our Elevate telematics solution, Corey said. “A key improvement to this range is Skyjack’s SmarTorque technology, which provides excellent torque and hydraulic performance, but with less engine horsepower,” Barry Greenaway, Product Manager at Skyjack said. “This system has been used on our TH series since 2015 and the fact it doesn’t require diesel particulate filter (DEF), diesel exhaust (DEF) and no other active exhaust after treatment is extremely beneficial to rental companies.” n Visit: www.skyjack.com P40 ACCESS IN ACTION MAY 2019