SmartLoad Technology and AccessReady from JLG Industries, Inc., a manufacturer of aerial work platforms and telehandlers, earned gold awards in the 2017 Leadership in Lifting Equipment and Aerial Platforms Awards. The competition also honored JLG 1644 and 1732 high capacity telehandlers with a silver award.

LLEAP Awards recognize innovative equipment, support products and services introduced in the North American market between June 1, 2016, and May 31, 2017 and currently available for purchase in North America. The competition considered entries in five categories, including aerial lifts, material handlers, cranes, OEM-developed features/essential components for OEMs, and aftermarket support products or services.

“We are thrilled to have our products recognized as leaders in three of the five entry categories,” said Frank Nerenhausen, executive vice president at Oshkosh Corporation and president of JLG Industries, Inc. “Each of these technologies, service offerings and products underscore our commitment to innovation and to ensuring confidence in the reliability, efficiency, and productivity JLG offerings consistently bring to the job site.”

Leading the OEM features category with the highest score, SmartLoad Technology combines attachment recognition with real-time load data, so telehandler operators can work with more confidence. This package includes three parts: automatic attachment recognition, which recognizes attachments on the end of the boom and displays the appropriate capacity chart to the operator; load management information system, which graphically depicts the location of the load within the capacity chart, indicates whether the load is compliant and prevents the operator from violating the boundaries of the chart; and load stability indicator, which works with the LMIS system to limit operation when the load is nearing the maximum capacity indicated on the capacity chart.

AccessReady received the highest score in the aftermarket support products and services entry category. As part of the company’s ongoing commitment to provide robust training opportunities to end-user customers, the program is designed to train operators to use JLG and competitive model aerial work platforms and telehandlers safely and efficiently. AccessReady instructors have participated in and graduated from one of the company’s three Train-the-Trainer programs. Equipment owners and renters can choose either a classroom or online option to complete their training. For those who select the classroom option, the AccessReady program helps them locate JLG-qualified instructors in their area. The online class option includes an e-learning course and an area-based option to locate a JLG-qualified instructor to handle the hands-on evaluation necessary to complete operator qualification.

As the second-highest scoring products in the material handlers entry category, JLG 1644 and 1732 high capacity telehandlers offer 15,600 and 16,750 pounds of lift capacity, respectively. These machines are the first JLG telehandlers in the high-capacity category and the first telehandlers in North America with SmartLoad Technology. Additionally, they are among the first equipped with the JLG precision gravity lowering system. Telehandlers equipped with this system rely on hydraulic power to raise the boom but use gravity to lower it, providing the operator with better, more precise control. These versatile, new telehandler models feature an integrated tow hitch and are compatible with a wide range of standard and specialty attachments, providing the operator with more options on the worksite. The units can take the place of wheel loaders in certain applications where greater reach is desired. The high capacities of the 1644 and 1732 make them ideal for use in wind farm, industrial construction and energy (oil and gas) extraction applications. Like other JLG telehandlers, the 1644 and 1732 include easily accessible components and a built-in analyzer display to ensure ease of serviceability, contributing to a low total cost of ownership.

A panel of judges made up of industry experts involved in the operation, rental, sale and servicing of aerial platforms and lifting equipment selected winners of this year’s LLEAP Awards. Judges evaluated each entry based on innovative features and technology, perceived value, productivity for owners and users, and overall benefit to the industry, owners, and users. All the award winners, including JLG SmartLoad Technology, AccessReady, and 1644 and 1732 high capacity telehandlers, will be featured in the November/December issue of Lift and Access.