Hi everyone, Long time lurker but first time poster here. Thanks for all the posts here . Very informative. I am planning to buy a telescopic forklift and have been unable to decide between the 2005 JLG G6-42 A or the 2005 Genie/Terex GTH 844. Service/parts for both of these are available in my area. The JLG has 42' reach with 6000 lb capacity whereas the Genie/Terex has a 44' reach with a 8000 lb capacity. Price for both is roughly the same at $25,000 - $26,000 with about 3500 hours. Which one of these would you folks recommend ? Over here in Texas : Skytrak and JLG are the most popular followed by Genie/Terex. Between the JLG and Genie - which is more reliable and easy to use and service/maintain in the long run. Thanks .
Well i will state the obvious first... the Genie is a 8K machine VS the JLG @ 6K. That is a pretty good difference it self. They are both pretty good machines and both use the roughly the same engine, trans, axles, etc. I would look at the charts of each of these units and compare the capacities at extension, I have always found it extremely important what it can lift at max extension because it gets used that way more than you would think and would make you more capable. In terms of reliability i would say that the Genie is a bit more rugged but the JLG is a side engine machine and would be a little more easy to service and is going to weigh less if thats a concern. Both have great parts avalibility and resale value. I am a little biased in that i have rented the Cat TL642 in the past and found that it was a little "light" in terms of what it could pic, underpowered, and that the sight lines weren't that good. Thats not to say they arent good machines. I have never personally ran a Genie 842 but we own a 1056 and i can tell you that that particular machine is great and has been very reliable. The engine is a little hard to service and it is a longer machine than most but other than that no complaints. For me if the condition of both machines are equal i would go with the Genie just because its a bigger machine and a little more valuable. I think in the long run you will be able to do more with that machine. Ultimately if you want a 642 size machine i would shop around and find a Skytrak...... I cant say enough good things about those lifts... Hope that helps you!
Thanks Barklee for the info. Helps a lot. Yes, the more the capacity the better. Also, if it was a JLG G9-43A - 9000 lb cpacity with 43' reach - what would you say ? Is it better then the Terex GTH 844. Price would be a couple grand more though with similar hours. Also , you say Genie is a bit more rugged than JLG . I am assuming rugged here means it can literally take a beating and that it is used very harshly or roughly by the contractors.
Its going to be worth more...... That Terex name tag makes it worth less than the exact same Genie, dont ask me why its just the way it is!! Those 943 JLG's are pretty desirable and would hold its value better i would think. The JLG has a better chart but weighs a bit more. If we are talking around the same money and condition i would go with the JLG.... As far as rugged goes... thats so hard to say. The Genies (older machines) dont use any plastic hoods covers etc. The JLG does. Also the JLG is a side mount engine and there are more components with easier access to damage than the Genie. In my humble opinion i personally think that the "in frame" engine machines are a bit more stable and have more power (in a direct comparison) than the side mounted machines...... Genies in your case. Also, if i am remembering correctly JLG had some issues with cables on the "G" series machines. I am not a mechanic but i would ask a rental house who carries both machines and see what they think in terms of repairs and reliability. Go run both machines and see what you think. I suspect you may find the JLG a little weaker in terms of driving it around the lot.