I’m considering getting a small boom like a Genie Z-30/20N or maybe a JLG T350. There’s a used Genie available for $11,500.
The project is a tall two story where the longest wall is 18″ from the neighbors’ driveway. So I’m thinking the way to keep things harmonious is to be able to work during the day when they’re away, and drive the machine out of the way so they can park at night. I’ll be demoing stucco back to the studs, sheathing, new windows, etc.
Any advice on what to look out for on such a machine? Any other makes/models to consider? Is it worth getting a bigger machine so I’d never have to extend it to its maximum? Is there a book to read or some other way to get up to speed on this kind of hydraulic equipment, both maintenance and operation?
Thanks —
— J.S.
Replies
Hi John,
How long will the project last? I ask because would it be more cost effective to just rentlease one for a few months? Not sure if companies do that in your area but they do in ours.
Sure the money you put out is gone when the equipment departs but it wouldn't cost you the $11k AND if anything breaks on the equipment along the way, you just call and they bring you another one.
Just brainstorming of course.
Mike
Thanks, the long term nature of the project -- maybe a couple years -- is why I'm thinking it would be better to own.
-- J.S.
John, I think it's a great idea if you can find a good machine. There's nothing better than working heights from the safety and comfort of a lift.
I recommend that you purchase the manuals for whichever machine you buy. I'd get a service manual at a minimum, but also recommend buying a parts manual as well. An operators manual should come with the machine and should be tethered to it somewhere. For my telehandler I bought a second copy to keep in the office, but the one for my Bobcat was simple enough that I didn't feel it was necessary to own two copies.
The service manuals for most machines are pretty good. I'm a terrible mechanic, but the manuals are good enough that they enable me to perform most of the routine maintenance on both my machines. Oil changes, filter changes, lube jobs, hydraulic fluid changes, coolant changes, basic troubleshooting... that type of stuff.
You may also want to look into seeing if a basic course for your machine is offered from the manufacturer. My old boss sent me to the local Cat dealership for a 6 hour course one Saturday on running their telehandlers. I got quite a bit out of that course. It's a good way to learn your machine's capabilites and limits if you're not already familar with that sort of stuff. I don't know if this is something that most manufacturers do or not, but it's worth looking into.
Also, don't forget to check and see which, if any, license requirements need to be met for your state. Here in MA, we're required to have a 2A, 1C hoisting license to run the telehandler. This is a good license to have because it lets me run pretty much any equipment you might find on a residential construction site (loaders, dozers, excavators, etc) with the exception of cable operated hoisting equipment (cranes and booms). The prep class alone (for that license) was very informing.
Thanks, I'll look into the manuals and license issue. This being my own house, I'm hoping I won't need the license.
-- J.S.
John - When I bought mine, I got it from a rental place. They let me take it for a month and at the end of the month, I had to either buy it (in which case they forgave the rent) or pay the month's rent. I bought it (a Genie z45 dual fuel) for what I still consider a great price.
By buying from a rental yard, you've got someone to service it that's familiar with the machine and has all the service records. I've had mine nearly a year and have had $700 worth of repair bills. I rent it out when I'm not using it (usually to the contractor or one of the subs on a job I've been on or am going to be on). For me, it's worked out well so far.
I've never used anything as small as the Z30, but basket size can be a hinderance. To me, anything with a basket smaller than 6' wide is almost worthless. You need room for all your stuff or you spend alll your time going up and down. $11,500 sounds kind of high for a 30' boom unless it's almost new. Mine is 10 years old with low hours and I paid about $14,000. Also, I'd look for a brand that's sold or rented nearby to make service easier. The engines are sometimes the same from brand to brand and the hydralics are pretty standard, but the controls are often proprietary. Good luck.
Birth, school, work, death.....................
http://grantlogan.net/
Thanks. I'll keep looking given that the price might not be so good. The big difference with the Z-30 from the Z-45 (other than 15 feet) is that the little machine is all electric, while the bigger ones all have internal combustion engines. It'll also fit thru the 5 ft. space between the house and garage to get into the back yard.
I may be stuck on basket size. Maybe building outboard boxes to hold tools will help. Thanks again, that's one of the issues I never would have thought of -- which is why it's so great to have the voices of experience on tap here at breaktime.
-- J.S.
You don't want to get one of those electric units off the pavement. It'll get stuck in a heartbeat.Birth, school, work, death.....................
http://grantlogan.net/
Ah, yes. Even that little one weighs 7 tons. Batteries and steel add up quick.
-- J.S.
I think my z45 weighs about 14,000 lbs. There's a big chunk of ballast steel opposite the boom.Birth, school, work, death.....................
http://grantlogan.net/
Tim Uhler posted a photo of a great work platform/basket. I think they use it with a boom forklift. Whatever the case, if you've got a couple of years of work to do, I would definitely concentrate on the setup.