It was both a challenge and an opportunity. With inflationary pressures continuing to push up manufacturing costs for all types of commercial equipment and rental rates not increasing proportionately, optimizing utilization was the key.
For MEC, according to Gary Crook, vice president of engineering, incorporating the capabilities of two machines in one was the answer. It was also the thinking behind the new MEC DualReach 85-J Boom lift.
With the 85-J Boom offering both telescopic and articulated machine reach envelopes in one, Crook noted, rental companies and users have better asset utilization. “Replacing two previous machines with just one means the necessary capabilities, without swapping machines out, are always available.
“There has long been a need to have both up-and-over and straight outreach in one boom lift model,” Crook continued. “With the DualReach 85-J Boom design, we are able to offer the ability to switch between the two and enable one machine to work around construction structures that change as the project progresses.”
Carrying a telescopic and articulated boom, the MEC DualReach 85-J features a patent pending innovation that allows the user to flick a switch and have the machine offer an articulated boom work envelope or the work envelope of a telescopic boom.
Articulation and Capacity
The capabilities of the 85-J include a working height of 91 feet. In telescopic mode, the machine has a maximum outreach of 70 feet, and in articulated mode, the 85-J offers a maximum up-and-over height of 21 feet. The boom features an articulated jib capable of up to 135 degrees of movement along with a 600-pound unrestricted and 900-pound restricted platform capacity at maximum outreach in both modes.
The MEC DualReach 85-J Boom offers mobility and stability, Crook also noted, with a self-leveling platform and optional automatic frame leveling of up to seven degrees on slopes. Its options include standard two-wheel, four-wheel and crab steering for maneuverability on jobsites.
Drive power for the DualReach 85-J is supplied by a 74-horsepower, Tier 4-compliant, turbocharged Deutz diesel engine and an axle-based four-wheel-drive traction control system. The machine rides on solid rough terrain tires.
Built-In Safety
Safety features of the MEC DualReach 85-J include a four-wheel braking system, emergency shut off switches on the platform and chassis, a multi-axis tilt sensor and all motion alarms.
The DualReach 85-J can also be equipped with a number of options, including:
The boom lift can also be fitted with the manufacturer’s Proactive Platform Safety System (PPSS) that enables lift control orientation to be angled away from the operator so potential entrapment situations are mitigated by the resulting downward movement.
The boom is also controlled without the use of a footswitch for better maneuverability, greater range of motion and safer operation. Instead, three joystick controllers — each with an enable switch — allow for better visibility.
Flexibility and Lower Costs
“The DualReach 85-J was designed for usability and simplicity,” Crook stated. “By eliminating the need for multiple machines, it also reduces maintenance and operational costs, lowering the total cost of ownership.”
Rental equipment dealers stand to benefit from the flexibility of the DualReach 85-J as they meet the requests of various applications with one machine, Crook noted. “The ability to effortlessly switch between telescopic mode and articulated mode means users can adapt to different needs without requiring two different machines,” he said.
“That enhances productivity, especially in dynamic environments, by ensuring you always have the right tool for the job,” Crook added.
MEC also offers a range of boom lifts for use in what it sees as growing applications across North America.
Lift & Access is part of the Catalyst Communications Network publication family.
