04.03.2017

Genie ZX-135/70 revamp

Genie will unveil an updated, more compact version of its 135ft ZX-135/70 articulating boom at Conexpo next week.

The most significant change to the machine is the switch to Genie's new, narrower mini X Chassis, introduced on the SX-135XC last September. The result is an overall extended width of 3.94 metres compared to the 5.2 metres of the current ZX-135/70 which was launched in 2013, when the company switched to the SX-180 chassis. The original Z-135/70, launched in 2005 and discontinued ion 2013, also featured an extended width of 3.94 metres.
Please register to see all images

The updated Genie ZX-135/70 has the same 2.4 to 3.94 metre overall width as the original Z-135

Working envelop performance is not affected by the changes, retaining its 43 metres working height, 21.3 metres of outreach and 23 metres of up-and-over clearance with the 272kg unrestricted platform capacity. The 6.1 metre telescopic Jib remains the same, as is the 160 degrees platform rotation and 360 degree continuous slew.

Other changes on the new machine include an improved axle design, a new platform load sensing system and a simple two point calibration process to set up the main boom, riser and jib in as little as 15 minutes. The new 4.11 software includes envelope control that only needs two calibration points, compared to the six on the machine it replaces. 1) When the boom is lowered to the stowed position, and 2) when the boom is fully raised, without the need of an inclinometer.

An example of how it works is as follows: With the riser/secondary boom fully lowered to the stowed position, the operator inputs “secondary boom fully lowered” into the software. He then fully raises the riser/boom until it stops at the end of the cylinder stroke, at approximately 76 degrees and inputs “secondary boom fully raised.” Pressing and holding the engine start button for five seconds will shut off the engine and save the calibration settings. The 4.11 software works with the machine’s angles sensors to check all is correct.
The new platform overload sensing has no moving parts and can be very easily recalibrated without weights. It meets the proposed ANSI A92 and CSA B354 standards as well as the current European EN280 and Australian AS 1418.10 standards.
Please register to see all images

A cutaway of the new platform overload sensor which measures 'flex' within the platform support structure to accurately weigh loads in the platform

Please register to see all images

A look at the fabrication from the top shows how the system works, without the need for any moving parts.

Options include a choice of three hydraulically driven generators/welders, and four wheel steer . Four wheel drive and is standard.

Vertikal Comment

This is a move we expected as soon as we saw the new SX 135XC last year, the new chassis was to some extent driven by customer feed back that the additional 1.3 metre of overall width was a problem in some applications, the introduction if the wider chassis in 2013 did not bring any ‘quid pro quo’ benefits, such as lighter weight, higher platform capacity or larger working envelope to offset the bigger footprint.

This and the other benefits will almost certainly rejuvenate interest in what has been an exceptionally popular machine over its 12 years life. Expect to see this mini chassis on other machines in the 120ft range next week.