Technology Enhancements Category Winner
AccuPlace with Ride Control Technology
JLG Industries
Key Innovation: Distributed hydraulics provide linear boom motion and more precise load placement.
Using distributed hydraulics, an arrangement of hydraulic hoses created in a single loop in place of the valve bank used to disperse oil in traditional hydraulic systems, the AccuPlace with Ride Control system from JLG provides linear motion of the boom and a boom suspension system that permits more stable load transfer. It gives machine operators more precise control of load placement and reduces bounce while transporting a load, even over rough terrain. Other advantages of the distributed hydraulics in the AccuPlace system include 12-percent faster boom speeds, and a 27-percent reduction of leak points, which reduces jobsite cleanup and machine maintenance requirements. The system also offers a 25-percent increase in hydraulic flow so attachments that require a high auxiliary flow work more efficiently with overall better performance. Machine diagnosis is also upgraded when using the JLG analyzer. The analyzer helps to reduce the time it takes to diagnose and troubleshoot issues, and provides a more accurate assessment of the problem area.
RER: What makes the AccuPlace with Ride Control Technology innovative?
Brian Boeckman, product parent North America telehandlers, JLG Industries: Accuplace applies a technology called distributed hydraulics. This technology distributes hydraulic flow and pressure in a single loop, as compared to alternative systems, which require a main valve bank to disperse the hydraulic oil. Ride control in achieved by using an accumulator to act as a suspension system for the boom.
RER: What are the benefits of the AccuPlace with Ride Control Technology? How does it make jobs more effective and efficient for rental professionals and their contractor customers?
Boeckman: The distributed hydraulic system reduces the number of potential leak points in the telehandler by 27 percent thereby reducing the potential for service calls and jobsite clean-up. The Accuplace system also allows for more accurate hydraulic flow and 12-percent faster boom speeds which in turn translate into higher productivity for the end-user. Finally ride control helps stabilize the load during transportation which reduces material damage on the jobsite.
RER: Describe the development process of the AccuPlace with Ride Control Technology. Where did the idea come from and who was responsible for its engineering and development?
Boeckman: Accuplace is the result of more than 3 years of development by JLG’s Advanced Concepts engineering group in conjunction with several key hydraulic and electronic suppliers.
