Booms from the Skyjack Platform

After temporarily exiting the boom market, Skyjack has positioned itself as a mainstream player during the past 15 years.

In an interview with Corey Connolly, their Senior Product Manager (pictured), we hear where the journey began for Skyjack and what gets their booms noticed by the hire market.

Early Days

Based in Ontario, Canada, Corey has been with Skyjack for more than 15 years, with 10 of those in the product management role.

“Skyjack’s original booms were launched in the late 90’s which included the standard 40’, 60’, and 80’ telescopic booms and 30’ and 40’ electric or slab booms,” said Corey. “These early machines also included the unique 40’ and 60’ TK (telescopic knuckle) booms, that not only telescoped but also articulated. A hybrid version of both a telescopic and articulating boom.”

“Unfortunately, these were launched during a period of significant consolidation in both the rental and manufacturing markets, which limited the demand for niche products such as the TK booms. Due to industry circumstances at the time, Skyjack was forced to make the tough decision regarding its boom product line to stay competitive in a rapidly changing market.”

From Scissors to Booms

In 2002, Skyjack was acquired by Linamar Corporation.

“With new ownership, and a different customer base, Skyjack understood that to successfully re-enter the boom market it would need to offer a machine that met customer expectations and aligned with the company’s overall design philosophy,” said Corey. “This would later show to be the impetus for a number of key design features that Skyjack continues to employ on its current lineup of boom models.”

In 2006, Skyjack re-entered the boom market by launching its 40’ telescopic booms, later updating to a line of 40’ to 80’ telescopic and articulating booms, and a 30’ electric/slab boom, while making continuous adjustments to meet the demands of emission and design standards.

Corey Connolly,

Senior Product Manager at Skyjack

Booms that stand out

Several features introduced by Skyjack have separated its booms from the competition.

“All of the 40’, 60’, and 80’ booms use an axle-based drive system which provides the best performance available while also minimising the cost of maintenance throughout the lifecycle of the machine,” said Corey. “Similar to Skyjack’s scissor lifts, a focus of the boom design was for ease in troubleshooting and repairs. A big part of that is the control system. While it has evolved over the years, it’s simple and reliable, while it integrates into Skyjack’s telematics offering, ‘ELEVATE’, providing increased insight into the machines and their operation.”

Analysing onboard data has made it easier to understand how the machines are being used and how they can be optimised to meet user and jobsite requirements, while reducing operating costs.

“In 2021, Skyjack made significant updates to their 40’ and 60’ booms,” said Corey. “These changes were driven by customer and user feedback and data from the machines themselves that showed how they were being operated.”

While addressing recent design standard changes in North America Skyjack made enhancements that have been updated for Australia.

“One change was to increase the platform capacities on all the 40’ and 60’ models,” said Corey. “This allows for more personnel, tools, and materials on the platform, making the machines more versatile and efficient.”

Last year, Skyjack made even further updates to its 40’ and 60’ booms — adjusting machine dimensions, reach envelope and engine selection.

“These changes were driven by not only customer and user feedback but also data from the machines themselves that showed how the machines were being operated. All these changes combined, not only aligned with performance expectations but helped to increase customer return by lowering maintenance and operating costs,” said Corey.

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