Genie S-85 vs JLG 860SJ: 26m Straight Boom Head-to-Head

March 17, 2026

Two industry leaders compete in the popular 26-meter class. Which straight boom lift delivers better value?

Specifications Comparison

Feature	Genie S-85	JLG 860SJ
Working Height	25.9m	26.4m
Horizontal Reach	17.4m	17.9m
Platform Capacity	272kg	272kg
Up/Over Clearance	11.5m	12.1m
Tailswing	1.5m	0m (zero tailswing)
Weight	12,200kg	12,700kg

Performance Analysis

Genie S-85 Advantages

Lower purchase price (~$105,000 vs $115,000)
Proven reliability with 20+ year track record
Better parts availability globally
Slightly faster cycle times

JLG 860SJ Advantages

Zero tailswing design for confined spaces
50cm additional working height
Superior ride comfort with active suspension
More intuitive controls

Operating Costs (Annual, 2-shift)

Genie S-85: $8,500 (fuel + maintenance)
JLG 860SJ: $9,200 (fuel + maintenance)

Resale Value (5-year)

Genie S-85: 55-60% of original
JLG 860SJ: 58-62% of original

Verdict

Choose Genie S-85 if: Budget is primary concern, proven reliability matters

Choose JLG 860SJ if: Zero tailswing is needed, premium features justify cost

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