Once a year (no later than 13 months from the previous one), ANSI and CSA guidelines require equipment owners and fleet managers to conduct annual machine inspections (AMI) on all mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs), including self-propelled and trailer-mounted (also referred to as towable or tow behind) boom lifts, in their fleets, regardless of brand, make or model. 

Why? Because an AMI helps verify that each piece of equipment, and all the machine’s components, are in good operating condition — which is crucial to the safe use of MEWPs. 

How to Conduct an AMI

According to the ANSI/CSA industry standards, the AMI is to be performed by a mechanic qualified on the specific make and model of boom lift. Because compliance with the standards is critical to reducing the risk of safety hazards and preventing unplanned equipment downtime, JLG recommends that a Factory Trained Service Technician performs the AMI, which the company recognizes as a person who has successfully completed JLG Service Training for the specific JLG product model. 

Compliance starts with reading and understanding the Operations & Safety Manual before beginning any inspection on a JLG® boom lift. This is because, when conducting an annual inspection, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations and specific guidance on inspecting procedures and criteria. 

For machine inspections and maintenance required by JLG, also refer to the appropriate Service & Maintenance manual for the specific model. Manuals for JLG boom lifts can be accessed here or in the technical publications section on OnlineExpress, JLG’s online parts system and resource center.

AMI Forms and Checks
Before beginning an annual inspection, download the AMI form for JLG boom lifts, available here, and prepare one form for each boom lift in the fleet, including the machine’s serial number, machine model, hour meter reading, previous inspection date and the product owners’ name and address.

During the inspection, check each item listed on the form, indicating with a Y (= Yes) if it passes, N (= No) if it fails or C (= Corrected) if a discrepancy has been found and fixed. NA (= Not Applicable) can be marked if the item is not relevant to the specific machine.

For JLG boom lifts, there are nine areas of the machine that must be checked during the annual inspection: 
1. Functions & Controls
2. Platform Assembly
3. Boom Assembly
4. Turntable
5. Chassis
6. Power System
7. Hydraulic/Electrical System
8. Manuals & Decals 
9. General items

Here’s a little bit more information on what fleet mechanics will need to inspect on JLG boom lifts in each of these nine areas during the AM.

#1: Functions & Controls

• All controls return to neutral/off position when released
  
• Detents properly lock controls in neutral/off position. Condition of control enclosures and protective boots/guards should also be checked
  
• Footswitch operates properly, including that it shuts off function when released
  
• Emergency stop switches at the ground and platform control stations arrest all platform movement
  
• All function and speed cut-outs operate properly
  
• Manual descent system and/or auxiliary power system operates properly
  
• Tower boom synchronization and sequence system operates properly
  
• Capacity indicator system operates properly
  
• Brakes operate properly, including swing and drive
  
• Machine controls operate properly at platform and ground control stations, including lift, swing drive, telescopic and so on

#2: Platform Assembly

• Platform installed and secure. Mounting hardware is free of damage and secure, and the gate opens and latches properly
• Platform guardrails and floor is in place, secure and undamaged
• Lanyard anchorage points are secure, undamaged and labeled

#3: Boom Assembly

• Boom sections are free of damage, distortion and excessive wear
  
• All nuts, bolts, pins, shafts, shields, bearings, wear pads and locking devices are properly installed and show no excessive wear, cracks or distortion
  
• All sheaves, sheave pins and bearings are properly installed and secure, and none show signs of excessive wear, cracks or distortion
  
• Boom chains and cables are free of damage, properly installed, properly torqued and properly lubricated
  
• Powertrack is free of damage, distortion and excessive wear. Cables and hoses are properly routed, with no chafing or leaks
  
• Cylinder pins, pivot pins and attaching and retention hardware show no signs of damage, distortion or excessive wear

#4: Turntable

• Hood doors open and latch properly
  
• Hood props in place, is secure and functioning properly
  
• Turntable bearing, swing drive and gear is secure and undamaged, as well as properly lubricated. And there are no missing bearing bolts or signs of looseness
  
• The swing bearing bolt tolerance is in accordance to guidance stated in the Service & Maintenance Manual
  
• If equipped, the turntable lock is secure, undamaged and operable

#5: Chassis

• Wheel rim nuts are torqued properly
  
• Proper tires are installed
  
• Tires are free of gouges and do not show signs of excessive wear, including no chords showing. And, the tire bead is properly seated around the rim. If the tires are pneumatic, they are properly inflated
  
• Oscillating axle operates properly, locking in place when the turntable swings to the side
  
• Outriggers/extendible axles, as well as the interlocks function, operate properly

#6: Power System

• Engine idle, throttle and RPM is set properly
  
• Battery fluid levels are correct
  
• Battery charger scrolls through diagnostics when plugged in
  
• Batteries accept charge
  
• Air and fuel filters are clean
  
• Fuel, coolant and engine oil levels are correct
  
• Fuel cap is tight, and the vent is open
  
• Exhaust system is free of leaks

#7: Hydraulic/Electrical System

• All cylinders are free of damage, and there is no evidence of leaks
  
• All areas around the hydraulic components (pumps, oil lines, reservoir) are free of oil, with no evidence off leaks
  
• Hydraulic oil is free of contaminants, and the hydraulic filter is clean
  
• Hydraulic levels in tank and the torque hubs are correct
  
• Hydraulic tank cap is tight and vent is open
  
• All hydraulic fitting and lines are secure, and they are free of damage, chafing and leaks
  
• All electrical connections are tight, with no corrosion or abrasions
  
• Instruments, switches, gauges, horns and lights operate properly
  
• The pump and motor are secure, undamaged and free of leaks
  
• All hydraulic pressures are properly adjusted

#8: Manuals & Decals

• The manual storage box contains the ANSI/SIA Manual of Responsibilities (MOR), the Operations and Safety Manual and the AEM Handbook
  
• Capacity decals are installed and legible at both the platform and ground control stations
  
• All safety and instructional decals are installed, secure and legible

#9: General Items

• Lift is free of unauthorized modifications or additions
  
• Paint and overall appearance are in good condition
  
• Applicable Safety Bulletins are completed
  
• General structural condition, including all welds, has been inspected
  
• Greasing and lubrication has been done per guidance in the Service & Maintenance Manual
  
• The machine has been driven and operated to test all machine functions
  
• If ownership has changed since the last inspection, the Owner Update form has been completed and returned to JLG
  

AMI Action Steps
During the inspection, mechanics are encouraged to describe the discrepancies found on the form, as well as include any other general comments on the condition of the machine, in order to make sure any and all discrepancies have been brought to the attention of the machine’s owner and user.

If any discrepancies are found during the annual inspection, no one should operate, or otherwise use, the boom lift until all discrepancies have been corrected. If any items found to be not acceptable, the boom lift must be immediately removed from service (tagged out), and any repairs to defective or damaged components should be made as soon as possible by a qualified person.

The safe use of boom lifts on job sites is very important to JLG. To help owners, fleet managers and operators be informed on best practices for maintaining this type of equipment, guidelines for annual machine inspections on JLG boom lifts are outlined in both the appropriate JLG Operations & Safety Manual and Service & Maintenance Manual, as well as in AMI forms available here. 

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