Last updated: October 2026

The Genie GTH-844 is one of the most popular 8,000 lb telehandlers on construction sites. It lifts its full 8,000 lb capacity, places loads almost 44 ft high or more than 28 ft forward, and handles rough ground with full-time four-wheel drive and three steering modes.

This guide covers the GTH-844’s specs and features, how it compares to other 8,000 lb telehandlers, what it costs new and used, and what to check before you buy one.

In this guide:

• Genie GTH-844 specs
• Key features
• Video walkaround
• How it compares
• Pros and cons
• Common uses
• Genie GTH-844 price
• What to check before buying used
• FAQs

Specs are from Genie’s 2023 GTH-844 product specifications. Older units may have different engines and options, so check the specs for the model year you are buying.

• Full-capacity lifting. The GTH-844 lifts 8,000 lb and still handles 6,000 lb at full height, so it can place full pallets of block, brick or roofing on upper floors.
• Reach for jobsite work. A 43 ft 10 in lift height and 28 ft 2 in forward reach let it set loads over trenches, walls and stacked materials.
• Rough-terrain drive. Full-time four-wheel drive, a front limited-slip differential, 21,000 lb of drawbar pull and 15 mph travel speed help it move around muddy, uneven sites.
• Three steering modes. Two-wheel, four-wheel coordinated and crab steering give operators tight turns (a 13 ft 9 in outside radius) and easy positioning next to walls.
• Frame leveling. The frame levels up to 10 degrees side to side, so operators can level the machine before lifting on uneven ground.
• Low stowed height. At 7 ft 10 in tall, the GTH-844 is easier to haul and fits under more overhead obstructions than many high-reach models.
• Attachments. Quick-attach carriages, side-tilt and swing carriages, pallet forks, cubing tines and lumber forks are available from Genie. Always use the load chart that matches the attachment.
• Cab and tech options. Options include an open or enclosed cab with heat or air conditioning, LED work lights, cold weather packages and Lift Connect telematics.

This video walkaround of a used 2014 Genie GTH-844 gives a close look at the machine and can help you know what to look for when you shop for a used unit.

All three are close matches. The GTH-844 lifts the highest of the group, the SkyTrak 8042 reaches farthest forward, and the Skyjack SJ843 TH falls in between. Need more reach? The Genie GTH-1056 lifts 10,000 lb to 56 ft 7 in. Need something smaller? The Genie GTH-636 and GTH-5519 are lighter and more compact. Browse all used telehandlers to compare prices.

• Construction: placing block, brick, lumber, trusses, roofing and steel on upper floors and roofs
• Site work: unloading trucks, moving pallets and materials around rough sites, and handling bulk materials with a bucket
• Agriculture: moving bales, feed and supplies around farms
• Industrial and yards: loading and unloading flatbeds and moving heavy materials in outdoor storage yards

For help choosing between a telehandler and a forklift, browse used forklifts as well, or compare other Genie telehandlers.

Prices vary with year, hours, cab type, options and condition. In October 2026, Genie GTH-844 listings on FleetNow included:

Low hours, an enclosed cab, newer Tier 4 Final engines and a clean service history all add to a used telehandler’s value.

• Hours on the meter and service records
• Boom sections and wear pads for scoring, bends, cracks and heavy wear
• Play in the boom pivot pins, carriage pins and quick-attach
• Lift, tilt, extend and leveling cylinders for leaks, and whether the boom drifts down under load
• Frame leveling, all three steering modes, four-wheel drive and brakes
• Transmission shifts smoothly in all three speeds, forward and reverse
• Engine starts easily, with no excess smoke, leaks or warning codes
• Tires for cuts, chunking and uneven wear
• Forks for cracks, bends and heel wear
• Load chart, decals and operator’s manual in the cab

Ask the seller for photos of the hour meter and serial plate, and test every boom function under load before you buy.

FleetNow lists used Genie GTH-844 telehandlers and other telehandlers from dealers and owners across the country, including Genie, JLG, SkyTrak and Skyjack models. Need help finding the right machine? Contact our team. Selling a telehandler? List it on FleetNow.

Specs from JLG. The G5-18A was succeeded by the JLG 519 in late 2024, but used G5-18As remain widely available. Shop JLG telehandlers for sale.

Specs from Genie. Shop Genie telehandlers for sale.

The 2733 and GTH-1256 are built for different jobs. For a fair comparison, here’s how each brand stacks up in the size classes where they compete directly.

In the 12,000 lb class, the Genie GTH-1256 holds 6,000 lb at full height versus 5,000 lb for the JLG 1255. Both carry 3,500 lb at full reach. JLG is the only one of the two that builds past 12,000 lb (the 1644, 1732 and 2733) or past 56 ft of lift height (the 75-ft JLG 1075).

Pros

• Widest lineup: 10 models from 5,500 lb to 26,600 lb of capacity
• Only brand of the two with high-capacity models (JLG 1644, JLG 1732, JLG 2733) and a 75-ft machine (JLG 1075)
• Our technician rates JLG easier to operate, with better customer support
• The JLG 1255 scored 5/5 for performance and serviceability

Cons

• New large-class units tend to cost more: new JLG 1055 asking prices run about $173,000–$180,000
• The 1255 scored 3/5 for reliability in our technician’s ratings
• Older G-series models (G6-42A, G12-55A) are out of production

Pros

• Slightly more lift height in matching classes: 43 ft 10 in on the Genie GTH-844 and 56 ft 3 in on the Genie GTH-1256
• The GTH-1256 holds 6,000 lb at full height, 1,000 lb more than the JLG 1255
• The Genie GTH-5519 earned our technician’s only 5/5 overall rating
• Used Genie units often sell for less than comparable JLG models

Cons

• Only 5 models, topping out at 12,000 lb and 56 ft 7 in
• No high-capacity models for heavy loads
• The GTH-5519 scored 3/5 for serviceability

JLG and Genie don’t publish list prices, so new prices below are dealer asking prices. Used prices are FleetNow asking prices as of October 2026. Hours, condition and location drive most of the spread.

Prices change daily. Browse used JLG telehandlers or browse used Genie telehandlers for current listings.

Choose JLG if you need more than 12,000 lb of capacity, more than 56 ft of lift height, or the widest choice of models. Our technician also prefers JLG for ease of operation and customer support.

Choose Genie if you’re buying a compact or 55-ft class machine and want a little more height, the stronger capacity at full height on the GTH-1256, or a lower used price.

In the 10,000–12,000 lb, 55-ft class, the two brands are close on paper. There, hours, condition and price matter more than the badge. Compare all telehandlers for sale on FleetNow.

Last updated: October 19, 2026

A telescopic handler, or telehandler, is a versatile lifting machine that combines the reach of a crane with the lifting ability of a forklift. Telehandlers are used on construction sites, farms, warehouses and industrial sites to lift and place heavy materials, and with the right attachment they can do much more.

Whether you’re buying a used telehandler or deciding whether to rent, this guide covers telehandler types and sizes, popular models, prices, what to inspect before you buy, safety requirements and transport.

Table of Contents

• Types of Telehandlers
• Telehandler Sizes and Popular Models
• Top Telehandler Brands
• How Much Does a Telehandler Cost?
• Is It Worth Buying a Telehandler?
• What to Look for When Buying a Used Telehandler
• How Many Hours Does a Telehandler Last?
• Telehandler Attachments and Uses
• Telehandler Safety and Training
• How to Transport a Telehandler
• FAQs

Fixed (standard) telehandlers: The most common type. The cab and boom face forward on a fixed frame, and the machine drives to where it needs to place a load. They’re mobile and well suited to moving materials around a job site. Browse fixed telehandlers for sale.

Rotating telehandlers: The cab and boom sit on a turntable that rotates up to 360°, and outriggers stabilize the machine. Because they can place loads in a full circle without moving, they’re useful in tight spaces and can double as a small crane or aerial work platform with the right attachments.

Compact telehandlers: Small, low-profile machines (about 5,500 lb capacity and 18–19 ft lift height) that fit through tight access points and under low clearances. They’re popular on farms, landscaping jobs and residential construction.

High-capacity telehandlers: Heavy-duty machines that lift 15,000 lb or more, used for precast, steel and heavy industrial work.

Telehandlers are usually described by lift capacity and lift height. In most model names, those two numbers are built in: a JLG 1055 lifts 10,000 lb to 55 ft, and a Genie GTH-844 lifts 8,000 lb to about 44 ft.

Specs are based on current JLG and Genie models. Capacity drops as the boom extends, so always check the machine’s load chart for the reach and height you need.

The most common telehandler brands on the North American used market include:

• JLG telehandlers: the widest lineup, from compact models to 26,600-lb high-capacity machines
• Genie telehandlers: the GTH line, from the compact GTH-5519 to the 12,000-lb GTH-1256
• SkyTrak telehandlers: a JLG brand popular in rental fleets
• JCB telehandlers: known for its Loadall line
• CAT telehandlers

New telehandler prices depend mainly on lift capacity and height. Based on current dealer asking prices, new compact telehandlers run about $60,000–$72,000, mid-size models about $115,000–$130,000, and 55-ft high-reach models about $160,000–$190,000. High-capacity models are usually quoted on request.

Used telehandlers cost far less. Here’s what common models are listed for on FleetNow:

Prices are FleetNow asking prices as of October 2026 and change daily. Hours, condition, year and location drive most of the spread.

It depends on how often you’ll use it. If you only need a telehandler during peak seasons or for a single short project, renting is usually cheaper. Rental rates depend on size, region and rental length, and weekly and monthly rates are discounted compared with daily rates.

For long-term or year-round use, buying is usually the better value. Rentals carry overuse charges if you exceed contracted hours, and a rented machine isn’t an asset you own. A telehandler you buy can be used as collateral or resold later, and a well-maintained used machine holds its value well.

Before you buy a used telehandler, inspect these areas or ask for a third-party inspection:

Mechanical systems

• Check the engine for leaks, including the ground beneath the machine, and inspect seals and gaskets for wear.
• Check engine fluids and filters.
• Test the steering (including all steer modes) and the service and parking brakes.
• Check the hydraulics for leaks and listen for unusual noises while operating the boom.
• Check the hour meter and make sure it hasn’t been tampered with.

Structural systems

• Inspect the boom, boom wear pads, frame and carriage for rust, cracks, bent metal or poor welds.
• Extend and retract the boom fully and watch for jerky movement.
• Make sure forks and attachments are the right size and rating for the machine.

Maintenance records

• Ask for service and inspection records, including annual inspections.
• Check the time between service dates. Ex-rental machines are often fleet maintained on a set schedule.

General condition

• Look for wear on the cab, glass, seat and controls.
• Check tire condition and make sure the load charts and decals are present and readable.

Make and model support: A great price on an older or discontinued model can be offset by hard-to-find parts and service. Popular models from JLG, Genie and SkyTrak are the easiest to support.

Telehandlers often run at low RPMs, so with routine maintenance, the engine can commonly reach around 10,000 hours before needing major work. In harsh, high-use applications, that can drop closer to 5,000 hours. When comparing used machines, hours matter, but maintenance history and condition matter just as much.

Attachments are what make telehandlers so versatile. Common options include:

• Forks and fork carriages
• Buckets
• Work platforms (for lifting personnel, where approved by the manufacturer)
• Truss booms and lifting hooks
• Pipe grapples
• Augers
• Snow buckets and plows

With these, telehandlers handle material placement on construction sites, bale handling on farms, elevated work, snow removal and waste handling at sanitation and recycling centers.

OSHA treats telehandlers as rough terrain forklifts, so operators must be trained and evaluated under OSHA’s powered industrial truck standard (29 CFR 1910.178). The ANSI/ITSDF B56.6 standard also covers rough terrain forklift design and use.

Key safe-operation guidelines:

• Never operate a telehandler until you’re trained and authorized on that machine.
• Inspect the work area, including ground conditions, overhead hazards and power lines.
• Always use the load chart for the attachment, boom angle and extension you’re working with.
• Wear required PPE, and use fall protection in any approved work platform attachment.
• Keep loads low while traveling and secure tools and materials.
• Know where the emergency controls are and how to use them.

If you rent, the rental company usually delivers the machine. If you buy, you’ll need to arrange transport on a trailer rated for the machine’s weight. Follow the manufacturer’s operator manual, and keep these steps in mind:

• Confirm the telehandler’s weight and dimensions, and make sure the trailer and truck are rated for them.
• Fully retract and lower the boom, and lower or remove the attachment.
• Use the machine’s designated tie-down points and secure it with chains and binders according to transport regulations.
• For propane-powered machines, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the LP tank.
• Check the total load height and plan your route around low bridges and overpasses.

Last updated: October 2026

A telehandler should be inspected before every shift. OSHA requires it, and a good daily check catches leaks, worn parts and failing safety systems before they cause an accident or a breakdown on the job.

This guide covers what OSHA requires, a complete daily telehandler checklist, a typical service schedule, and what to do when you find a problem. You can also download our free printable telehandler inspection report.

In this guide:

• Telehandler inspection requirements
• Daily telehandler inspection checklist
• Free printable checklist (PDF)
• Telehandler service schedule
• What to do if you find a problem
• Inspecting a used telehandler before you buy
• FAQs

OSHA treats telehandlers as rough terrain forklifts, so they fall under its powered industrial truck standard (29 CFR 1910.178), which also applies on construction sites through 1926.602.

• Daily examination: a telehandler must be examined before it is placed in service, at least daily. If it runs around the clock, it must be examined after each shift.
• Remove unsafe machines: if the examination finds a condition that affects safety, the telehandler can’t be used until it is repaired. Defects must be reported right away, and repairs must be made by authorized personnel.
• Trained operators: operators must be trained and evaluated on the type of machine they use, and re-evaluated at least every 3 years.
• Industry standard: ANSI/ITSDF B56.6, the standard for rough terrain forklifts, also calls for a pre-operation inspection, and covers work platforms used on telehandlers.

Unlike scissor and boom lifts, telehandlers don’t have a required annual inspection under these rules, but many fleets do one anyway as part of their preventive maintenance. If you lift people with a work platform, the platform must be approved by the telehandler’s manufacturer and used with the matching load chart. Read the OSHA standard for the full requirements.

Do the visual checks with the engine off, the boom fully lowered and retracted, and the machine parked on level ground. Then start the machine and run the function tests. Checklists vary by make and model, so also follow the operator’s manual for your telehandler.

• Operator’s manual and safety manuals are in the cab.
• Load charts are in the cab and match the attachment in use.
• Capacity, warning and safety decals are in place and readable.
• The operator is trained and authorized on this type of telehandler.

• Boom sections, welds and cylinders have no cracks, dents or bends.
• Boom wear pads are in place and not worn past their limits.
• Extension chains or cables (if equipped) are adjusted and undamaged.
• Pivot pins and retainers are in place.
• Frame, axles and stabilizers (if equipped) show no damage.
• No hydraulic leaks at cylinders, hoses and fittings.

• The attachment is locked to the quick-attach carriage and the locking pins are fully engaged.
• Forks have no cracks, bends or excessive heel wear, and the fork pins are secure.
• The attachment is approved for the machine and has a matching load chart.

• Tires are inflated to spec (or foam filled) with no cuts, bulges or missing chunks.
• Lug nuts are present and tight.

• Engine oil, coolant, hydraulic oil, fuel and DEF (if equipped) are at the right levels.
• Drain water from the fuel/water separator.
• Check the air filter indicator, belts and hoses.
• Battery terminals are clean and tight.

• ROPS/FOPS cab structure, glass and mirrors are undamaged.
• Seat, seat belt and seat switch work.
• Gauges and warning lights work, with no active fault codes.

• Horn, lights and backup alarm work.
• Service brakes and parking brake hold.
• All steering modes work (front-wheel, four-wheel and crab steer).
• Boom lift, lower, extend, retract and tilt operate smoothly with no unusual noises.
• Frame leveling returns to level (0 degrees) and stabilizers raise and lower.
• The load stability or load management indicator passes its self-test and alarms work.
• Auxiliary hydraulics work if you are using a powered attachment.

Download our free telehandler inspection report to use on paper. It covers the engine, hydraulics, frame and chassis, operation, tires, drive train and cab, with spaces for the make, model, hours and serial number, and a key for marking each item acceptable, future repair or needs repair.

Daily checks don’t replace scheduled maintenance. Each manufacturer sets its own intervals, so use the service manual for your model. As an example, here is JLG’s published maintenance schedule for its JLG and SkyTrak telehandlers under normal conditions:

Heavy use, dust, mud or extreme temperatures can call for shorter intervals. Keep a record of every inspection and service, since buyers will ask for it when you sell.

• Don’t use the telehandler. Tag it out of service at the controls so no one else uses it.
• Report the problem to your supervisor or fleet manager right away.
• Have a qualified, authorized technician make the repair using the manufacturer’s procedures and parts.
• Re-inspect and function test the machine before putting it back in service, and record the repair.

The same checklist works when you’re looking at a used telehandler, with a few additions. Ask for the service records and hour meter history, check for a recent fluid analysis if one was done, and look closely at boom wear pads, pivot pins, axles and tires, since they are expensive to replace. Run every function under a light load and check the load management system.

See our brand guides to Genie telehandlers, JLG telehandlers and Skyjack telehandlers for models, specs and used prices, or our ultimate guide to telehandlers for the basics.

FleetNow Inspect replaces paper checklists with digital inspections. Complete telehandler inspections in the shop or on site, add photos of problems and share reports with one click. FleetNow estimates that switching to digital inspections can save $2,700 per mechanic each year.

To learn more, contact FleetNow or call 1-216-973-5124.

FleetNow lists used telehandlers from rental companies, dealers and contractors across the country. Browse all used telehandlers, or shop by brand: Genie, JLG and more. Have a telehandler to sell? List your equipment on FleetNow.

Last updated: October 2026

The Skyjack SJ6832 RT is a 69.5 in wide rough terrain scissor lift with a 32 ft platform height (38 ft working height) and a 1,000 lb capacity. It has four-wheel drive, a Kubota diesel engine and 40% gradeability, and it carries up to four people even in winds up to 28 mph, which makes it a popular choice for outdoor construction sites.

This guide covers the SJ6832 RT’s specs and features, how it compares to the Genie GS-3369 RT and JLG RT3369, what it costs new and used, and what to check before you buy one.

In this guide:

• Skyjack SJ6832 RT specs
• Key features
• How it compares
• Pros and cons
• Common uses
• Skyjack SJ6832 RT price
• What to check before buying used
• FAQs

Specs are from Skyjack’s current North American spec page and 2026 product guide for the base machine; older units can vary slightly by production year. Skyjack also built an electric version, the SJ6832 RTE, with a 48-volt system and an operating weight of about 7,885 lb.

• Four occupants in wind: the platform is rated for four people at full height in winds up to 28 mph, where many 33 ft class rivals drop to two people outdoors.
• Four-wheel drive and 40% gradeability: foam-filled 26 x 12 in tires and 8 in of ground clearance handle gravel, mud and uneven ground.
• Drives at full height: operators can reposition at 32 ft at up to 0.4 mph.
• Large platform: a 56 x 96 in deck plus a 5 ft extension deck gives crews room for people, tools and materials.
• Compact footprint: at 107 in long, it is shorter than most 33 ft class rough terrain scissors, which helps on tight sites and trailers.
• Simple, serviceable design: Skyjack’s color-coded, numbered wiring makes electrical troubleshooting easier.
• Options: independent auto-leveling outriggers, a cold weather package, a diesel scrubber, a pipe rack and Skyjack’s ELEVATE telematics.

The SJ6832 RT’s closest rivals are the Genie GS-3369 RT and the JLG RT3369, both 69 in wide, 33 ft class rough terrain scissor lifts.

The three machines have nearly identical heights and capacities. The SJ6832 RT stands out for carrying four people outdoors and for its shorter length, while the Genie and JLG reach about 8 in higher. JLG also offers an electric version, the ERT3369. See our Genie scissor lift guide and JLG scissor lift guide for those lineups.

Need a different size? The Skyjack SJ6826 RT is the 26 ft version of the same machine (see our SJ6826 RT guide), and the 88 in wide SJ8831 RT and SJ8841 RT have larger platforms for bigger crews.

• Carries four people at full height in winds up to 28 mph
• Four-wheel drive and 40% gradeability for rough sites
• Shorter and lighter than the JLG RT3369
• Large platform with a 5 ft extension deck
• Simple, color-coded wiring that is easy to troubleshoot

• About 8 in less platform height than the Genie GS-3369 RT and JLG RT3369
• Diesel engine limits indoor use without good ventilation
• Outriggers are an option, not standard
• Many used units are former rental machines with 1,000 to 2,000 hours
• High new list price compared with buying used

• Framing, roofing and exterior work on commercial and residential construction sites
• Steel erection, concrete work and installing building envelopes
• Electrical, HVAC and mechanical installation on unfinished sites
• Maintenance at industrial plants, warehouses and yards
• Event, agriculture and outdoor facility work on grass, gravel or dirt

Skyjack’s 2026 list price for a standard SJ6832 RT is $74,640, and options such as independent auto-leveling outriggers ($13,065 list) add to that. Dealer prices are usually below list. Used units cost far less: most SJ6832 RT listings on FleetNow are 2015 to 2018 models priced around $20,000.

Used prices are FleetNow asking prices from the first 40 Skyjack SJ6832 RT listings in October 2026; typical price is the median. Most listed units show about 1,000 to 2,000 hours. The list price is from Skyjack’s 2026 price guide for the standard configuration.

What drives the price of a used SJ6832 RT:

• Year and hours: newer units with fewer hours sell for much more, and units built to the 2020 ANSI A92.20 standards have load sensing.
• Engine condition: a well-maintained Kubota diesel with service records adds value.
• Options: auto-leveling outriggers and cold weather packages raise the price.
• Tires and undercarriage: worn foam-filled tires are expensive to replace.

• Hours and service records: compare the hour meter with the service history, and ask when the engine oil, filters and hydraulic oil were last changed.
• Engine: check that the Kubota diesel starts easily, idles smoothly and doesn’t smoke heavily or leak oil or coolant.
• Four-wheel drive: drive forward and back on rough ground and up a grade, and check the drive motors, hubs and hoses for leaks.
• Lift function: raise to full height (about 39 seconds with a rated load), drive at height and make sure the platform holds without drifting down.
• Safety systems: test the tilt alarm, emergency stops, emergency lowering and, on newer units, load sensing.
• Outriggers: if equipped, make sure each one extends, levels and retracts without leaks.
• Scissor arms and platform: look for cracked welds, bent arms, worn pins and bushings, and damage to the rails, gate and extension deck.
• Tires: check the foam-filled tires for chunking, cuts and uneven wear.
• Records: ask for the annual inspection, and have a Skyjack dealer check the serial number for open safety bulletins.

The FleetNow Inspect app gives you a checklist to document a machine’s condition. For more on buying rough terrain scissors, see our rough terrain scissor lift buyer’s guide and our guide to buying a used scissor lift.

FleetNow lists used Skyjack SJ6832 RT scissor lifts from rental companies, dealers and contractors across the country. You can also browse all Skyjack rough terrain scissor lifts, Skyjack scissor lifts and Skyjack equipment, or compare all rough terrain scissor lifts.

Have questions about a listing? Contact our team or call 1-216-973-5124. Selling a lift? List your equipment on FleetNow.

Pros

• Carries its full 6,000 lb all the way to 43 ft 4 in
• Three steering modes, including crab steer, for tight job sites
• FLEXCAB converts between open and enclosed cab
• Fast 17-mph travel speed for large job sites
• Rated 5/5 by our technician for performance, reliability and serviceability

Cons

• 28 ft 7 in of forward reach is a bit shorter than the SkyTrak 6042 (29 ft 6 in) and CAT TL642 (30 ft)
• 1,000 lb at full reach, less than the SkyTrak 6042’s 1,200 lb
• Smaller used supply than SkyTrak and JLG models
• Overall value rated 4/5 by our technician

Here’s how the SJ643 TH compares with other common 6,000–6,600 lb telehandlers in the 36–43 ft range.

The SJ643 TH has the most lift height of the group and keeps full capacity at that height. If you need more capacity in the same height class, see the 8,000-lb Skyjack SJ843 TH, or the 56-ft SJ1056 TH for more reach. Compare all Skyjack telehandlers or telehandlers for sale.

Skyjack doesn’t publish list prices. New SJ643 TH units are listed by dealers at about $112,000–$126,000.

Used prices depend mostly on year and hours:

Prices are FleetNow asking prices as of October 2026 and change daily. Hours, condition and location drive most of the spread. See current Skyjack SJ643 TH listings.

Last updated: October 2026

The Genie GTH-1056 is a 10,000 lb telehandler with a 56 ft 7 in maximum lift height and 42 ft of forward reach. Current models lift 5,000 lb to full height, and the GTH-1056 is one of the most common high-capacity telehandlers in North American rental fleets, so there is a large supply of used units.

This guide covers the GTH-1056’s specs and features, mechanic ratings, how it compares to the JLG 1055 and SkyTrak 10054, what it costs new and used, and what to check before you buy one.

In this guide:

• Genie GTH-1056 specs
• Key features
• Mechanic ratings
• How it compares
• Pros and cons
• Common uses
• Genie GTH-1056 price
• What to check before buying used
• Video review
• FAQs

Specs are from Genie’s current North American spec sheet. Genie redesigned the GTH-1056 for 2021. Earlier units lift 4,000 lb at full height (versus 5,000 lb), reach 56 ft 10 in, weigh about 30,000 lb and may have a John Deere, Perkins or Deutz engine, so check the load chart and engine plate on any used unit.

• 5,000 lb at full height: 2021 and newer units lift half their rated capacity to 56 ft 7 in, which suits placing heavy loads on upper floors and roofs.
• Two engine choices: a 74 hp Deutz that needs no DEF, or a 121 hp Deutz with more travel speed and drawbar pull.
• Three steering modes: 2-wheel, 4-wheel coordinated and crab steering for tight sites.
• Frame leveling: up to 10 degrees side to side for placing loads on uneven ground.
• Redesigned boom: the 2021 update added a mid-pivot lift cylinder, improved chain retention and slide-in wear pads for easier service.
• Standard auxiliary hydraulics and quick-attach carriage: run attachments such as buckets, truss booms, swing carriages and fork positioners.
• Operator aids: a load moment indicator, level indicator, boom angle indicator and rear proximity alarm, with an optional enclosed cab with heat and A/C.

Joe N., a mechanic at OHR Rents who services telehandlers in a rental fleet, rated the Genie GTH-1056:

The GTH-1056’s closest rivals are the JLG 1055 and SkyTrak 10054, both 10,000 lb telehandlers in the 55 ft class.

The GTH-1056 has the highest lift height of the three and matches the JLG 1055 for capacity at height and reach, while the SkyTrak 10054 is the most compact. SkyTrak redesigned its telehandlers in 2026, so check the specs for the model year you are buying. The Cat TL1055 is another 10,000 lb, 55 ft class option. See our SkyTrak 10054 guide and JLG vs Genie telehandlers comparison for more.

Need a different size? The Genie GTH-844 lifts 8,000 lb to 44 ft (see our GTH-844 guide), and the Genie GTH-1256 lifts 12,000 lb to about 56 ft. For heavy pick-and-carry work, the Genie GTH-1544 is rated for 15,000 lb.

• Highest lift height in the 10,000 lb, 55 ft class
• 5,000 lb capacity at full height on 2021 and newer units
• DEF-free 74 hp engine option simplifies emissions maintenance
• Three steering modes and frame leveling for tight, uneven sites
• Large used supply and common parts in rental fleets

• Heavy at about 31,900 lb, which limits trailers and ground conditions
• Pre-2021 units are rated for only 4,000 lb at full height
• Many used units are ex-rental machines with 2,000 to 4,000 hours
• The 121 hp engine requires DEF and aftertreatment maintenance
• Its 8 ft 6 in width can be tight on narrow job sites

• Placing trusses, lumber and roofing materials on residential and commercial builds
• Lifting pallets of block, brick and drywall to upper floors
• Steel and precast placement with truss booms and jibs
• Loading and unloading trucks on job sites and in yards
• Agriculture and industrial material handling with buckets and other attachments

Learn more in our guide to telehandlers and our telehandler vs forklift comparison.

A new Genie GTH-1056 costs about $150,000 with an open canopy and about $162,000 with an enclosed cab, based on dealer listings for 2025 and 2026 units. Used units cost much less: most GTH-1056 listings on FleetNow are 2012 to 2019 models priced between about $64,000 and $95,000.

Used prices are FleetNow asking prices from the first 40 Genie GTH-1056 listings in October 2026; typical price is the median. Most listed units show about 1,900 to 4,000 hours. New prices are advertised dealer prices and change often.

What drives the price of a used GTH-1056:

• Model year: 2021 and newer units have the redesigned boom and 5,000 lb capacity at height.
• Hours and condition: boom wear, leaks and tire condition have a big effect on value.
• Cab and options: an enclosed cab with heat and A/C, auxiliary hydraulics and attachments add value.
• Engine: service records for the engine and, on 121 hp units, the emissions system matter.

• Model year and load chart: confirm whether the unit is a pre-2021 or 2021 and newer model, and make sure the correct load charts are in the cab.
• Boom: extend and retract fully, and check the wear pads, side play, chain slack and any drifting. Look for cracks or welds at the boom, horsehead and pivot.
• Cylinders and hoses: check the lift, extension, tilt and frame-level cylinders for leaks and damaged chrome.
• Engine and emissions: check for leaks, hard starting and warning codes. On 121 hp units, ask for DPF and DEF system service records.
• Transmission and axles: run through every gear in both directions, test the service and parking brakes, and look for leaks at the hubs and differentials.
• Steering and frame leveling: test all three steering modes and level the frame both ways.
• Safety systems: test the load moment indicator, alarms, lights and backup alarm.
• Tires: check for cuts, chunking and uneven wear.
• Records: ask for service history and the annual inspection, compare the hour meter with the records, and have a Genie dealer check the serial number for open safety bulletins.

Our telehandler inspection checklist covers each item in detail, and the FleetNow Inspect app helps you document a machine’s condition.

This product review from Lift and Access magazine walks around the Genie GTH-1056 and its main features.

FleetNow lists used Genie GTH-1056 telehandlers from rental companies, dealers and contractors across the country. You can also browse all Genie telehandlers, used telehandlers and Genie equipment.

Have questions about a listing? Contact our team or call 1-216-973-5124. Selling a telehandler? List your equipment on FleetNow.