Genie S-85 and S-85 XC: Specs, Price and Buying Guide
Last updated: October 2026
The Genie S-85 is one of the most popular 85 ft telescopic boom lifts in rental and contractor fleets. It reaches an 85 ft platform height (91 ft working height) with about 74 ft of horizontal reach, so crews can work high and far from the base on large construction, industrial and maintenance jobs.
Since about 2018, Genie has built the S-85 XC, an updated version with a higher-capacity platform. This guide covers both models: their specs and features, how they compare to similar booms, what they cost new and used, OHR Rents mechanic ratings and what to check before you buy.
In this guide:
Genie S-85 and S-85 XC Specs
| Specification | Genie S-85 XC (2018 and newer) | Genie S-85 (earlier models) |
|---|---|---|
| Working height | 91 ft | 91 ft |
| Platform height | 85 ft | 85 ft |
| Horizontal reach | 74 ft 6 in | About 74 to 76 ft, depending on year |
| Below-ground reach | 8 ft 8 in | Varies by year |
| Platform capacity | 660 lb unrestricted / 1,000 lb restricted (up to 3 people) | 500 lb |
| Platform size | 3 ft x 8 ft (6 ft platform optional) | 8 ft wide platform |
| Jib | 5 ft articulating jib, 133 degrees vertical | Varies by model |
| Width | 8 ft 2 in | Varies by year |
| Stowed length | 40 ft 7 in (33 ft 8 in with jib tucked under) | Varies by year |
| Stowed height | 9 ft 2 in | Varies by year |
| Weight | 39,500 lb | About 38,000 lb |
| Drive speed | 3.0 mph stowed, 0.5 mph raised | About 3.3 mph stowed |
| Gradeability | 45% | 45% |
| Engines | 74 hp Deutz Tier 4 Final diesel (standard); 58 hp Perkins diesel or 70 hp GM gas/LP optional | Diesel or dual fuel, depending on year |
| Fuel tank | 35 gal diesel / 30 gal gas/LP | Varies by year |
| Turning radius | 12 ft inside / 21 ft 6 in outside | Varies by year |
| Tires | Foam-filled rough terrain 18-625, 16 ply | Foam-filled rough terrain |
| Drive | Four-wheel drive with active oscillating axle and positive traction | Four-wheel drive |
S-85 XC specs are from Genie’s 2020 S-80 XC and S-85 XC product specifications. Earlier S-85 specs vary by model year and option, so always check the spec sheet or serial plate for the exact machine you are buying.
Genie S-85 Key Features
- 85 ft platform height. With a 91 ft working height and about 74 ft of horizontal reach, the S-85 handles steel erection, high-rise exteriors, industrial maintenance and other high-reach work.
- Xtra Capacity on the XC. The S-85 XC carries 660 lb anywhere in its range of motion, or up to 1,000 lb in a restricted range, so up to three people can work with tools and materials. Automatic envelope control keeps the platform within the right range for the load.
- Articulating jib. The 5 ft jib on the XC moves 133 degrees up and down, and the platform rotates 160 degrees, for fine positioning at height.
- Rough-terrain drive. Four-wheel drive, an active oscillating axle, positive traction and foam-filled tires let it climb grades of up to 45%.
- Easy transport. On the XC, the jib can tuck under the boom to shorten the stowed length to 33 ft 8 in.
- Safety and telematics. The XC includes load sensing, a tilt sensor, Lift Guard contact alarm and Lift Connect telematics as standard.
Genie S-85 XC Video Overview
This video from Genie dealer IAPS Group walks through the Genie S-80 XC and S-85 XC, including their reach, platform and capacity features.
Genie S-85 vs. Similar Telescopic Boom Lifts
| Spec | Genie S-85 XC | JLG 860SJ | Genie S-80 XC |
|---|---|---|---|
| Platform height | 85 ft | 86 ft | 80 ft |
| Working height | 91 ft | 92 ft | 86 ft |
| Horizontal reach | 74 ft 6 in | 75 ft | 68 ft 6 in |
| Capacity | 660 lb unrestricted / 1,000 lb restricted | 500 lb unrestricted / 750 lb restricted | 660 lb unrestricted / 1,000 lb restricted |
| Width | 8 ft 2 in | 8 ft 2 in | 8 ft 2 in |
| Weight | 39,500 lb | About 36,200 to 36,900 lb | 37,000 lb |
The Genie S-85 XC and JLG 860SJ are close on height and reach, but the XC carries more weight. If you don’t need the full 85 ft, the Genie S-80 XC offers the same capacity in a slightly lighter machine. Need more height? The Genie SX-125 XC reaches a 125 ft platform height. Browse all used telescopic boom lifts to compare prices.
Genie S-85 Mechanic Ratings
Mechanics at OHR Rents, which services aerial equipment every day, rated the Genie S-85 on four categories:
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall value | 4 out of 5 |
| Performance | 4 out of 5 |
| Reliability | 4 out of 5 |
| Serviceability | 4 out of 5 |
Two OHR Rents mechanics gave the S-85 the same scores across the board, for an overall rating of 4 out of 5.
Genie S-85 Price
Prices vary with year, hours, engine, options and condition. In October 2026:
- New: dealer Stevenson Sales and Service listed a new 2026 Genie S-85 XC at $200,000.
- Used S-85 XC on FleetNow: most S-85 XC listings (2018 to 2022 models) were about $67,500 to $108,500, with a median around $70,800.
- Used S-85 on FleetNow: most earlier Genie S-85 listings were about $40,200 to $55,000, with a median around $41,500.
Low hours, the XC platform, a newer Tier 4 Final engine, a platform generator and a recent annual inspection all add to a used boom’s value.
What to Check Before Buying a Used Genie S-85
- Hours on the meter, plus service and annual inspection records
- Boom sections and wear pads for scoring, bends, cracks or excess play
- Jib, platform rotator and leveling for smooth movement and no drift
- Lift, extend and jib cylinders, hoses and fittings for leaks
- Turntable bearing and rotation for noise or excess play
- Four-wheel drive, oscillating axle, brakes and steering
- Engine starts easily, with no smoke, leaks or warning codes
- Tires for cuts, chunking and uneven wear
- Safety systems: load sensing, tilt alarm, emergency stop and auxiliary lowering all work
- Platform controls, gate and guardrails, plus decals and the operator’s manual
Ask the seller for photos of the hour meter and serial plate, and test every function at full height and full reach before you buy.
Shop Genie S-85 and Telescopic Boom Lifts
FleetNow lists used Genie S-85 and S-85 XC boom lifts and other telescopic boom lifts from dealers and owners across the country, including Genie and JLG models. Browse all boom lifts to compare telescopic and articulating models. Need help finding the right machine? Contact our team. Selling a boom lift? List it on FleetNow.
Genie S-85 FAQs
The Genie S-85 and S-85 XC have an 85 ft platform height and a 91 ft working height. The S-85 XC has 74 ft 6 in of horizontal reach and 8 ft 8 in of below-ground reach.
The S-85 XC, built since about 2018, has Genie’s Xtra Capacity platform. It carries 660 lb unrestricted or 1,000 lb in a restricted range, with up to three people, compared to 500 lb on earlier S-85 models. The XC also adds automatic envelope control, an active oscillating axle and Lift Connect telematics.
The Genie S-85 XC weighs about 39,500 lb, and earlier S-85 models weigh about 38,000 lb. The S-85 XC is 8 ft 2 in wide, so moving either model takes a heavy-haul trailer and a truck rated for the weight.
The standard engine is a 74 hp Deutz Tier 4 Final turbo diesel. A 58 hp Perkins diesel and a 70 hp GM gas/LP engine are also available.
In October 2026, most used Genie S-85 XC boom lifts on FleetNow were listed at about $67,500 to $108,500, and most earlier S-85 models at about $40,200 to $55,000. A new 2026 S-85 XC was listed by a dealer at $200,000.
Both are 85 ft class telescopic booms with similar reach. The JLG 860SJ has an 86 ft platform height and 75 ft of horizontal reach with a 500 lb unrestricted / 750 lb restricted capacity. The Genie S-85 XC has an 85 ft platform height and 74 ft 6 in of reach, with a higher 660 lb unrestricted / 1,000 lb restricted capacity.
