Genie Z-135/70: Specs, Price and Buying Guide

Last updated: October 2026

The Genie Z-135/70 is one of the tallest articulating boom lifts made, with a 135 ft platform height, about 141 ft of working height and up to 69 ft 9 in of horizontal reach. Genie launched it around 2005, renamed it the ZX-135/70 in 2013, and still sells the ZX-135/70 new in 2026.

This guide covers the specs for each version, what these big booms sell for, how they compare with the JLG 1250AJP, how to read the serial plate and find the right manual, and what to check before you buy one used.

In this guide:

• Z-135/70 and ZX-135/70 versions
• Genie Z-135/70 specs
• Key features and common uses
• Z-135/70 vs JLG 1250AJP
• Genie Z-135/70 price
• Serial plate, manuals and fault codes
• What to check before buying used
• FAQs

The name gives the two headline numbers: a 135 ft platform height and about 70 ft of horizontal reach. Genie designed it to be the tallest boom that still fits on a standard single-drop trailer.

• Z-135/70 (about 2005 to 2012): The original model, with extendable axles that widen the chassis to 12 ft 11 in for work and pull in to about 8 ft 1 in for transport. It weighs about 44,900 lb and used a Deutz diesel (78 HP early, 74 HP later).
• ZX-135/70 (2013 to 2016): Renamed with a wider “X-Chassis” that extends to 16 ft 6 in, which lowers ground pressure by about 30%. It weighs about 45,200 lb, with a 74 HP Deutz or Perkins diesel.
• ZX-135/70 (2017 and newer): Updated with a narrower “Mini X-Chassis” (12 ft 11 in extended), a standard platform load sensing system and generator options up to 12 kW. 2020 and newer units meet ANSI A92.20 and use a 74 HP Deutz 2.9 L Tier 4 Final diesel. They weigh about 46,500 lb.

Height, reach and the 600 lb capacity are the same across all versions. Width, wheelbase and weight are what changed, so check the serial plate before you plan transport or ground conditions.

Specs are from Genie’s North American spec sheets (2005 and 2012 for the Z-135/70, 2014 for the early ZX-135/70, and 2019 to 2022 for later ZX-135/70 units).

• Height with up-and-over reach: The articulating riser lifts the main boom up to 75 ft 6 in before it reaches out, so crews can get over tall obstacles, then extend out to 59 ft or more.
• Jib-Extend: A telescoping jib that extends from 12 to 20 ft and swings through 110° for fine positioning at height.
• Below-grade reach: The platform can reach about 19 ft below the level of the wheels for work over embankments and into pits.
• Extendable axles: Axles pull in for transport on a standard trailer and extend for stability at height.
• 600 lb platform: Room for two workers, tools and materials on an 8 ft platform.
• Power at the platform (newer units): Optional generators up to 12 kW for welding, and air and AC lines to the platform.

Common jobs: stadiums, arenas and other large structures, refineries and industrial plants, bridges, tall warehouses and distribution centers, high-rise exterior work, and steel erection. Read our Genie articulating boom lift guide for the rest of the Z-boom lineup.

The JLG 1250AJP is the closest articulating competitor. The Z-135/70 reaches 10 ft higher, about 6 ft farther and much higher up and over, and carries 600 lb anywhere in its range. The JLG carries up to 1,000 lb in a restricted range. If you don’t need to go up and over, a telescopic boom such as the JLG 1350SJP or Genie SX-125 XC gives more horizontal reach.

Few of these booms come up for sale at one time. In October 2026, FleetNow had eight Z-135/70 and ZX-135/70 listings. Most 2005 to 2015 units listed for about $72,000 to $95,000, and a low-hour 2022 unit listed for $249,900.

Dealers quote new ZX-135/70s on request, so there is no advertised new price. The low-hour 2022 listing gives a rough idea of what a nearly new unit costs.

Things that raise the price: low hours, a 2017 or newer chassis with load sensing, a Tier 4 Final engine, a generator package, recent annual inspections and records of the boom angle sensor calibration. High hours, worn wear pads, play in the turntable bearing and axle problems lower it.

The serial plate on the turntable shows the model, serial number and year. Genie’s parts, service and operator manuals change at certain serial numbers, so use the full serial number to find the right manual on Genie’s manual site. The service manual for your serial range lists the fault codes and troubleshooting steps.

• Version and serial number: Confirm whether it is a Z-135/70 or ZX-135/70, the model year and the chassis width, since transport and ground-pressure planning depend on it.
• Safety notices and boom angle sensor: Genie issued a safety notice in 2013 after an overturn linked to a miscalibrated secondary boom angle sensor. Ask for records showing the notice was completed and the sensors were calibrated, and have a qualified technician check them.
• Inspection records: Ask for the latest annual and frequent inspection reports and the full service history. On a machine this size, a third-party inspection before purchase is worth the cost.
• Boom and axle wear pads: Check the boom wear pads and the extendable axle wear pads, which Genie schedules for inspection at 2,000 hours, and make sure the axles extend and retract smoothly.
• Turntable bearing and rotate gear: Check for play, bolt torque records and gear backlash.
• Jib-Extend and platform rotator: Run the jib through its full range and extension, and look for play, leaks or jerky movement.
• Hydraulics and cables: Look for leaks, check the cable track, and ask about the boom extend and retract cables, which Genie schedules for inspection at 12,000 hours.
• Overload system: On 2017 and newer units, confirm the platform load sensing system is calibrated and working.
• Engine and drive: Check for leaks, smoke and hard starting, the drive hubs, brakes and all steering modes.
• Tires and transport: Check the foam-filled tires, and plan transport for a 45,000 lb machine that is about 10 ft tall and 42 ft long. Permit needs depend on your trailer and route.

The FleetNow Inspect app helps you record a walkaround inspection with photos before you buy.

This video from Genie shows the Z-135/70 at work on a job site. It is a product overview and doesn’t replace operator training.

FleetNow lists used Genie Z-135/70 and ZX-135/70 boom lifts from rental companies and dealers across the country.

• Used Genie Z-135/70 lifts and used Genie ZX-135/70 lifts
• Other big Genie booms: Z-80/60, S-125 and SX-125 XC
• Other brands: JLG 1250AJP and JLG 1350SJP
• All used Genie articulating boom lifts and Genie boom lifts, or read our Genie boom lift guide

Can’t find what you need? Contact us or call 1-216-973-5124. Have a boom lift to sell? List your equipment on FleetNow.