Genie Z-45/25J RT: Specs, Price and Buying Guide

Last updated: October 2026

The Genie Z-45/25J RT is a 45 ft rough terrain articulating boom lift with a jib, about 51 ft 6 in of working height and about 25 ft of horizontal reach. It was one of the most common mid-size booms in North American rental fleets, so there are plenty of used units to choose from.

In North America, Genie replaced the Z-45/25J RT with the Z-45 XC starting in late 2017, so it is now a used-only model here. This guide covers its specs by generation, what it sells for on FleetNow, how it compares with the Z-45 XC, JLG 450AJ and Skyjack SJ46 AJ, and what to check before you buy.

In this guide:

• Z-45/25J RT versions
• Genie Z-45/25J RT specs
• Key features and common uses
• Z-45/25J RT vs other Genie Z-45 models
• Z-45/25J RT vs JLG 450AJ and Skyjack SJ46 AJ
• Pros and cons
• Genie Z-45/25J RT price
• What to check before buying used
• FAQs

The name tells you the basics: Z for an articulating boom, 45 for the platform height in feet, 25 for the horizontal reach, J for the jib and RT for rough terrain.

• Before 2013: A 46 ft 2 in platform, 25 ft 1 in of reach and a weight of about 14,300 to 14,500 lb. Engines were a Ford gas/LPG dual fuel, a Deutz diesel or a Perkins diesel.
• 2013 and newer: Genie redesigned the machine with Tier 4 Final Deutz and Perkins diesels (plus the Ford dual fuel), more tractive effort, more parts shared with the S-40 series, easier service access and up to 1,100 lb less weight. The platform is 45 ft 6 in and reach 24 ft 8 in.
• Z-45 XC (late 2017 on in North America): The Xtra Capacity replacement, with 660 lb unrestricted and 1,000 lb restricted capacity and load sensing to meet ANSI A92.20. Genie kept selling the Z-45/25J RT outside North America.

Both generations came in 2WD and 4WD. 4WD units have an active oscillating axle and 45% gradeability, while 2WD units have a fixed axle and 30% gradeability, so check which one you are buying.

Specs are from Genie’s North American spec sheets (2008 and 2012 sheets for the older generation, 2019 and 2020 sheets for 2013 and newer units). Genie’s own sheets list the up-and-over as both 23 ft 5 in and 23 ft 7 in, and some show a lower 440 lb capacity with certain jib options, so check the capacity decal on the platform.

• Up-and-over reach: The articulating riser and 5 ft jib let the platform reach over obstacles about 23 ft high, then down to the work.
• Jib for fine positioning: The jib swings through 135° vertically, so operators can get the platform close to ceilings, beams and walls without moving the machine.
• Zero tailswing (2013 and newer): The counterweight stays within the machine’s footprint when the turntable rotates, which helps next to walls and traffic.
• Rough terrain drive: 4WD units have an active oscillating axle and 45% gradeability for muddy and uneven sites.
• Engine choice: Diesel for most construction sites, or Ford gas/LPG dual fuel for work that moves indoors on propane.
• Shared parts: The 2013 redesign shares many components with Genie’s S-40 series telescopic booms, which helps with parts availability.

Common jobs: exterior building maintenance, steel and mechanical work, roofing access, signage and lighting, painting, tree work and event setup. For a deeper look at Genie’s Z-boom lineup, read our Genie articulating boom lift guide.

Genie has built several 45 ft articulating booms. The non-jib Z-45/25 RT is slightly cheaper to maintain but can’t fine-tune the platform position as well. The Z-45 XC is the newer, heavier, higher-capacity replacement.

The JLG 450AJ and Skyjack SJ46 AJ are the closest matches from other brands. All three are 45 ft rough terrain articulating booms with a jib.

The three machines are close on height and reach. The JLG 450AJ carries a little more and is lighter. On FleetNow in October 2026, the Z-45/25J RT was the least expensive of the three. For newer options, the Genie Z-45 XC and Skyjack SJ45 AJ+ carry 660 lb. Compare more models in our Genie boom lift guide and Skyjack boom lift guide.

• Large used supply, with about 135 listings on FleetNow
• Usually less expensive than a used JLG 450AJ or a Genie Z-45 XC
• Jib and up-and-over reach for working around obstacles
• Diesel or dual-fuel engines, and 4WD for rough sites
• 2013 and newer units are lighter, with Tier 4 Final engines and zero tailswing

• 500 lb capacity, versus 660 lb on the Z-45 XC and newer competitors
• No longer sold new in North America
• Most units are former rental machines (the median listing had about 1,900 hours)
• No platform load sensing on most North American units built to the older ANSI A92.5 standard
• 2WD units have a fixed axle and less gradeability

In October 2026, FleetNow had about 135 Genie Z-45/25J RT listings, from 2005 to 2019 models, with a median of about 1,900 hours. Most listed for $26,000 to $36,400. A large group of 2018 units pushed the 2017 to 2019 prices up to about $34,000 to $37,000.

The Z-45/25J RT is no longer sold new in North America. Its replacement, the Z-45 XC, was advertised new at about $91,850 in 2026.

Things that raise the price: low hours, 4WD, a recent annual inspection, good tires, a clean boom with no damage and service records. High hours, oil leaks, worn wear pads, a sloppy turntable bearing and engine problems lower it.

• Year, drive and engine: Check the serial plate for the model year (before or after the 2013 redesign), whether it is 2WD or 4WD, and which engine it has.
• Inspection records: Ask for the latest annual inspection and the service history. Genie asks owners to keep inspection records for three years.
• Boom wear pads: Check the pads on the telescoping primary boom for wear and look for scoring on the boom tube.
• Turntable bearing: With the boom raised, rock the platform and watch for play at the turntable. Check the bearing bolts and grease, since a worn bearing is a safety issue and an expensive repair.
• Jib and platform rotator: Run the jib up and down and rotate the platform both ways. Watch for drift, jerky movement or leaks at the rotator.
• Hydraulics: Check cylinders, hoses and fittings for leaks, and look under the turntable and chassis for fresh oil.
• Engine: Look for oil leaks, hard starting and smoke, and check the hour meter against the machine’s condition. On dual-fuel units, test both gasoline and propane.
• Drive: Test drive in both directions, check the steering, brakes and oscillating axle, and ask when the drive hub oil was last changed.
• Controls and safety: Test the platform and ground controls, emergency stops, tilt alarm, foot switch and the platform overload system if fitted.
• Tires: Check tread and sidewalls. Foam-filled tires are expensive to replace.

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

This product review from Lift and Access walks around the Genie Z-45/25. It is a product overview and doesn’t replace operator training.

FleetNow lists used Genie Z-45/25J RT boom lifts from rental companies and dealers across the country.

• Used Genie Z-45/25J RT lifts (some are listed as Z-45/25J)
• Related Genie models: Z-45/25 RT, Z-45 XC, Z-45/25J DC and Z-60/34
• All used Genie articulating boom lifts, Genie boom lifts and articulating boom lifts from all brands
• Other brands: JLG 450AJ and Skyjack SJ46 AJ

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.