JLG 860SJ Review: Specs, Price, Pros & Cons
Watch the video of Jeremy’s full review of the JLG 860SJ below:
Reliability (4/5):
Performance (5/5):
Serviceability (5/5):
Ease of Use (5/5):
Overall Value (5/5):
Jeremy N., field service supervisor at OHR Rents, recently shared his insights on the JLG 860SJ, focusing heavily on the machine’s maintenance aspects. With extensive experience servicing aerial lifts, Jeremy provided a detailed look at what makes the 860SJ a reliable choice and where it stands out.
When it comes to maintenance, Jeremy highlights that the 860SJ requires regular oil changes every 500 hours and a 1,000-hour service interval for hydraulic filter replacements. He also points out that working on the lift can be challenging at height, requiring a ladder to reach some components.
Jeremy also praises the 860SJ’s cold weather package, which includes glow plugs and a battery warmer, allowing it to perform well in colder temperatures.
For Jeremy, the 860SJ is a great choice for contractors looking for a dependable lift that’s easy to maintain and built to handle tough conditions.
What Is the JLG 860SJ?
Last updated: October 19, 2026
The JLG 860SJ is an 86-ft telescopic boom lift with a 6-ft articulating jib, built for outdoor construction and maintenance work at height. It reaches a 92-ft working height and 75 ft of horizontal outreach, and carries 750 lb restricted or 500 lb unrestricted.
It’s available in 2WD or 4WD with a Tier 4 Final Deutz diesel or a Ford dual-fuel (gas/LP) engine, and it reaches full elevation in under 70 seconds.
In this review, we cover its specs, technician ratings, used prices, pros and cons, and how it compares with the Genie S-85 XC, JLG 800S and other 80–86 ft telescopic booms.
JLG 860SJ Specs
| Spec | JLG 860SJ |
|---|---|
| Platform Height | 86 ft |
| Working Height | 92 ft |
| Horizontal Outreach | 75 ft |
| Platform Capacity | 750 lb restricted / 500 lb unrestricted |
| Platform Size | 36 in x 96 in |
| Jib | 6 ft, 131° articulation |
| Platform Rotation | 180° hydraulic |
| Turntable Rotation | 360° continuous |
| Tailswing | 4 ft 8 in |
| Stowed Width | 8 ft 2 in |
| Stowed Length | 40 ft |
| Stowed Height | 9 ft 8 in |
| Machine Weight | About 36,200–36,900 lb (varies with options) |
| Ground Clearance | 11 in |
| Drive Speed | 3.5 mph |
| Gradeability | 45% (4WD) / 25% (2WD) |
| Turning Radius (Inside / Outside) | 12 ft 6 in / 19 ft 8 in |
| Engine Options | Deutz D2.9 diesel, 67 hp (Tier 4 Final) or Ford MSG425 dual fuel, 84 hp |
| Fuel / Hydraulic Tank | 31 gal / 48 gal |
| Drive | 2WD or 4WD with oscillating axle |
Specs from JLG dealer spec sheets. See JLG 860SJ units for sale or browse all JLG telescopic boom lifts.
JLG 860SJ Key Features
Here are the key features of the JLG 860SJ telescopic boom lift:
Working Height: 92 feet (28.21 meters) maximum working height, providing impressive reach for high-level tasks.
Platform Height: 86 feet (26.21 meters) platform height, making it ideal for outdoor applications requiring high vertical reach.
Horizontal Outreach: 75 feet (22.86 meters) horizontal reach for accessing hard-to-reach areas.
Jib Functionality: A 6-ft jib that articulates 131° up and down for flexible positioning around obstacles.
Drive and Lift Speed Control: Adjustable speed knob for controlling the speed of the basket, jib, and telescoping movements, offering precise operation.
Cold Weather Package: Includes glow plugs and a battery warmer to ensure reliable operation in cold weather conditions.
Diagnostic Port: A built-in diagnostic port for easy troubleshooting with a handheld analyzer, allowing for quick reading of codes and adjustments.
Engine Options: Powered by a diesel engine for heavy-duty outdoor use, with service intervals of 500 hours for engine oil changes.
Hydraulic System: High-pressure hydraulic system with easy-to-maintain filters, requiring a 1,000-hour service interval for filter changes.
Versatile Power Options: Optional platform power supply for tools with a 110V and 220V outlet, ideal for use in various job site applications.
These features make the JLG 860SJ a versatile, high-reaching boom lift suitable for a range of outdoor construction and maintenance tasks.
What Jobs Can a JLG 860SJ Be Used For?
The JLG 860SJ telescopic boom lift is ideal for a variety of outdoor jobs that require high vertical reach and flexibility. Here are some common applications:
- Construction and Building Maintenance: With its impressive working height and horizontal outreach, the 860SJ is perfect for tasks such as framing, roofing, and exterior work on tall buildings or structures.
- Sign Installation and Maintenance: The 860SJ’s height and maneuverability make it an excellent choice for installing, repairing, or maintaining signage on buildings or large billboards.
- Electrical and Lighting Work: For installing or maintaining streetlights, high-mounted lights, or electrical systems in elevated locations, the 860SJ provides the necessary reach and stability.
- Window Washing and Exterior Cleaning: The lift’s jib functionality and adjustable platform height make it ideal for window washing, pressure washing, and other exterior cleaning tasks on multi-story buildings.
- Tree Maintenance and Landscaping: The extended reach and flexible positioning of the 860SJ are helpful for trimming trees, working on tall hedges, or maintaining large outdoor areas.
- Industrial and Facility Maintenance: The 860SJ is often used for large-scale facility maintenance, including working on high ceilings, HVAC systems, or overhead infrastructure.
- Event Setup and Staging: When setting up large outdoor events, concerts, or festivals, the 860SJ’s reach and versatility are crucial for rigging lights, sound equipment, and banners.
- Bridge and Roadway Maintenance: For inspecting or maintaining bridges, overpasses, and highways, the lift provides the ability to reach both the underside and top of structures. The JLG 860SJ is particularly useful for tasks that require working at extreme heights and for jobs in hard-to-reach areas, offering both vertical and horizontal versatility.
JLG 860SJ Pros and Cons
Pros
- 86-ft platform height and 75 ft of outreach, with a 6-ft jib for working around obstacles
- Reaches full elevation in under 70 seconds
- Rated 5/5 by our technician for performance, serviceability, ease of use and value
- Cold weather package (glow plugs and battery warmer) for reliable winter starts
- Diesel or dual-fuel engine options, plus 4WD with 45% gradeability
- Large used supply, with dozens of units listed on FleetNow
Cons
- 750-lb restricted capacity trails the Genie S-85 XC (1,000 lb); JLG’s 860SJ HC3 version is the high-capacity option
- Heavy at about 36,000+ lb, so it needs a heavy-duty trailer to transport
- Some components are hard to reach and require a ladder, per our technician
- Reliability rated 4/5 in our technician’s ratings
JLG 860SJ vs. Other 80–86 ft Telescopic Boom Lifts
Here’s how the 860SJ compares with other common 80–86 ft telescopic booms.
| Model | Platform Height | Horizontal Outreach | Capacity (Restricted / Unrestricted) | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JLG 860SJ | 86 ft | 75 ft | 750 / 500 lb | About 36,200–36,900 lb |
| Skyjack SJ86 T | 86 ft | About 76 ft 10 in | 750 / 500 lb | About 38,700 lb |
| Genie S-85 XC | 85 ft | 74 ft 6 in | 1,000 / 660 lb | About 40,000 lb (4WD) |
| JLG 800S | 80 ft | 71 ft | 1,000 / 500 lb | 34,150 lb |
| Genie S-80 X | 80 ft | 71 ft 6 in | 1,000 / 500 lb | 35,400 lb (2WD) |
The 860SJ is among the lightest 86-ft booms, and its 6-ft jib helps you position around obstacles. If you regularly lift heavy loads, the Genie S-85 XC, Genie S-80 X or JLG 800S offers 1,000 lb restricted capacity. Compare all JLG telescopic boom lifts or telescopic boom lifts for sale.
How Much Does a JLG 860SJ Cost?
JLG doesn’t publish list prices. Dealers are asking roughly $175,000–$190,000 for new and nearly new 860SJs, depending on engine, drive and options.
Used prices vary widely with age and hours. Here’s what 86-ft and 85-ft telescopic booms are listed for on FleetNow:
| Model | Example Used Units | FleetNow Asking Price |
|---|---|---|
| JLG 860SJ | 2008–2020, 1,500–5,800 hours | $27,400–$84,900 |
| JLG 860SJ (near-new) | 2024, 6 hours | $159,900 |
| Genie S-85 | 2013–2019, 2,300–4,800 hours | $25,000–$79,900 |
| Genie S-85 XC | 2018–2022, 1,600–5,000 hours | $55,000–$120,500 |
Prices are FleetNow asking prices as of October 2026 and change daily. Hours, year, engine type, 2WD vs. 4WD and location drive most of the spread. See current JLG 860SJ listings.
Where Can I Find a JLG 860SJ for Sale?
You can buy a JLG 860SJ from JLG dealers, auctions or online marketplaces like FleetNow. FleetNow lists ex-rental units from rental yards across the U.S. and Canada, most of them fleet maintained with service records.
Browse JLG 860SJ boom lifts for sale, see all JLG boom lifts, or compare every telescopic boom lift for sale on FleetNow. Need less height? See the JLG 660SJ. Need more? See the JLG 1200SJP.
JLG 860SJ FAQs
Check out these answers to some commonly asked questions about the JLG 860SJ
As of October 2026, used JLG 860SJ boom lifts on FleetNow are listed at about $27,400–$84,900 for 2008–2020 models, depending on hours and condition. New and nearly new units run roughly $160,000–$190,000. See current JLG 860SJ listings.
The JLG 860SJ has an 86-ft platform height, a 92-ft working height and 75 ft of horizontal outreach. Its 6-ft jib articulates 131° for positioning around obstacles.
It’s primarily designed for outdoor use due to its size and fuel type.
Yes, operators must be trained and certified to use this equipment.
Yes, it’s designed for transport, but due to its weight, it requires a heavy-duty trailer.
Fuel use depends on how hard the machine works, but its 31-gallon fuel tank typically lasts a full workday under normal conditions.
It includes an anti-slip platform, fall protection anchor points, and an optional SkyGuard® enhanced control panel.
Regular maintenance includes checking hydraulic systems, fuel systems, filters, and tires, as well as performing safety inspections.
When stowed, the 860SJ is about 40 ft long, 8 ft 2 in wide and 9 ft 8 in tall, and it weighs roughly 36,200–36,900 lb depending on options.
The 860SJ comes with either a Deutz D2.9 diesel engine (67 hp, Tier 4 Final) or a Ford MSG425 dual-fuel engine (84 hp) that runs on gasoline or LP.
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