JLG vs Genie Telehandlers: Specs, Prices & Which One to Buy
Last updated: October 19, 2026
There’s a reason you can find a telehandler on most job sites. Versatile and strong, these machines help you finish the job quicker. Among telehandler manufacturers, JLG telehandlers and Genie telehandlers have emerged as two of the best. Both offer a range of models designed to meet specific needs. But how do they compare?
This guide puts the specs for 15 JLG and Genie models side by side, compares lift capacity and reach, shares a service technician’s ratings, and breaks down new and used prices so you can decide which brand fits your job.
Table of Contents
About JLG Telehandlers
JLG offers a robust lineup that includes compact, high-capacity and rotating telehandlers, along with a wide variety of attachments for even more versatility on the job site. All JLG telehandlers offer best-in-class cabs with enhanced visibility and Tier 4 Final engines for fuel-efficiency with less environmental impact.
JLG Telehandler Models and Specs
JLG Telehandler Specs at a Glance
| Model | Max Lift Capacity | Max Lift Height | Max Forward Reach | Capacity at Max Reach |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JLG G5-18A | 5,500 lb | 18 ft 4 in | 10 ft 11 in | 1,850 lb |
| JLG 742 | 7,000 lb | 42 ft | 29 ft 1 in | 1,000 lb |
| JLG 943 | 9,000 lb | 43 ft | 30 ft 5 in | 1,200 lb |
| JLG 1043 | 10,000 lb | 43 ft | 30 ft 5 in | 2,700 lb |
| JLG 1055 | 10,000 lb | 55 ft | 42 ft | 3,000 lb |
| JLG 1075 | 10,000 lb | 75 ft | 60 ft | 2,100 lb |
| JLG 1255 | 12,000 lb | 55 ft | 42 ft | 3,500 lb |
| JLG 1644 | 15,650 lb | 43 ft 7 in | 31 ft 1 in | 2,000 lb |
| JLG 1732 | 16,755 lb | 31 ft 8 in | 18 ft 7 in | 5,500 lb |
| JLG 2733 | 26,600 lb | 33 ft 1 in | 17 ft 7 in | 8,000 lb |
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.
About Genie Telehandlers
Genie GTH telehandlers, with outstanding design and performance, allow all-around utility to answer virtually all your work site needs. Available in five power-packed models, Genie telehandlers offer exactly what you need for productivity in limited-access areas or applications where high reach is needed. With a wide range of available attachments, Genie telehandlers can easily handle even the most demanding jobs.
Genie Telehandler Models and Specs
Genie Telehandler Specs at a Glance
| Model | Max Lift Capacity | Max Lift Height | Max Forward Reach | Capacity at Max Reach |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Genie GTH-5519 | 5,500 lb | 18 ft 10 in | 11 ft 3 in | 1,900 lb |
| Genie GTH-636 | 6,000 lb | 36 ft | 21 ft 11 in | 1,500 lb |
| Genie GTH-844 | 8,000 lb | 43 ft 10 in | 28 ft 2 in | 2,000 lb |
| Genie GTH-1056 | 10,000 lb | 56 ft 7 in | 42 ft | 3,000 lb |
| Genie GTH-1256 | 12,000 lb | 56 ft 3 in | 42 ft | 3,500 lb |
Specs from Genie. Shop Genie telehandlers for sale.
Lift Capacity & Reach: JLG vs. Genie Telehandlers
JLG and Genie both offer a variety of sizes of telehandlers.
The smallest telehandler offered by JLG is the G5-18A and the smallest telehandler offered by Genie is the GTH-5519:
| Lift Capacity at Max Height | 4,400 lb / 1,996 kg |
|---|---|
| Lift Capacity at Max Reach | 1850 lb / 839.15 kg |
| Max Lift Height | 18 ft 4 in / 5.59 m |
| Max Reach | 10 ft 11 in / 3.33 m |
| Lift Capacity at Max Height | 4,400 lb / 1,996 kg |
|---|---|
| Lift Capacity at Max Reach | 1,900 lb / 862 kg |
| Max Lift Height | 18 ft 10 in / 5.74 m |
| Max Reach | 11 ft 3 in / 3.43 m |
The largest telehandler offered by JLG is the 2733 High-Capacity Model, rated for 26,600 lb, and the largest telehandler offered by Genie is the Genie GTH-1256:
| Lift Capacity at Max Height | 15,500 lb / 7030.68 kg |
|---|---|
| Lift Capacity at Max Reach | 8,000 lb / 3628.74 kg |
| Max Lift Height | 33 ft 1 in / 10.08 m |
| Max Reach | 17 ft 7 in / 5.36 m |
| Lift Capacity at Max Height | 6,000 lb / 2,722 kg |
|---|---|
| Lift Capacity at Max Reach | 3,500 lb / 1588 kg |
| Max Lift Height | 56 ft 3 in / 17.15 m |
| Max Reach | 42 ft / 12.80 m |
Head-to-Head: Closest JLG and Genie Matchups
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.
| Size Class | JLG Model | Genie Model | Max Capacity (JLG / Genie) | Max Lift Height (JLG / Genie) | Max Forward Reach (JLG / Genie) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compact | JLG G5-18A | Genie GTH-5519 | 5,500 / 5,500 lb | 18 ft 4 in / 18 ft 10 in | 10 ft 11 in / 11 ft 3 in |
| Mid-size, 43 ft | JLG 943 | Genie GTH-844 | 9,000 / 8,000 lb | 43 ft / 43 ft 10 in | 30 ft 5 in / 28 ft 2 in |
| 10,000 lb, 55 ft | JLG 1055 | Genie GTH-1056 | 10,000 / 10,000 lb | 55 ft / 56 ft 7 in | 42 ft / 42 ft |
| 12,000 lb, 55 ft | JLG 1255 | Genie GTH-1256 | 12,000 / 12,000 lb | 55 ft / 56 ft 3 in | 42 ft / 42 ft |
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).
JLG Telehandler Reviews vs Genie Telehandler Reviews
When comparing JLG vs. Genie Telehandlers, it’s helpful to have insight from someone with hands-on experience. Joe N. has been a service technician for 3 years. He has extensive experience servicing JLG and Genie Telehandlers. Joe says that he prefers JLG over Genie Telehandlers.
“JLG telehandlers are easier to operate and JLG has much better customer support than Genie,” says Joe.
Below are reviews of telehandler models that Joe inspects, maintains, and repairs regularly:
| Model | Overall | Value | Performance | Reliability | Serviceability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Genie GTH-5519 | 5/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Genie GTH-1256 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| JLG G6-42A | 4/5 | 3/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| JLG 1255 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 3/5 | 5/5 |
The JLG G6-42A is out of production, but it’s still common on the used market.
Genie GTH-5519
Overall Value
Performance
Reliability
Serviceability
Genie GTH-1256
Overall Value
Performance
Reliability
Serviceability
JLG G6-42A
Overall Value
Performance
Reliability
Serviceability
JLG 1255
Overall Value
Performance
Reliability
Serviceability
JLG vs Genie Telehandlers: Pros and Cons
JLG Telehandlers
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
Genie Telehandlers
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 vs Genie Telehandler Prices: New vs. Used
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.
| Size Class | Example Models | New (Dealer Asking) | Used (FleetNow Asking) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compact (5,500 lb, 18–19 ft) | JLG G5-18A, Genie GTH-5519 | About $60,000–$72,000 | $34,850 (2018 G5-18A) to $71,000 (2023 GTH-5519) |
| Mid-size (8,000–10,000 lb, 42–44 ft) | JLG 943, JLG G6-42A, Genie GTH-844 | About $115,000–$130,000 | $32,000 (2014 GTH-844) to $83,950 (2020 JLG 943) |
| Large (10,000–12,000 lb, 55–56 ft) | JLG 1055, JLG 1255, Genie GTH-1056, Genie GTH-1256 | About $160,000–$190,000 | $49,950 (2017 JLG 1055) to $170,950 (2022 JLG 1255) |
| High-capacity (15,000+ lb) | JLG 1644, JLG 1732, JLG 2733 | Quoted on request | Limited supply; call for availability |
Prices change daily. Browse used JLG telehandlers or browse used Genie telehandlers for current listings.
Which Should You Buy: JLG or Genie?
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.
JLG vs Genie Telehandler FAQs
Neither wins across the board. JLG offers more models, including high-capacity and 75-ft units, and our technician prefers its controls and support. Genie matches JLG in the compact and 55-ft classes and offers slightly more lift height.
The Genie GTH-1256 is Genie’s largest telehandler. It lifts up to 12,000 lb, reaches 56 ft 3 in high and 42 ft forward.
As of October 2026, FleetNow listings range from about $32,000 for a 2014 unit to about $60,000 for a 2019 unit. Newer, low-hour units can top $100,000. See current GTH-844 listings.
JLG introduced the 519 in late 2024 as a redesign of the G5-18A. It lifts 5,500 lb to 18 ft 7 in. Used G5-18A units are still widely available.
Genie is a brand of Terex Corporation. JLG is owned by Oshkosh Corporation. Both build telehandlers for the North American market.
Where To Find JLG Telehandlers & Genie Telehandlers For Sale?
Want to skip the hassle of searching for the perfect machine? FleetNow’s equipment experts can help you find the right lift at the best price and location. Fill out the form at the bottom of the page or call us at 1-216-973-5124 (Mon–Fri: 8am–5pm ET) to connect with an equipment expert.
Ready to browse? See all used JLG telehandlers for sale and used Genie telehandlers for sale.
Here’s a Product Walk-Around for the Genie GTH-1256 Telehandler:
Here’s a Product Review of the JLG G12-55A Telehandler:
The G12-55A is out of production; the JLG 1255 is its closest current equivalent. Shop used JLG G12-55A telehandlers.
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