Skyjack SJ643 TH Review: Specs, Price, Pros & Cons
Last updated: October 19, 2026
The Skyjack SJ643 TH is a 6,000-lb, 43-ft Skyjack telehandler built for construction, material handling and agricultural work. It lifts its full 6,000-lb rated capacity all the way to its 43 ft 4 in maximum height and reaches 28 ft 7 in forward.
It runs on a 74-hp Tier 4 Final Deutz diesel with a 3-speed powershift transmission, travels up to 17 mph, and offers front-wheel, 4-wheel and crab steering. Its FLEXCAB design converts between an open and enclosed cab.
Table of Contents
Skyjack SJ643 TH Specs
| Spec | Skyjack SJ643 TH |
|---|---|
| Maximum Lift Capacity | 6,000 lb |
| Maximum Lift Height | 43 ft 4 in |
| Maximum Forward Reach | 28 ft 7 in |
| Capacity at Maximum Height | 6,000 lb |
| Capacity at Maximum Reach | 1,000 lb |
| Frame Leveling | ±11° |
| Engine | Deutz diesel, 74 hp, Tier 4 Final |
| Transmission | Dana 3-speed powershift |
| Travel Speed | 17 mph |
| Steering Modes | Front-wheel, 4-wheel and crab |
| Outside Turning Radius | 12 ft 3 in |
| Overall Width | 8 ft 5 in |
| Overall Length (Without Forks) | 19 ft 6 in |
| Stowed Height | 7 ft 11 in |
| Ground Clearance | 19 in |
| Operating Weight | About 20,700 lb |
| Fuel / Hydraulic Tank | 35.7 gal / 43.9 gal |
| Tires | 13 x 24 foam-filled |
Specs from Skyjack dealer spec sheets for current models. See Skyjack SJ643 TH units for sale or browse all Skyjack telehandlers.
Skyjack SJ643 TH Key Features
Full capacity at full height: The SJ643 TH carries its full 6,000-lb rating up to 43 ft 4 in, so you don’t give up capacity when placing loads on upper floors and roofs.
Three steering modes: Front-wheel steer for travel, 4-wheel steer for tight job sites and crab steer for moving sideways along walls.
Frame leveling: ±11° of frame leveling helps level the boom on uneven ground before lifting.
FLEXCAB: The cab converts between open and fully enclosed with hand tools, so one machine can work in summer heat or winter cold.
Simple controls: A single pilot joystick and an in-cab multifunction display keep operation straightforward for new and experienced operators.
Powertrain: A 74-hp Tier 4 Final Deutz diesel, Dana axles and a 3-speed powershift transmission deliver up to 17 mph travel speed and 17,750 lb of drawbar pull.
Rough terrain ready: 19 in of ground clearance and 13 x 24 foam-filled tires handle muddy, uneven job sites.
Attachments: Use forks, buckets, truss booms and other approved attachments to handle a wide range of tasks.
What Jobs Can the Skyjack SJ643 TH Be Used For?
The Skyjack SJ643 TH is a versatile machine ideal for a variety of demanding tasks across construction, material handling, and maintenance. In construction sites, it excels at lifting and positioning heavy materials such as steel beams and drywall at high elevations. Its ability to transport bulk loads across rough terrain makes it invaluable for moving supplies and equipment. For building maintenance, the SJ643 TH provides the necessary reach to handle tasks like window replacement and facade repairs. In landscaping, it assists in relocating large rocks and soil, while in agricultural settings, it effectively moves feed and hay bales. Additionally, its robust design and high lift capacity prove useful in demolition projects and large warehouse operations. This combination of features ensures the SJ643 TH is a reliable choice for a wide range of applications.
Skyjack SJ643 TH Technician Ratings
Overall Value (4/5):
Performance (5/5):
Reliability (5/5):
Serviceability (5/5):
Skyjack SJ643 TH Pros and Cons
Pros
- Carries its full 6,000 lb all the way to 43 ft 4 in
- Three steering modes, including crab steer, for tight job sites
- FLEXCAB converts between open and enclosed cab
- Fast 17-mph travel speed for large job sites
- Rated 5/5 by our technician for performance, reliability and serviceability
Cons
- 28 ft 7 in of forward reach is a bit shorter than the SkyTrak 6042 (29 ft 6 in) and CAT TL642 (30 ft)
- 1,000 lb at full reach, less than the SkyTrak 6042’s 1,200 lb
- Smaller used supply than SkyTrak and JLG models
- Overall value rated 4/5 by our technician
Skyjack SJ643 TH vs. Other 6,000-lb Telehandlers
Here’s how the SJ643 TH compares with other common 6,000–6,600 lb telehandlers in the 36–43 ft range.
| Model | Max Capacity | Max Lift Height | Max Forward Reach | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skyjack SJ643 TH | 6,000 lb | 43 ft 4 in | 28 ft 7 in | About 20,700 lb |
| SkyTrak 6042 | 6,000 lb | 42 ft 4 in | 29 ft 6 in | About 20,600 lb |
| JLG 642 | 6,600 lb | 42 ft | 29 ft | About 22,200 lb |
| CAT TL642 | 6,500 lb | 42 ft | 30 ft | About 22,000 lb |
| Genie GTH-636 | 6,000 lb | 36 ft | 21 ft 11 in | About 17,600 lb |
The SJ643 TH has the most lift height of the group and keeps full capacity at that height. If you need more capacity in the same height class, see the 8,000-lb Skyjack SJ843 TH, or the 56-ft SJ1056 TH for more reach. Compare all Skyjack telehandlers or telehandlers for sale.
How Much Does a Skyjack SJ643 TH Cost?
Skyjack doesn’t publish list prices. New SJ643 TH units are listed by dealers at about $112,000–$126,000.
Used prices depend mostly on year and hours:
| Model | Example Used Units | FleetNow Asking Price |
|---|---|---|
| Skyjack SJ643 TH | 2017–2019, 2,100–3,100 hours | $36,900–$61,999 |
| SkyTrak 6042 | 2012–2016, 2,500–3,500 hours | $29,850–$35,850 |
| SkyTrak 6042 | 2021, 580 hours | $89,500 |
| JLG 642 | 2016, 3,100–4,500 hours | $39,950–$44,900 |
Prices are FleetNow asking prices as of October 2026 and change daily. Hours, condition and location drive most of the spread. See current Skyjack SJ643 TH listings.
Skyjack SJ643 TH FAQs
The SJ643 TH has a maximum lift height of 43 ft 4 in and a maximum forward reach of 28 ft 7 in.
It’s rated for its full 6,000 lb at maximum height. At full forward reach, capacity drops to 1,000 lb, so always check the load chart for your reach and height.
Current SJ643 TH models use a 74-hp Deutz diesel engine that meets Tier 4 Final emissions standards, paired with a Dana 3-speed powershift transmission.
It offers three steering modes: front-wheel steer for travel, 4-wheel steer for tight turns and crab steer for moving diagonally or sideways.
FLEXCAB is Skyjack’s convertible cab design. It can be changed between an open cab and a fully enclosed cab using hand tools, so one machine can be set up for warm or cold weather.
As of October 2026, used 2017–2019 Skyjack SJ643 TH telehandlers on FleetNow are listed at about $36,900–$62,000. New units run about $112,000–$126,000. See current SJ643 TH listings.
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