Skyjack Expands SJ85 AJ Production to Hungary
- Meagan Wood
- 5 days ago
- 5 min read
30-Second Takeaway
Skyjack will begin manufacturing its SJ85 AJ Rough Terrain articulated boom lift at the company’s facility in Orosháza, Hungary. European production will support customers across Europe, the Middle East and Australia, shortening the supply chain and increasing regional availability of Skyjack’s largest articulated boom. The SJ85 AJ is currently manufactured in Ramos, Mexico.
European Production Added for SJ85 AJ
Skyjack is expanding production of its 85ft SJ85 AJ articulated boom lift to its manufacturing facility in Orosháza, Hungary. Machines produced at the Hungarian facility will support sales across Europe, the Middle East and Australia. Skyjack said the manufacturing expansion responds to growing demand for the model, particularly in regions where articulated boom lifts are widely used.
The additional production capacity will also support Skyjack’s regional manufacturing strategy by shortening supply chains, improving product availability and positioning production closer to customers.
“Skyjack is efficiently and effectively serving global customers using a bolstered regional structure that shortens the supply chain with localised product development,”
said Charlie Patterson, president of Skyjack.
“Our team in Hungary is eager to seize this opportunity to replicate the outstanding work being done by our build team in Ramos, Mexico to produce our largest articulating boom, the SJ85 AJ. It is an exciting time for Skyjack and our global customers.”
Hungarian Facility Supports Regional Manufacturing
Skyjack has manufactured aerial work platforms in Hungary since 2001. Its Orosháza operation is managed through OROS, a division of Skyjack parent company Linamar.
The facility already manufactures a range of diesel, electric and hybrid articulated boom lifts, along with diesel and electric Rough Terrain scissor lifts.
Adding the SJ85 AJ extends the facility’s production capabilities into Skyjack’s largest articulated boom model. The expansion allows the company to use established manufacturing resources and experience in Hungary while continuing SJ85 AJ production at its existing facility in Ramos, Mexico.
The decision reflects a broader localization strategy aimed at supporting regional customers with production capacity positioned closer to their markets.
SJ85 AJ Provides 27.91 Metres of Working Height
Skyjack introduced the SJ85 AJ in 2017, completing the company’s core articulated boom lift range. The Rough Terrain articulated boom offers a maximum working height of 27.91 metres, equivalent to approximately 91 feet, and a platform height of 25.91 metres, equivalent to 85 feet.
The machine provides 17.07 metres of horizontal outreach and an up and over clearance of 10.36 metres, allowing operators to reach elevated work areas positioned behind obstacles or structural elements. Dual platform capacities of 227 and 340 kilograms support a maximum of two or three occupants, depending on the selected capacity mode. The platform measures 0.91 by 2.44 metres and provides 170 degrees of platform rotation.
The machine’s turret offers continuous 360 degree rotation, while a tailswing of 0.86 metres and stowed width of 2.49 metres support maneuverability and transportation.
Rough Terrain Performance and Drive Technology
The SJ85 AJ is equipped with Skyjack’s AXLDRIVE mechanical four wheel drive system, an oscillating steer axle and a manually controlled rear locking differential.
The drivetrain provides 45 percent gradeability, helping the machine travel across uneven and challenging jobsite surfaces. The lift has 34 centimetres of ground clearance and uses foam filled grip lug tires.
The SJ85 AJ weighs approximately 16,965 kilograms and has a maximum stowed drive speed of 4.8 kilometres per hour. Power is provided by a 55 kW diesel engine, supported by a 115 litre fuel tank and 170 litre hydraulic reservoir. Its compact stowed dimensions include an overall length of 11.63 metres, width of 2.49 metres and height of 2.67 metres.
Skyjack Technologies Support Operator Productivity
The SJ85 AJ incorporates several of Skyjack’s proprietary operating and service technologies.
SKYRISER technology keeps the riser and the main boom pivot point moving vertically without drifting forward or backward. This reduces the need to reposition the machine while working alongside building façades and other vertical structures.
SPEEDYREACH allows the operator to move between maximum height and ground level without lowering the riser section. This can reduce the time required to return to the ground for materials before resuming work at height.
EASYDRIVE provides direction sensing drive controls that correspond with the movement of the joystick, regardless of the turret’s position over the chassis. The system is designed to simplify machine movement and reduce operator confusion.
The machine also incorporates SkyCoded, Skyjack’s color coded and numbered wiring system, to support troubleshooting and maintenance.
An onboard digital diagnostics display provides real time information in straightforward language. Skyjack said the system does not require plug-in calibration for routine troubleshooting, while major service points are positioned for accessibility.
Customers can also use ELEVATE Live by scanning a machine specific QR code with a smartphone. The system provides access to serial number information and service data without requiring an application or password.
Supporting Demand Across Multiple Regions
The decision to manufacture the SJ85 AJ in both Hungary and Mexico gives Skyjack additional capacity to support customers across multiple global markets.
Articulated boom lifts are designed for work requiring operators to reach up, over and around obstacles. Common applications include industrial maintenance, steel erection, construction, utilities, warehousing and facility work.
By producing the SJ85 AJ closer to customers in Europe, the Middle East and Australia, Skyjack expects to improve regional availability while reducing the distance machines must travel from the manufacturing plant to the customer.
About Skyjack
Founded in 1985, Skyjack designs and manufactures aerial work platforms and material handling equipment for the global rental and construction markets.
The company’s product portfolio includes vertical mast lifts, electric and Rough Terrain scissor lifts, articulated and telescopic boom lifts, and telehandlers. Skyjack focuses its product design on reliability, durability, serviceability and equipment lifecycle value.
Skyjack introduced its first scissor lifts in 1985 and became part of Linamar Corporation in 2002. The company expanded into telehandlers through the acquisition of product lines from Carelift Equipment and Volvo’s material handling equipment business.
Its manufacturing network includes operations supporting customers across North America, Europe, Asia and other international markets.
Company website: www.skyjack.com
About Linamar Corporation
Linamar Corporation is a Canadian advanced manufacturing company serving the mobility and industrial markets.
The company’s Mobility segment supplies advanced components and systems for vehicle propulsion, structures, chassis and energy storage. Its Industrial segment includes Skyjack, agricultural equipment manufacturer MacDon and other businesses serving access, construction, agriculture and related markets.
Headquartered in Guelph, Ontario, Linamar operates manufacturing, research and development, and sales facilities across North America, South America, Europe and Asia.
Skyjack operates as a division of Linamar Corporation.
Company website: www.linamar.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Where will Skyjack manufacture the SJ85 AJ?
Skyjack will manufacture the SJ85 AJ at its facilities in Orosháza, Hungary, and Ramos, Mexico.
Which markets will receive SJ85 AJ units manufactured in Hungary?
Units produced in Hungary will primarily support customers in Europe, the Middle East and Australia.
What is the working height of the Skyjack SJ85 AJ?
The SJ85 AJ provides a maximum working height of 27.91 metres and a platform height of 25.91 metres.
What is the horizontal outreach of the SJ85 AJ?
The articulated boom provides 17.07 metres of horizontal outreach and an up and over clearance of 10.36 metres.
What is the platform capacity of the SJ85 AJ?
The SJ85 AJ offers dual platform capacities of 227 and 340 kilograms, with a maximum occupancy rating of two or three people depending on the selected capacity mode.
What is SKYRISER technology?
SKYRISER technology keeps the riser and main boom pivot point moving in a vertical path, reducing forward or backward movement and limiting the need to reposition the machine when working alongside a structure.
