Okay, let’s get my hands dirty and share my experience with the 2017 Skyjack SJ6826RT scissor lift.
It all started when I needed to get some serious height for a project at my property. I’ve got this huge barn that needed some roof repairs, and there was just no way I was going to do it safely with a regular ladder. So, I started looking into renting a scissor lift.
Finding the Right Machine
After some digging around, I settled on the Skyjack SJ6826RT. The “RT” stands for rough terrain, which was a must for me. My property isn’t exactly paved, you know? Lots of grass, some dirt, and the occasional muddy patch. The 26-foot platform height was also perfect. It gave me plenty of reach for the barn roof without being overkill.
Getting to Grips with It
The rental place gave me a quick rundown, but honestly, it took a bit of getting used to. First thing, you gotta make sure the outriggers are down and level. Those are like the stabilizing feet for the lift. There are these indicator lights that tell you when it’s all good and balanced. Don’t skip this step, it’s key for staying safe.
Then there’s the controls. It’s pretty straightforward, really. You got your joystick for driving and steering, and then separate controls for lifting and lowering the platform. One thing I learned the hard way: go slow! Especially when you’re first starting out. It’s easy to get jerky movements if you’re too heavy-handed with the controls.
The Work Itself
Once I got the hang of the controls, it was actually pretty smooth sailing. I could move the lift around the barn easily, even over the uneven ground. The 4×4 really came in handy. Getting up to the roof was a breeze. Having that big, stable platform to work from made the repairs so much easier and safer.
- I started by inspecting the damaged area.
- Then take the old shingles out.
- Next, I cut and put in the new wood, making sure it was all flush.
- Finally, I added new flashing and shingles, nailed them.
The job that would have taken me days with a ladder, I knocked out in a matter of hours. It was awesome!
Wrapping Up
Overall, the Skyjack SJ6826RT was a solid machine. It was sturdy, reliable, and got the job done. If you’ve got a project that needs some serious height and you’re working on rough terrain, I’d definitely recommend checking it out. Just remember to take your time, get familiar with the controls, and always, always prioritize safety.
