Comparing the JLG 30HA and 30E Aerial Work Platforms

[MikePhua]

JLG’s Evolution in Electric Boom Lifts
JLG Industries, founded in 1969, has long been a leader in aerial work platforms and telehandlers. Their product line includes a wide range of boom lifts, scissor lifts, and vertical mast lifts, with electric and engine-powered variants tailored for indoor and outdoor use. Among their compact articulating boom lifts, the JLG 30HA and 30E models represent two generations of design philosophy—one transitional, the other standardized.
The 30HA was produced until 1992, after which it was replaced by the 30E in 1993. While both machines share similar dimensions and boom configurations, their internal systems and power sources mark a clear generational shift.

Core Differences Between the 30HA and 30E
Despite their visual similarity, the JLG 30HA and 30E differ in several key areas:

• Power Source
  • 30HA: Originally gasoline or diesel powered, though rare electric variants existed
    
  • 30E: Fully electric, powered by eight 6V deep-cycle batteries
    
• Drive and Control Systems
  • 30HA: Mechanical and hydraulic controls with analog feedback
    
  • 30E: Integrated electric drive with proportional joystick controls
    
• Parts Availability
  • 30HA: Discontinued, with limited parts support
    
  • 30E: Still supported through JLG’s parts network
    
• Model Naming Convention
  

• “HA” typically indicated hydraulic articulating boom
  
• “E” denotes electric-powered articulating boom
  

The confusion often arises when older machines are mislabeled or retrofitted. Some 30HA units were built with electric systems, blurring the line between the two models. These transitional machines are rare and not well-documented in current JLG manuals.

Operational Characteristics and Use Cases
Both machines offer a working height of approximately 36 feet and a horizontal outreach of around 20 feet. They are designed for tight indoor spaces, maintenance work, and light-duty construction tasks.

• 30HA
  • Better suited for outdoor use due to engine power
    
  • Requires fuel management and emissions compliance
    
  • Heavier curb weight due to engine and fuel tank
    
• 30E
  

• Ideal for indoor environments with zero emissions
  
• Quieter operation and lower maintenance
  
• Battery runtime varies with load and terrain
  

In a warehouse retrofit project in Ohio, a contractor used a 30E to install overhead lighting and HVAC ducting. The machine’s compact footprint and silent operation allowed work to continue during business hours without disruption.

Parts Challenges and Sensor Costs
One of the most expensive components on older JLG lifts is the tach generator sensor, used to monitor motor speed and provide feedback to the control system. A user reported sourcing a replacement sensor for a 30HA at nearly $900, despite its small size. The part number 3990053 corresponds to a brush-type tach generator, and the brushes themselves are often the failure point.
To reduce costs:

• Search for compatible brushes from small motor suppliers
  
• Consider rebuilding the sensor if the housing and shaft are intact
  
• Check surplus equipment dealers for used or refurbished units
  
• Cross-reference with 30E parts, which may share electrical components
  

In one case, a technician salvaged brushes from a defunct treadmill motor and retrofitted them into a worn tach generator, restoring function at minimal cost.

Historical Context and Model Transition
The 30HA was phased out in 1992 as JLG shifted toward fully electric platforms to meet growing demand for indoor-safe equipment. The 30E launched in 1993 with improved battery management and simplified wiring. Over time, the 30E evolved into the 35E, N35E, and 40E series, each offering incremental improvements in reach, control precision, and serviceability.
JLG’s move toward electric platforms mirrored broader industry trends. OSHA regulations, urban noise ordinances, and environmental standards pushed manufacturers to reduce emissions and noise. By the early 2000s, electric boom lifts had become the norm for indoor and urban job sites.

Recommendations for Owners and Buyers
If you own or are considering a JLG 30HA:

• Verify the power source—some units may have been retrofitted
  
• Inspect the electrical system for compatibility with 30E parts
  
• Document all serial numbers and component IDs before ordering parts
  
• Consider upgrading to a 30E or newer model if parts become scarce
  
• Use JLG’s online manual archive to cross-reference components
  

For buyers, the 30E offers better long-term support and lower operating costs. Unless the 30HA is in exceptional condition or priced well below market, the 30E is the more practical choice.

Conclusion
The JLG 30HA and 30E may look alike, but they represent different eras of aerial lift design. The HA model, with its engine-driven systems, reflects a transitional phase in JLG’s history, while the 30E marks the beginning of their electric boom lift legacy. Understanding the differences is essential for maintenance, parts sourcing, and safe operation. As equipment continues to evolve, these machines serve as a reminder of how innovation and regulation shape the tools we use to reach new heights.