Diagnosing Tilt Function Failure on the SkyTrak SS6036 Telehandler

[MikePhua]

The SS6036 Super Shooter and Its Design Legacy
The SkyTrak SS6036, often referred to as the “Super Shooter,” is a mid-range telehandler designed for material placement in construction, agriculture, and industrial settings. Manufactured by SkyTrak, a brand under JLG Industries, the SS6036 features a 6,000 lb lift capacity and a 36-foot maximum reach. Its popularity stems from its rugged build, mechanical simplicity, and adaptability to rough terrain.
Introduced in the late 1990s, the SS6036 was part of a broader push to make telehandlers more versatile and operator-friendly. With joystick-controlled hydraulics and a straightforward electrical system, it became a staple on job sites across North America. Thousands of units were sold before newer models with CAN bus systems and digital diagnostics took over.
Terminology Annotation
- Telehandler: A telescopic forklift capable of lifting loads to elevated positions using a boom.
- Tilt Function: The hydraulic movement that adjusts the angle of the carriage or forks relative to the boom.
- Joystick Controller: An electrical or hydraulic input device used to operate boom and tilt functions.
- Fuse Panel: A centralized location for electrical fuses that protect circuits from overload.
- Multimeter: A diagnostic tool used to measure voltage, resistance, and continuity in electrical systems.
Symptoms of Tilt Failure and Initial Observations
A common issue reported with the SS6036 is the inability to tilt the carriage forward or backward. In such cases, the boom may still extend and retract, and the lift function may remain operational, but the tilt remains unresponsive. This points to a localized fault in the tilt control circuit or hydraulic actuation system.
Operators often first notice the problem when attempting to level a load on uneven terrain. The joystick may feel normal, but the carriage does not respond. In some cases, the tilt function fails silently, without any warning lights or error codes.
Electrical Diagnostics and Joystick Voltage Testing
The tilt function on the SS6036 is controlled via the joystick, which sends electrical signals to solenoid valves that actuate hydraulic flow. If the joystick fails to send voltage, the solenoids remain inactive. A multimeter can be used to test voltage at the joystick terminals during tilt commands.
Recommended steps:

• Remove the joystick panel and locate the tilt control wires
  
• Use a multimeter to measure voltage when tilting forward and backward
  
• Confirm that voltage is present and consistent (typically 12V or 24V depending on system)
  
• If no voltage is detected, inspect the joystick for internal wear or broken contacts
  
• If voltage is present but tilt still fails, proceed to solenoid and hydraulic checks
  

Locating the Fuse Panel and Electrical Pathways
One challenge in diagnosing tilt issues is locating the fuse panel. On the SS6036, the fuse block is often mounted behind the dashboard or under the operator seat. It may be obscured by trim panels or wiring harnesses. A visual inspection is necessary to identify blown fuses or corroded terminals.
Operators should:

• Disconnect battery power before accessing fuses
  
• Check for blown fuses related to tilt, boom, and auxiliary functions
  
• Clean fuse contacts and replace any damaged wiring
  
• Verify continuity from fuse panel to joystick and solenoid terminals
  

Hydraulic System Considerations
If electrical diagnostics confirm proper voltage, the issue may lie in the hydraulic system. The tilt cylinder relies on directional flow controlled by solenoid valves. A stuck valve, clogged filter, or low hydraulic pressure can prevent movement.
Hydraulic checks include:

• Inspecting tilt cylinder for leaks or bent rods
  
• Testing solenoid valve response with manual override (if equipped)
  
• Checking hydraulic fluid level and condition
  
• Replacing filters and bleeding air from the system
  
• Verifying pump output pressure using a gauge
  

In one documented case, a tilt failure was traced to a solenoid coil that had shorted internally. Replacing the coil restored full function without further repairs.
Field Anecdotes and Practical Advice
A technician in Kentucky reported that his SS6036 lost tilt function during a barn construction job. After checking the joystick and finding no voltage, he traced the issue to a broken wire beneath the operator platform. The wire had chafed against the frame over time, causing intermittent failure. Once repaired, the tilt resumed normal operation.
Another operator in Virginia emphasized the importance of checking joystick voltage before replacing hydraulic components. He had replaced a tilt cylinder unnecessarily, only to discover the fault was in the joystick wiring.
Preventative Measures and Long-Term Reliability
To avoid tilt failures:

• Inspect joystick wiring annually for wear and corrosion
  
• Keep fuse panel clean and dry with dielectric grease on terminals
  
• Replace hydraulic filters every 500 hours or as recommended
  
• Monitor tilt cylinder seals and rod condition
  
• Train operators to report sluggish or delayed tilt response early
  

Maintaining a service log with voltage readings and hydraulic pressures can help track system health over time.
Conclusion
Tilt failure on the SkyTrak SS6036 telehandler is often rooted in electrical faults at the joystick or fuse panel. With methodical diagnostics—starting from voltage testing and progressing to hydraulic checks—operators can restore function without unnecessary part replacement. In the world of telehandlers, precision matters, and when the tilt stops working, the job stops moving. But with the right tools and a sharp eye, even the most stubborn faults can be leveled out.