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Machine Context
The JLG 33 HA is an older aerial work platform (“man‑lift”) built in the late 1980s. According to user reports, the unit in question is powered by a Kohler 18 hp gasoline engine. The “HA” designation suggests a hydraulic control system for functions like steering, boom lift, and platform movement. Given its age, many OEM resources (like manuals) are limited, but some parts and service guidance still exist.
Reported Symptoms
A similar issue (swing drift / brake not engaging) has been reported on the JLG 33HA basic model, tied to the hydraulic valve body and brake mechanism.
For parts and documentation, the official JLG parts manual lists the 33HA under part number 3120606.
Comparable Equipment
A related model in JLG’s work-lift line is the JLG 3394RT 33′ rough‑terrain scissors, which uses similar hydraulic principles (coil valves, ground control, and platform circuits). While not the same machine, the underlying hydraulics and valve-body design provide useful diagnostic parallels.
Conclusion
The 33 HA's issues appear rooted in its aging hydraulic valve block and coil assemblies. Faulty spools, poor grounds, and mismatched fittings were contributing to steering and lift failure. Through testing, swapping coils, and carefully rebuilding valve elements, the owner was able to restore functionality. Given the scarcity of parts, it’s wise to salvage or stock relevant hydraulic components for future repair. Regular inspection and maintenance of coils, wiring, and hydraulic fittings will help avoid repeat failures on these vintage units.
The JLG 33 HA is an older aerial work platform (“man‑lift”) built in the late 1980s. According to user reports, the unit in question is powered by a Kohler 18 hp gasoline engine. The “HA” designation suggests a hydraulic control system for functions like steering, boom lift, and platform movement. Given its age, many OEM resources (like manuals) are limited, but some parts and service guidance still exist.
Reported Symptoms
- The auxiliary 12 V motor works (for lowering) but the platform cannot raise via that circuit.
- Starter motor failure: no voltage reaching the start button, despite having power at relays.
- After hot-swapping relays, the engine ran continuously even when "off" switch was flipped.
- Steering issue: machine only steers to one side (right), then after switching coil harnesses or hoses begins to only steer left.
- Platform ground‑control switch burned up; replaced with inline fuse but problems persisted.
- Faulty Valve Body / Steering Section
- The steering function is controlled by a valve block (“bang-bang” style) with two magnetic coils. According to a service technician, broken internal springs, rust, or damage inside the spool may prevent proper valve movement.
- The common ground wire (often brown or black) for all coils may not be reliable; poor ground can prevent coils from actuating.
- The steering function is controlled by a valve block (“bang-bang” style) with two magnetic coils. According to a service technician, broken internal springs, rust, or damage inside the spool may prevent proper valve movement.
- Control or Electrical Faults
- Relays controlling the 12 V motor or start circuit may be mismatched or faulty. The existing relays (Hella 4BD 960‑388‑22 and another) are reported by the user.
- Short circuits or poor wiring in the platform harness (where wiring bends) could account for inconsistent behavior.
- Relays controlling the 12 V motor or start circuit may be mismatched or faulty. The existing relays (Hella 4BD 960‑388‑22 and another) are reported by the user.
- Hydraulic / Valve Coil Failure
- The user reports no mechanical movement when applying power to the steering spool; this suggests coil-to-spool linkage failure or a seized spool.
- Hydraulic internal leaks or worn spool valves could prevent enough hydraulic flow to steer in both directions.
- The user reports no mechanical movement when applying power to the steering spool; this suggests coil-to-spool linkage failure or a seized spool.
- Remove and test both steering coils: energize them outside the valve to see if they move freely.
- Swap the coils between the two spool positions to verify whether coil behavior or valve body is the root problem.
- Check the common ground wire on all coils; ensure it’s properly connected, clean, and not corroded.
- Disassemble the valve block ("tube assembly") and inspect spools for physical damage, binding, or rust.
- Verify wiring continuity from platform to ground control and for the 12 V motor: broken or burned switch contacts may be at fault.
- Measure voltage at relay coils and contacts when operating the start or lift function: confirm there is no significant voltage drop.
- The user replaced the platform-ground switch and added an inline fuse; that restored lift operation temporarily.
- By removing and cleaning the valve stack from a donor JLG 40 (junked unit), the user was able to build/repair steering valves.
- They noted differences: the used valve body had pipe-thread fittings, while the original used O-ring fittings. They also added an orifice to control flow for the small steering cylinder.
- After reassembly and modifications, the steering reportedly worked in both directions.
- Periodically inspect and clean coil valve assemblies, particularly on older machines stored outside.
- Replace worn or corroded coils: even if they appear functional, degraded coils can lead to erratic behavior.
- Use correct fittings: ensure hydraulic lines use the same port style (O-ring, pipe thread) to prevent leaks or misalignment.
- Protect wiring harnesses, especially in articulated or telescoping areas, to avoid pinching or abrasion.
- Retain spare valve components from scrapped units: these JLG 33HA parts are scarce, so having a donor valve stack can save hours in future repairs.
A similar issue (swing drift / brake not engaging) has been reported on the JLG 33HA basic model, tied to the hydraulic valve body and brake mechanism.
For parts and documentation, the official JLG parts manual lists the 33HA under part number 3120606.
Comparable Equipment
A related model in JLG’s work-lift line is the JLG 3394RT 33′ rough‑terrain scissors, which uses similar hydraulic principles (coil valves, ground control, and platform circuits). While not the same machine, the underlying hydraulics and valve-body design provide useful diagnostic parallels.
Conclusion
The 33 HA's issues appear rooted in its aging hydraulic valve block and coil assemblies. Faulty spools, poor grounds, and mismatched fittings were contributing to steering and lift failure. Through testing, swapping coils, and carefully rebuilding valve elements, the owner was able to restore functionality. Given the scarcity of parts, it’s wise to salvage or stock relevant hydraulic components for future repair. Regular inspection and maintenance of coils, wiring, and hydraulic fittings will help avoid repeat failures on these vintage units.
