Heavy Lifters

Working on aircraft in the U.S. Navy always means operating in elevated environments. So when naval personnel needed a towering machine to help replace engines in its high-flying birds, the Navy turned to telehandler expert JLG Industries Inc. The Oshkosh Corp. announced it recently received an initial order to build 26 Engine Installation and Removal Vehicles (EIRV) for the U.S. Navy. Valued at approximately $4 million, these specially designed JLG vehicles will be in use at naval facilities around the world.

“The JLG EIRV is the newest addition to a stellar line of combat proven access solutions,” said Denny Buterbaugh, JLG’ Industries vice president of government products and programs. “A state-of-the-art hydraulic system provides the precision necessary for placing and removing engines on a wide variety of aircraft. The JLG vehicle’s extreme terrain ability allows it to be used in almost any environment.”

The EIRV is based on proven JLG telescopic material handler designs and is ideal for placing or removing engines on many common aircraft, including the P-3, C-2, E-2 and C-130. It has a horizontal outreach of 29 ft (8.8 m) and a vertical extension of up to 41 ft (12.5 m). The EIRV has a capacity of 6,000 lbs (2,721 kg), and with four-wheel drive and four-wheel steer, the EIRV can maneuver in the most difficult terrain. The EIRV machines will be manufactured in McConnellsburg, Pa.