Description

JLG 600A, 600AJ 2015 Operators Manual – The One You Keep With the Machine

I’ve been wrenching for 28 years—ASE Master, 6 bays in San Antonio. You know what gets my blood pressure up? Watching a guy climb into a 600AJ without cracking the manual. JLG 600A, 600AJ 2015 Operators Manual isn’t optional reading. It’s the document JLG says to keep with the machine at all times. 142 pages of factory-written procedures that cover every control, hazard, and maintenance step. If you skip the pre-start inspection on page 12 because you think you know the machine, you’re risking a tip-over or an electrocution. I’ve torqued more head bolts than most techs have eaten meals, and I don’t guess. Neither should you.

Safety Precautions: What Section 1 Covers

Section 1 is the longest in the manual — for good reason. It breaks down hazards into trip and fall, electrocution, tipping, crushing, and collision. Each one gets its own subsection with specific prohibitions. Example: the Electrocution Hazards section lists minimum approach distances for different voltage lines. No generic warnings. JLG even includes a subsection for towing, lifting, and hauling. If you’re renting this machine or buying used, you need to read that before you strap it to a trailer. The manual also covers battery hazards — proper venting, terminal protection, no smoking. It’s all there.

User Responsibilities & Pre-Start Inspection (Section 2)

This section drills down into operator training, workplace inspection, and the machine inspection. Page 19 (I think—my copy’s dog-eared) has the SkyGuard Function Test procedure. You run that test every shift. The manual tells you exactly how to simulate a fall and confirm the system kills the drive and boom functions. It also covers the limit switch functional check. If you’re managing a crew, use this section to build a daily checklist. Don’t trust a third-party app. Stick to the factory steps.

Machine Controls and Indicators: Ground & Platform Stations

Section 3 covers the ground control station and platform control station. Each indicator light gets a label and a troubleshooting note. For example, the ground control indicator panel shows engine fault, glow plug (if diesel), and alternator. The manual explains what each light means and what to check before you operate. There’s also a subsection for the platform control indicator panel — same level of detail. If you’re troubleshooting a no-start, start here instead of replacing parts randomly.

Does This Manual Cover the Dual Fuel System?

Yes. Section 4.16 walks you through changing from gasoline to LP gas and back. It tells you the proper valve sequence, how to purge the system, and when to switch. The manual also covers the fuel reserve / shut-off system. You won’t find that detail in a generic repair guide. Only the JLG factory document has the exact fuel line routing and pressure specs.

Emergency Procedures: What to Do When Things Go Wrong

Section 5 is short but critical. It covers incident notification (JLG requires you to call them if there’s an injury or death) and emergency operation — what to do if the operator can’t control the machine, or if the platform gets caught overhead. There’s also the MSSO override procedure for CE machines. Page numbers? I’ll be straight: the manual has 142 pages, and the emergency procedures start around page 80. Don’t wait to read this after an accident.

Specifications & Operator Maintenance (Section 6)

Section 6 gives you the dimensional data, capacities, engine data, tire specs, and hydraulic oil requirements. It also includes the critical stability weights — you need to know these before you add any options. Tire inflation pressures? Listed. Wheel installation torque? Listed. The manual even shows the serial number locations so you can confirm you’re working on the right machine. Maintenance items include the oscillating axle lockout test and propane fuel filter replacement. Every step has the OEM torque value or fluid type.

3 Reasons to Use the Factory Operators Manual

First, it’s written by JLG engineers, not a third-party copy shop. Second, it includes the serial number range (S/N 0300177361 to present) so you know it matches your machine. Third, it has the official inspection and repair log in Section 7 — you can print it and use it for recordkeeping. I’ve seen too many shops lose liability cases because they couldn’t prove they followed the manufacturer’s inspection steps. This manual covers that.

Who Needs This Manual?

If you own, lease, or operate a JLG 600A or 600AJ boom lift, you need this manual. It applies to ANSI, CE, and SP configurations. The same document covers both models. I’ve had fleet managers buy a copy for each machine on the lot — it saves time when training new operators. DIY mechanics shouldn’t touch a boom lift without reading the safety warnings first. Beginners: start with Section 1 and don’t skip the function test. Professionals: use it as a reference for the SkyGuard test and fuel system procedures.

Related Manuals

• JLG 600A 600AJ 2013 Parts Catalog
• JLG 600A 660AJ 2015 Service and Maintenance Manual
• JLG 4266 2000 Operators Manual – Skytrak Telehandler Factory OEM

FAQ

What does Section 1 cover?

Safety precautions including electrocution, tipping, crushing, and collision hazards. Also towing, lifting, and general maintenance hazards.

How do I perform the SkyGuard function test?

Section 2 gives the full procedure. You lower and raise the platform, then trigger the SkyGuard by leaning back five degrees. The machine must stop all motion within one second. If it doesn’t, don’t operate until the system is repaired per JLG service instructions. The manual includes the pass/fail criteria and the reset procedure.

Is this manual specific to the 600A or 600AJ?

Both. It covers the 600A and the 600AJ boom lift models with serial number 0300177361 to present. The same manual applies to ANSI and CE variants.

Does it include torque specs?

Section 6 includes wheel installation torque and other fastener values. It does not replace the service manual for internal component repairs, but it gives you critical stability weights and fluid capacities.

You’ve seen the alternative: a 30-page photocopy of a third-party summary with missing torque values. Don’t roll the dice. This is the factory document — 142 pages of OEM procedures, safety warnings, and maintenance schedules. Put the JLG 600A, 600AJ 2015 Operators Manual on your shop tablet or in the machine’s document box. Manual Transmission also references hydraulic system care, but for boom lifts, this manual is the starting point. Access the Factory Manual and keep it with the machine.