Second JLG scissor lift joins Kennards Hire Museum

It’s over seven decades since Kennards Hire founder, Walter Kennard, started the company after hiring out his cement mixer. A lot of growth and change has happened at Kennards since then, as well as throughout the broader hire and rental industry.

The Kennards Hire Museum in Artarmon, Sydney, captures much of the industry progression, especially the evolution of machines and equipment used on construction sites throughout Australia and New Zealand.

A recent addition to the museum is a JLG 3246ES Electric Scissor lift. The machine first went into service with Kennards in 2010 and recently underwent a complete in-house refurbishment by JLG, before being presented to Andy Kennard, patriarch of the family-owned business, in February. This specific 3246ES was originally ordered by long serving Kennards employee, Mark Zimmer, who retired in 2020 after 50 years’ service (and has a room named after him in the museum).

Some of the equipment in the museum dates from as early as the 1950s, with the evolution of the machines and hand tools that followed in the years since, fortunately improving safety, ease-of-use and efficiency for equipment users.

Andy Kennard is extremely passionate about showcasing how far the equipment industry has come and curates every piece at the museum personally.

“Equipment innovation has exploded in recent years. It’s exciting to see equipment coming on to the market today that far exceeds the standards and capabilities of years gone by.”

“We look to the past to see how we can improve on the future. JLG is one of those companies that keeps delivering on quality equipment time and time again,” said Kennard.

The 3246ES is a more modern machine – and still the most popular model in its class – but highlights just how advanced the model was when first launched in 2003.

JLG Industries general manager – ANZ, Scott Daly, said that both companies shared a proud history and were dedicated to advancing the industry.

“Kennards Hire have partnered with JLG since we first opened in Australia in 1983,” he said.

“We really appreciate this long-term relationship with Kennards in Australia and New Zealand. It’s a strong association which is based on having similar values along with a dedication to customers and supporting the wider construction industry. I know the JLG team thoroughly enjoyed preparing the 3246ES for placement in the museum.”

Showcasing JLG’s capabilities to overhaul and restore equipment, the 3246ES received thorough attention at the hands of the JLG NSW Service Team, to bring the model back to ‘as new’ condition. Work undertaken included a complete strip down, rewiring, fitment of new brakes and tyres, refinishing of handrails, refurbishment of aluminium decks and a complete respray. The finished machine then underwent a full function and safety test as well as test and tagging of the charger.

The 3246ES joins an existing 1930ES model on display at the Kennards Hire Museum.

“At the core of the museum’s objectives is to highlight innovations in equipment over the years. The ES scissor range was the first scissor lift with electric drive motors, which gave much longer run time between recharges, reducing downtime for users,” Daly said.

“It is wonderful to see another JLG scissor lift restored to its original glory and taking pride of place in our museum,” said Kennard.

The Kennards Hire Museum is located at the company’s Artarmon branch in Sydney. A tour and overview of the museum can also be found online at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_swEl5anJc