Read, understand and obey these safety rules and
operating instructions before operating this machine.
Only trained and authorized personnel shall be
permitted to operate this machine. This manual should
be considered a permanent part of your machine and
should remain with the machine at all times. If you have
any questions, call Genie Industries.
Industries in the USA and many other countries.
These machines comply with
ANSI/SIA 92.2-2001.
Printed on recycled paper
Printed in U.S.A.
Genie TZ-50Part No. 82900
First Edition • Sixth Printing
Operator's Manual
Safety Rules
Danger
Failure to obey the instructions and
safety rules in this manual will
result in death or serious injury.
Do Not Operate Unless:
You learn and practice the principles of safe
machine operation contained in this operator's
manual.
1 Avoid hazardous situations.
Know and understand the safety rules
before going on to the next section.
2 Always perform a pre-operation inspection.
3 Always perform function tests prior to use.
4 Inspect the workplace.
5 Only use the machine as it was intended.
You read, understand and obey the
manufacturer's instructions and safety rules—
safety and operator's manuals and machine
decals.
You read, understand and obey employer's
safety rules and worksite regulations.
You read, understand and obey all applicable
governmental regulations.
You are properly trained to safely operate the
machine.
Part No. 82900Genie TZ-501
Operator's ManualFirst Edition • Sixth Printing
SAFETY RULES
Electrocution Hazards
This machine is not electrically insulated and will
not provide protection from contact with or
proximity to electrical current.
Maintain safe distances from electrical power lines
and apparatus in accordance with applicable
governmental regulations and the following chart.
VoltageMinimum Safe
Phase to PhaseApproach Distance
Feet Meters
0 to 300VAvoid Contact
300V to 50KV103.05
50KV to 200KV154.60
200KV to 350KV206.10
350KV to 500KV257.62
500KV to 750KV3510.67
750KV to 1000KV4513.72
Tip-over Hazards
Occupants, equipment and materials shall not
exceed the maximum platform capacity.
Maximum capacity
ANSI and CSA models500 lbs227 kg
CE models440 lbs200 kg
Maximum occupants2
Do not raise the boom unless the machine is level.
Do not set the machine up on a surface where it
cannot be leveled using only the outriggers.
Do not raise the boom unless all four outriggers are
lowered, the footpads are in firm contact with the
ground and the machine is level.
Do not set the machine up unless it is on a firm
surface. Avoid drop-offs, holes, unstable or
slippery surfaces and other possible hazardous
conditions.
Allow for platform movement, electrical line sway or
sag and beware of strong or gusty winds.
Keep away from the machine if it contacts
Do not move the machine when the boom is raised.
Do not adjust or stow the outriggers when the boom
is raised.
energized power lines. Personnel on the ground or
in the platform must not touch or operate the
machine until energized power lines are shut off.
Do not operate the machine during lightning or
storms.
Do not use the machine as a ground for welding.
2Genie TZ-50Part No. 82900
First Edition • Sixth Printing
Operator's Manual
SAFETY RULES
Do not depend on the tilt alarm as a level indicator.
The tilt alarm sounds only when the machine is on
a severe slope.
When the tilt alarm sounds, immediately lower the
boom and adjust the outriggers to level the
machine.
Do not alter or disable the limit switches.
Do not operate the
machine in strong or
gusty winds. Do not
increase the surface
area of the platform or
the load. Increasing the
area exposed to the
wind will decrease
machine stability.
Do not alter or disable machine components that in
any way affect safety and stability.
Do not replace items critical to machine stability
with items of different weight or specification.
Do not modify or alter an aerial work platform
without prior written permission from the
manufacturer. Mounting attachments for holding
tools or other materials onto the platform, toeboards
or guard rail system can increase the weight in the
platform and the surface area of the platform or the
load.
Do not transport tools and materials unless they are
evenly distributed and can be safely handled by
person(s) in the platform.
Do not place ladders or scaffolds in the platform or
against any part of this machine.
Be sure all tires are properly inflated and in good
condition and lug nuts are properly tightened.
Do not use the platform as a crane.
Do not place loads outside the platform perimeter.
Do not place or attach overhanging loads to any
part of the platform.
Do not push off or pull
toward any object outside
of the platform.
Maximum allowable
manual force, CE400 N
Do not push the machine or other objects with the
boom.
Do not use the platform controls to free a platform
that is caught, snagged or otherwise prevented
from normal motion by an adjacent structure. All
personnel must be removed from the platform
before attempting to free the platform using the
ground controls.
Do not use batteries that weigh less than the
original equipment. Four batteries are used as
counterweight and are critical to machine stability.
Each battery must weigh 65 pounds / 29.5 kg.
Do not contact adjacent structures with the boom.
Do not tie the boom or platform to adjacent
structures.
Do not use the machine on a moving or mobile
surface or vehicle.
Part No. 82900Genie TZ-503
Operator's ManualFirst Edition • Sixth Printing
SAFETY RULES
Fall Hazards
Occupants must wear a
safety belt or harness
and comply with
applicable governmental
regulations. Attach the
lanyard to the anchor
provided in the platform.
Do not sit, stand or climb on the platform guard
rails. Maintain a firm footing on the platform floor at
all times.
Do not climb down from the platform when raised.
Keep the platform floor clear of debris.
Lower the platform entry mid-rail or close the entry
gate before operating.
Collision Hazards
The machine must be on a level surface or secured
before releasing the parking brake.
Check the work area for overhead obstructions or
other possible hazards.
Be aware of the boom position when rotating the
turntable.
Operators must comply with employer, job site and
governmental rules regarding use of personal
protective equipment.
Do not operate a boom in the path of any crane
unless the controls of the crane have been locked
out and/or precautions have been taken to prevent
any potential collision.
No stunt driving or horseplay while operating the
machine.
Do not attempt to manually move a machine unless
it is on a firm, level surface. Use the parking brake
to control the speed of the machine when pushing a
machine that is not attached to a tow vehicle.
Explosion and Fire Hazards
Models with engines: Do not start the engine if you
smell or detect liquid petroleum gas (LPG),
gasoline, diesel fuel or other explosive substances.
Models with engines: Do not refuel the machine
with the engine running.
Be aware of crushing hazards when grasping the
platform guard rail.
Refuel the machine and charge the battery only in
an open, well-ventilated area away from sparks,
flames and lighted tobacco.
Do not operate the machine in hazardous locations
or locations where potentially flammable or
explosive gases or particles may be present.
Component Damage Hazards
Do not use the machine as a ground for welding.
Do not lower the boom unless the area below is
clear of personnel and obstructions.
4Genie TZ-50Part No. 82900
First Edition • Sixth Printing
Operator's Manual
SAFETY RULES
Damaged Machine Hazards
Do not use a damaged or malfunctioning machine.
Conduct a thorough pre-operation inspection of the
machine and test all functions before each work
shift. Immediately tag and remove from service a
damaged or malfunctioning machine.
Be sure all maintenance has been performed as
specified in this manual and the appropriate service
manual.
Be sure all decals are in place and legible.
Be sure the operator’s, safety and responsibilities
manuals are complete, legible and in the storage
container located on the platform.
Bodily Injury Hazard
Do not operate the machine with a hydraulic oil or
air leak. An air leak or hydraulic leak can penetrate
and/or burn skin.
Models with engines: When the engine is running,
operate the machine in a well-ventilated area to
avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
Make sure your tow vehicle is properly maintained
and capable of towing this machine.
Be sure the hitch is properly and securely attached
to your tow vehicle.
Do not overload your tow vehicle. Observe the
manufacturer’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR).
Be sure all lights, mirrors and hitch components
conform to federal and local regulations.
Be sure that all driving lights are operational.
Be sure the tires are properly inflated.
Do not tow the machine unless the boom is lowered
into the chassis cradle and the hold-down latch is
securely locked in place.
Do not load cargo on the machine. The TZ is not
designed to carry any extra cargo.
Be sure the safety chains (if required) are securely
attached to the tow vehicle. Cross the chains under
the hitch. This will create a cradle to catch the
tongue of the trailer if it becomes disconnected
from the tow vehicle.
Improper contact with components under any cover
will cause serious injury. Only trained maintenance
personnel should access compartments. Access
by the operator is only advised when performing a
pre-operation inspection. All compartments must
remain closed and secured during operation.
Towing Hazards
Read, understand and obey all of your tow vehicle
manufacturer’s recommendations, warnings and
instructions before towing this machine.
Part No. 82900Genie TZ-505
Do not tow the machine on public roads unless it
meets all governmental regulations for towing.
Do not exceed 60 mph / 97 km/h. Obey all local
and national towing speed laws.
Be sure to chock the wheels of the trailer when
parking on a hill.
Operator's ManualFirst Edition • Sixth Printing
SAFETY RULES
Optional Drive System Safety
Tip-over Hazards
Use extreme care and slow speeds while driving
the machine in the stowed position across uneven
terrain, debris, unstable or slippery surfaces and
near holes and drop-offs.
Collision Hazards
Do not drive the machine unless the parking brake
on the tongue is set.
Do not drive the machine unless the platform is
fully lowered.
Be aware of limited sight distance and blind spots
when driving or operating.
Observe and use the color-coded direction arrows
on the drive control box for drive and steer
functions.
Limit travel speed according to the condition of the
ground surface, congestion, slope, location of
personnel, and any other factors which may cause
collision.
Use common sense and planning when operating
the drive system from the ground. Remove the
drive control box from its mounting and step away
from the machine before driving. Maintain safe
distances between the operator, the machine and
fixed objects.
Decal Legend
Genie product decals use symbols, color coding
and signal words to identify the following:
Safety alert symbol—used to alert
personnel to potential personal
injury hazards. Obey all safety
messages that follow this symbol
to avoid possible injury or death.
Red—used to indicate the
presence of an imminently
hazardous situation which, if not
avoided, will result in death or
serious injury.
Orange—used to indicate the
presence of a potentially
hazardous situation which, if not
avoided, could result in death or
serious injury.
Yellow with safety alert symbol—
used to indicate the presence of a
potentially hazardous situation
which, if not avoided, may cause
minor or moderate injury.
Yellow without safety alert
symbol—used to indicate the
presence of a potentially
hazardous situation which, if not
avoided, may result in property
damage.
Green—used to indicate operation
or maintenance information.
6Genie TZ-50Part No. 82900
First Edition • Sixth Printing
Operator's Manual
SAFETY RULES
Battery Safety
Burn Hazards
Batteries contain acid. Always wear protective
clothing and eye wear when working with batteries.
Avoid spilling or contacting battery acid. Neutralize
battery acid spills with baking soda and water.
Explosion Hazards
Keep sparks, flames
and lighted tobacco
away from batteries.
Batteries emit an
explosive gas.
The covers should be
open during the entire
charging cycle.
Component Damage Hazards
Do not use any battery charger greater than 24V to
charge the batteries.
Do not expose the batteries or the charger to water
or rain.
Electrocution Hazards
Connect the battery charger to a grounded,
AC 3-wire electrical outlet only.
Inspect daily for damaged cord,
cables and wires. Replace
damaged items before
operating.
Avoid electrical shock from
contact with battery terminals.
Remove all rings, watches and
other jewelry.
Tip-over Hazard
Do not use batteries that weigh less than the
original equipment. Four batteries are used as
counterweight and are critical to machine stability.
Each battery must weigh 65 pounds / 29.5 kg.
Lifting Hazard
Do not contact the battery terminals or the cable
clamps with tools that may cause sparks.
Part No. 82900Genie TZ-507
Use the appropriate number of people and proper
lifting techniques when lifting batteries.
Operator's ManualFirst Edition • Sixth Printing
Controls
6
5
4
3
2
1
1
7
STOP
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
Ground Control Panel
1 Outrigger raise/lower button
and indicator light
(individual outrigger)
2 Outrigger auto level button
3 Platform level button
4 Function enable button for:
Platform down
Primary boom down
Primary boom retract
Secondary boom down
Jib boom down
Turntable rotate right
Platform rotate right
Outrigger lower
8Genie TZ-50Part No. 82900
1
5 Function enable button for:
6 15 amp breaker for controls circuits
7 Red Emergency Stop button
8 15 amp breaker for engine controls
9 Key switch for platform/off/ground
1 0 Engine start button (if equipped)
1
18
Platform up
Primary boom up
Primary boom extend
Secondary boom up
Jib boom up
Turntable rotate left
Platform rotate left
Outrigger raise