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Boom lifts, also referred to as aerial work platforms (AWPs) or cherry pickers, are very useful in that they can be used to lift workers and tools vertically, placing them at elevated positions to enable work to be carried out at a height. These units comprise a platform or bucket attached to an extendable arm (or boom) which is mounted on a vehicle or movable base. The emergence of boom lifts has changed the style of aerial work, and boom lifts have become increasingly important in many industries.
The aim of this article is to introduce boom lifts in full detail, including basic structure and types, applications, safety considerations, and selection guides. Whether an industry professional seeking to expand knowledge or someone looking to rent or buy a boom lift for a specific project, these details will give the ability to understand and use the machines well.
What is a Boom Lift?
A boom lift is a kind of aerial work platform. It has a bucket or platform attachment that can be hydraulically operated by an arm (or boom) that, in turn, is mounted to a mobile base. In contrast to scissor lifts, which only carry out vertical movements, boom lifts allow movement both vertically and horizontally.
The key elements of a boom lift are
- Boom: The extendable arm that raises and extends the platform
- Chassis: The base vehicle or frame that supports the boom and provides mobility
- Outriggers: Stabilizing legs that extend from the chassis to provide additional support and balance
Types of Boom Lifts
Articulating Boom Lifts
Articulating Boom Lifts have a multi-section boom which can be articulated — that is, the sections can bend — for increased flexibility and maneuverability around obstacles. They are best suited for reaching areas with limited access or complex configurations.
Telescopic Boom Lifts
Telescopic boom lifts also known as straight boom lifts, these machines feature a single horizontal extendible boom. They are ideal for applications requiring maximum height and outreach.
Trailer Boom Lifts
Units are compact and towable, easily transported to different job sites. Perfect for occasional use or small projects where the ability to easily transport is very important.
Crawler Boom Lifts
Designed to operate on rough terrains, these lifts feature tracks instead of wheels for high stability and movement through challenging ground conditions.
How to Select the Right Boom Lift
Platform Height and Reach:
Find out the maximum working height and horizontal reach needed for your application and add a safety margin. Do not forget any overhead obstructions or side reach requirements.
Weight Capacity:
Find the aggregate weight of workers, tools, and materials to be on the platform. Select a lift with a weight capacity greater than your needs for proper and safe operation.
Rental vs. Buy:
Rental offers such flexibility and lower upfront costs, making it ideal for short-term or occasional use. On the other hand, buying provides long-term cost savings and availability— especially for frequent use cases. Consider maintenance costs and storage requirements when deciding.
For those considering purchasing, buying a second-hand boom lift is often recommended; it can offer great cost savings while still providing reliable performance. Make sure to have been subjected to a thorough inspection and provided with complete maintenance history before making that important payment.
To learn more about selecting boom lifts for particular applications and industries, please consult the in-depth guide available on the Holdwell site.
Applications of Boom Lifts
Boom lifts can be applied across a wide range of industries for safe and efficient access to elevated work areas. Some of the major sectors where boom lifts are heavily used include：
1. Construction
In the construction industry, boom lifts serve as vital equipment for many tasks:
- Building Construction: Widely applied in the installation of windows, siding, and roofing multi-story buildings.
- Bridge Construction: Inspecting, maintaining, and repairing bridge structures.
- Infrastructure Projects: Used in installing and maintaining street lights, power lines, and telecommunications equipment.
Boom lifts allow workers to reach high or awkward spaces safely for increased efficiency and eliminate the need for scaffolding.
2. Maintenance and Repair
Boom lifts are vital to the following maintenance and repair work:
- Window Cleaning: In high-rise buildings, window cleaning is done efficiently and safely with boom lifts’ support.
- Tree Pruning: Boom lifts help arborists to get to tall trees for cutting and taking care of them.
- Sign Installation: Used in installing, repairing, and maintaining big outdoor signs and billboards. The special feature that boom lifts can be easily maneuvered into place makes them excellent for these detailed tasks.
3. Warehousing and Logistics
In warehouses and logistics operations, boom lifts are quite important in:
- Stock Management: Used for accessing high shelves and racks for inventory checks and stock rotation.
- Equipment Maintenance: Overhead conveyor systems and lighting.
- Proper care of the articulated boom lift can ensure its safe operation in a warehouse environment.
4. Firefighting and Rescue Operations
Boom lifts, including aerial platforms, are important in the delivery of emergency services:
- Fire Suppression: Enabling firefighters to direct water onto fires from an elevated position.
- Rescue Operations: Used to reach high floors of buildings for rescue or to reach people trapped in awkward places.
These special boom lifts are designed for quick deployment and stability in difficult conditions.
Other Industries
Boom Lifts are used in many other industries, including:
- Stage and Film Use of boom lifts include lighting, camera work and set construction on TV and film.
- Agriculture: They are used in orchards for fruit picking as well as tree maintenance activities.
- Shipbuilding and Maintenance: Essential for accessing different sections of large vessels during construction and repair.
Benefits of Boom Lifts
The boom lift has gained immense popularity across industries because of the following reasons:
A. Increased Productivity
This is achieved by boom lifts in a great way since they help in:
- Reducing setup time as compared to using scaffolding.
- Allowing quick repositioning for different tasks by driving the lift, which is not possible with most types of scaffolding.
- Enabling multiple workers to access elevated work areas at one time
B. Safety over Ladders and Scaffolding Systems
Safety is one of the primary benefits of boom lifts for the following reasons:
- The stable platform with guardrails reduces the risk of falls.
- Proper weight distribution minimizes tipping risks. The presence of built-in safety features like emergency lowering systems improves protection at the workplace.
C. Versatility and Adaptability
They provide flexibility in different jobs:
- Various types of boom lifts can be used in various work settings.
- The different heights and reaches are adjustable to different job requirements.
- Some models can switch between electric and diesel power sources.
D. Access to Hard-to-Reach Areas
Boom lifts are great at providing access to challenging locations:
- Going over obstacles or reaching into confined spaces.
- Perfect for getting to the completely out-of-reach area by conventional means.
- Articulating boom lifts provide specific placement within complex environments.
E. Cost-Effectiveness for Various Projects
Although the initial cost is high, long-term benefits from using boom lifts result in:
Reduction in labor costs through increased work performance.
This reduces the need for scaffolding rental or of a building.
And also means that one machine can do several jobs— so you don’t have as much equipment to buy.
In summary, boom lifts are used in a wide variety of applications and have many advantages, making them a valuable asset in many industries. Improving safety, efficiency, and access to difficult work sites has increased the use of boom lift providers across different sectors.
Holdwell offers various types of boom lifts, such as telescopic boom lifts and articulating boom lifts, and also sells used boom lifts from various well-known brands. If you still have questions about boom lifts, please contact Holdwell experts for help.
