A boom lift, also known as a cherry picker, is an aerial work platform. This equipment is very important in construction, maintenance and facility management. When it comes to a particular job, how to choose the right boom lift is vital from a safety and efficiency standpoint. Not only does the use of the wrong type of lift slow down work, but also it places workers at risk of accidents or injuries.
As a aerial lifts supplier, Holdwell is willing to help you choose the right boom lifts. The following is a discussion on what you need to consider when choosing the right boom lift for your work. Whether it’s indoor constricted areas or extended reach outdoor applications, this guide will provide insight into the various types of boom lifts that will help you make an informed choice.
Different Types of Boom Lifts
Articulating Boom Lift (Articulated Boom Lift)
Articulating boom lifts consist of various rotating sections that can bend and extend their reach like a human arm. The reason they can get up and over with great ease is this design. They are specified for applications requiring positioning equipment at frequent intervals above an obstacle. Generally powered by electric or diesel, platform size ranging from 4 to 8 feet and working height ranging from 30 to 150 feet.
Advantages:
- Negotiate in tight spaces: Multi-jointed booms give an excellent ability to maneuver, allowing operators to pass or otherwise work around obstacles and move very easily in tight spaces.
- Work their way around obstructions: Being able to bend and move in all directions makes these lifts ideal for working at any point within a structure that is surrounded by other structural obstacles.
- Usually more compact when stowed and easier to transport
Disadvantages:
- Lower weight capacity: Articulating boom lifts usually have a lower weight capacity than straight booms, so less equipment and fewer people can be lifted.
- Typically shorter than telescopic booms: Maximum heights are typically less than telescopic boom lifts, which may limit their use in projects that require greater height.
Articulating Boom Lift Applications
- Electrical Work: Such as electrical and lighting installation and maintenance
- HVAC Installation: Allows technicians to access and install HVAC units in HVAC in tight building interiors.
- Tree Pruning: Ideal for getting around tree branches to safely prune and trim.
- Facility Maintenance for plants or warehouses with complex layouts
Telescopic Boom Lift (Straight Boom Lift)
Telescopic boom lifts have one arm that extends outward in a straight line. It provides much horizontal as well as vertical reach and is intended for maximum height and maximum reach. Normally these are diesel-powered; some electric models are available as well with platform sizes typically 6 to 8 feet and working heights in some models over 180 feet
Advantages:
- Greater vertical and horizontal reach. Telescopic boom lifts can reach farther and higher than articulating boom lifts, perfect for applications that require maximum reach.
- Larger platform capacity typically supports larger platforms with a higher weight capacity to hold more workers or materials.
- Faster extension and retraction speeds compared to articulated booms.
Disadvantages:
- Less maneuverability in tight spaces.
- May require more space during setup
- Transportation may be more cumbersome due to larger size
Telescopic Boom Lifts Applications
- High-rise construction projects: used for accessing high work areas on construction sites such as roofing, siding, and structural work.
- Bridge inspection and maintenance: undertakes the reaching under and around large structures such as bridges for maintenance and inspection
- Large sign installation and maintenance: in installing and maintaining large billboards and signs at great heights
Other Types of Boom Lift
Towable Boom Lifts: Towable Boom lifts that can be towed are easily transported by towing behind a vehicle and ideal for multiple locations or often relocated work sites. They have limited reach and loading capabilities as well so they are not best used for the bigger or more demanding tasks
Crawler Boom Lifts: Crawler boom lifts have tracks instead of wheels, which allows them adequate stability and mobility even on an uneven or rugged surface. However, they typically have a shorter reach as crawler boom lifts which might confine their capability of being in projects at a great height.
Know the different types of boom lifts and their specific pros, cons, and applications so that you can better choose what will meet your project needs in safety and efficiency.
What to consider when choosing Boom Lifts
Height and reach requirements
- Make an accurate assessment of the highest point to be reached
- Consider both vertical height and horizontal reach.
- Add extra safety margin
Maneuverability & accessibility
- Use articulated booms to get over obstacles.
- Telescopic booms for maximum horizontal reach in open areas.
Constraints on site space
- Check doors, aisles and stow away other obstructions.
- Dimensions for stowage, transportation, and maneuverability.
Terrain and ground conditions
- Boom lift selection Height & reach requirements
- Make a realistic appraisal of the maximum risk at hand
- Consider both vertical and horizontal distances
Site space limitations
- Check doorways, aisles and other potential obstructions
- Assess stowage dimension for transportation & storage
This information will help you when choosing a right boom lift that is right for your projects, providing value and safety over the long term for your operation. The best choice often involves a number of factors to consider, and in many cases, it takes an equipment expert to help determine the best solution for your needs.
Selecting the appropriate boom lifts is a crucial decision for which the very safety, efficiency, and ultimate success of your project are dependent. With a critical assessment of these factors, you are able to make sure that the boom lift that you buy will not just satisfy your current project but will be reliable in the future.
Holdwell knows the value of making smart decisions about boom lifts. This is why we have a wide range of excellent used boom lifts available for many applications and budgets. Our team of experts is dedicated to helping you find the perfect boom lift, tailored specifically to meet your needs. Speak with a Holdwell expert today to make certain you choose the perfect boom lift for your operation.
