Boom Lift vs Crane – The Main Differences

Boom Lift vs Crane – The Main Differences

Meta Description: The critical differences between boom lifts and cranes when lifting heavy objects. Boom lifts are vehicle-mounted and can lift heavy loads for workers using regular trucks, while cranes use pulleys and counterweights to hoist loads.

This article compares boom lifts and cranes, two famous pieces of heavy machinery used for lifting heavy loads. Both types of equipment have their advantages depending on the job’s needs.

The main differences between these options will be outlined and easy to understand. Practical examples will show the main difference and help readers make informed decisions based on their project requirements.

Key Takeaways

• When removing large trees, using a crane or boom truck can make the job safer and faster and cause less damage than climbers.
• Consider safety certifications and insurance with any tree service to protect yourself from liability.
• Compare multiple estimates considering the equipment size needed and your specific needs, like protecting other plants.
• Requesting proof of adequate insurance and adding your name is important before hiring.

Main Differences Between Boom Lifts and Cranes

There are important distinctions between boom lifts and cranes that contractors and businesses need to understand to determine the best heavy machinery for construction projects and their unique job site needs and safety requirements.

Uses and Purposes

Boom lifts are primarily used for lifting workers and equipment to work at heights, helping with building maintenance, construction sites, and tree care. Cranes do not have bucket platforms to lift materials or hold workers and are used strictly for lifting and moving hefty loads.

Mechanism and Design

Boom lifts function by having a fixed cab with a wheeled or stabilized base that allows for lifting workers in an attached bucket or platform via an extending boom arm. Cranes rely on a complex system of chains, cables, pulleys, and outriggers to counterbalance the weight and enable the lifting of their rotating jib.

Lifting Capacity and Applications

The applications and maximum weight capacities of machines also differ significantly. Boom lifts are suited for jobs requiring access rather than heavy lifting, with total height capacity typically under 1,000 pounds. Cranes can lift much greater tons depending on their specific truck crane, hydraulic, or telescopic configuration. Cranes are necessary when lifting or repositioning cumbersome equipment, machinery, or large tree sections.

Boom Lifts

Boom lifts are versatile aerial work platforms for tree trimming, building and construction sites, maintenance, and construction. They utilize a hydraulic or mechanical boom to position personnel and equipment at elevated work heights while providing safety and productivity.

Types of Boom Lifts

Several common types of boom lifts are available depending on the application’s needs. Vertical reach boom lifts can extend their booms straight up and down, ideal for replacing lightbulbs on tall buildings. Vertical scissors lift uses a scissor-like mechanism to raise their platforms straight up without horizontal reach.

Articulating boom lifts have telescopic booms extending outward and up, allowing workers to reach various angles and positions. Telescopic boom lifts extend their booms outward through a series of nested sections for maximum horizontal reach.

Features and Components

Most boom lifts share standard features for optimal safety, stability, and functionality. They are usually mounted on rubber tires or tracks for mobility and feature outriggers or stabilizing arms extending from the base to distribute the weight when used. The platform or bucket where workers stand is typically made of steel mesh or grating to allow debris to fall through for improved visibility and weight distribution.

Railings and harnesses help secure personnel and heavy cargo, while load sensors ensure the maximum load on the equipment does not exceed its rated capacity. Booms incorporate hydraulic, electric, or mechanical systems to raise, lower, extend, and position the platform as needed. Controls in the bucket allow for precise positioning and operation.

Safety Mechanisms

Safety is the top priority with boom lifts, and manufacturers have designed various mechanisms for protection. Proximity detection systems automatically limit the boom function if any obstructions are too close. Load sensing automatically prevents tasks that could cause instability if weight limits are exceeded.

Emergency controls like a safety arm or basket rail allow workers to cut power immediately. Back-up alarms and flashing lights warn of truck movement. Outriggers feature leveling sensors so the equipment cannot be operated if not adequately stabilized. Many lifts also include wind sensors to cease operation during high winds. These integrated safety features help protect both operators and those on the ground.

Cranes

Cranes are extremely versatile and powerful heavy equipment for lifting and moving heavy objects and materials. They are essential for many construction, industrial, and commercial applications that require lifting loads above humans’ normal reach. Some of the common types of cranes and their operation are discussed below:

Types of Cranes

• Mobile Cranes: These cranes have wheels, crawlers, or hydraulic outriggers, allowing them to transport between job sites quickly. Some common types include all-terrain, rough-terrain, crawler, and truck-mounted cranes.
• Tower Cranes: As the name suggests, these cranes have a fixed vertical tower and are best suited for jobs that require lifting loads high into the air over an extended period. They are widely used in building construction projects.
• Gantry Cranes: These cranes have a gantry-like structure spanning an area. Gantry cranes are commonly used in manufacturing plants and warehouses for dockside cargo handling.
• Overhead Cranes: As the name implies, these cranes are installed above the working area and have fixed runways. They are commonly used for heavy lifting tasks in industrial facilities like factories, shipyards, and workshops.

Operation and Functionality

Cranes utilize a system of wire ropes or chains, sheaves, winches, and hoists to lift and lower loads and machinery. The load is lifted by hoisting ropes or chains that run over a hoist drum on the crane. Hydraulic, electric, or diesel motors power the hoists and movement of the crane boom and jib.

Mobile cranes are set up on hydraulic outriggers to provide stability while lifting. Tower cranes are fixed to foundations. Gantry and overhead truck cranes are run on selected rail tracks above the workspace. Crane operators control the lifting and movement of loads through manual levers or remote controls, depending on the type of crane. Onboard computers also aid load charts and lifting calculations.

Safety Procedures

Safety is the topmost priority while operating cranes. Some best practices include:

• Conducting thorough equipment inspections and maintenance checks.
• Ensuring a firm, stable base is set up before lifting using outriggers or stabilizers.
• Checking the weight of all loads is within the crane’s rated capacity using load charts.
• Establish exclusion zones and do not allow anyone to stand near or under suspended loads.
• Using tag lines to guide and control swinging loads.
• Carefully planning lifts considering overhead power lines or other obstructions.
• Train and certify all crane operators and riggers as per applicable regulations.

Proper safety protocols ensure that cranes can be operated efficiently while protecting life and property. A regular hydraulic crane attached, mobile, hydraulic crane towers, gantry, overhead, inspections, and maintenance are also critical.

Choosing the Right Equipment

Choosing the right equipment for tree removal jobs is crucial. Several factors need consideration to complete the task while avoiding potential damage safely.

Careful assessment of job requirements, location constraints, and cost implications of construction projects will ensure the right equipment is deployed.

1. Job Requirements

The type and size of the tree dictate the job requirements. Large trees with extensive canopies that spread over buildings, public roads, or other structures necessitate equipment with a high lifting capacity, like cranes or boom trucks. These can sectionalize the tree and remove branches and chunks from sensitive areas. Smaller trees in open spaces may require climbing equipment and chainsaws to dismantle the tree piece-by-piece from the top down.

2. Location Constraints

Access and uneven terrain also determine the suitable equipment. Narrow residential streets may not accommodate larger trucks. Limited workspace in tight locations between buildings or fences calls for equipment with maneuverability to perform the task within restrictions.

Outriggers need adequate space to stabilize lifting devices safely. Jobs near power lines demand precaution and insulation.

3. Cost Comparison

Cost estimates include equipment requirements, rental charges, labor, and job duration. While crane trucks involve lifting charges, climbing crews require additional person-hours. For large trees surrounded by structures, cranes and boom trucks prove more economical by completing tasks quicker with fewer resources.

Isolated smaller trees permit climbers and chainsaws for a lower total cost. Overall benefits, safety, and property protection outweigh minor cost differentials in choosing equipment.

Maintenance and Insurance

Maintaining equipment properly and carrying adequate insurance coverage is essential for safety and risk management in equipment rental operations. Regular inspections can help catch any issues early while the appropriate policies protect owners and renters from financial losses.

Inspections and Certifications

All hydraulic, boom, hydraulic crane mounted, and truck equipment must undergo thorough inspections according to the manufacturer’s schedule to ensure safe operation.

Certified inspectors examine hydraulic hoses and fittings, structural components, safety mechanisms, and electrical systems to verify all are in good working order with no defects or damage. Any necessary repairs or part replacements are then promptly made. Records of inspections are kept on file.

Liability and Risk Management

Both liability and property insurance help protect from unforeseen incidents and claims. A standard commercial general liability policy covers bodily injury and property damage claims for which the owner is found legally responsible.

An inland marine equipment floater additionally insures owned machinery against risks like theft and breakdown. Umbrella liability insurance can also increase coverage limits for catastrophic accidents. Maintaining current policies with sufficient coverage limits is a prudent risk management strategy that provides reassurance for clients.