The Ultimate Guide to Different Types of Construction Lifts and Boom Lifts

The Ultimate Guide to Different Types of Construction Lifts and Boom Lifts

Meta Description: Learn about nine common types of construction lifts, including boom lifts, electric scissor lift, lifts, forklifts, and their uses on work sites, focusing on safety and proper training.

This article provides an overview of the different types of aerial lifts used in construction. Whether you need to access high areas, move heavy equipment, or tackle rough terrain, the proper lift equipment is essential for safety and efficiency.

Understanding standard lift options’ key characteristics and applications like boom lifts, bucket trucks, scissor lifts, and forklifts can help contractors choose the best solution for their project needs.

Key Takeaways

• There are different types of aerial lifts suited for various jobs like working indoors/outdoors, handling heavy loads, or moving over rough terrain
• Common lift types include boom lifts, scissor lifts, cherry pickers, and forklifts, each with their strengths and uses for construction, maintenance, and more
• Factors like available space, required movement, and power source should be considered when selecting the right lift for your specific project needs

Common Types of Construction Lifts

Several types of aerial lifts are commonly used in construction and industrial settings. Each has its advantages depending on the job requirements. Understanding the key features and applications of different types of lifts for each type is important for selecting the right equipment.

1. Articulating Boom Lifts

Articulating boom lifts, known as knuckle booms, are characterized by their ability to bend and flex at multiple joints. This feature allows them to access tight and hard-to-reach areas. With a full 360-degree rotation, articulating booms can maneuver around obstacles to position workers wherever needed.

Typical uses include maintenance tasks, repairs in confined spaces, and jobs where flexibility is essential. Some popular models have platform heights reaching 100 feet or more.

2. Telescopic Boom Lifts

Telescopic boom lifts have a straight, extendable arm instead of an articulating jointed arm. This design provides maximum reach capabilities. Models are available with platform heights up to 100 feet as well.

While they don’t bend and flex like articulating booms, their long reach makes telescopic booms well-suited for tasks like tree trimming, electrical line work, and other applications requiring access to high areas. Both electric and fuel-powered options exist to suit indoor or outdoor use.

3. Scissor Lifts

Scissor lifts feature an accordion-like design that raises the platform straight up and down. This configuration requires the lift to be placed directly under the work area instead of booms that can reach over obstacles. However, scissor lifts provide a stable, large workspace ideal when multiple workers and equipment need access simultaneously.

Models are available for indoor and outdoor use, with platform heights reaching 60 feet or more. Typical applications include construction, facility maintenance, and industrial projects.

4. Rough Terrain Scissor Lifts

Like standard scissor lifts, rough terrain scissor lifts have enhanced capabilities for working in challenging outdoor conditions. Features like rugged tires, increased weight capacity, and diesel power allow them to traverse rough and uneven terrain inaccessible to other equipment. This makes them well-suited to construction and other job sites with less-than-ideal surface conditions.

5. Telehandlers

Also known as telescopic forklifts, telehandlers combine an aerial lift’s lifting functions with a forklift’s cargo-handling ability. With extendable booms and lifting forks, they can efficiently transport materials to high platforms or over long distances.

While primarily used for material handling, telehandlers can provide personnel access when fitted with an approved work platform. Their versatility makes them very useful on construction sites and other industrial operations.

6. Rough Terrain Forklifts

Like telehandlers, rough terrain forklifts are designed to lift and move heavy loads on unpaved or uneven terrain job sites. Features like large tires, increased ground clearance, and lifting capacities of up to 8,000 pounds allow them to traverse challenging work areas.

Typical applications include loading and unloading trucks, assembling structures, and moving heavy equipment and materials where standard forklifts can’t operate.

7. Personnel Lifts

Also called man lifts or mechanic’s ladders, personnel lifts provide elevated work platforms for individuals. Models are available for both indoor and outdoor use, with heights reaching 50 feet or more.

While not as heavy-duty as boom lifts or scissor lifts, personnel lifts offer stable elevated access for tasks like maintenance, repair work, or light construction that don’t require the capacity of larger equipment. Their portable design also allows for flexibility in changing work locations.

The choice of aerial lift depends on the job requirements and conditions. Understanding the capabilities and applications of different types helps ensure the right equipment is selected for safe and efficient work. Proper training certification is also required to operate any aerial lift.

Articulating Boom Lifts in Detail

Articulating boom lifts are a versatile aerial work platform commonly used in construction and maintenance jobs. Their unique arm design allows these lifts to access tight spaces that other equipment cannot reach.

Uses of Articulating Boom Lifts

• Maintenance and repair work such as electrical and piping tasks at height
• Cleaning jobs like exterior building washing that require access to hard-to-reach areas
• Construction applications where workers need to be lifted into confined spaces

Benefits of Articulating Boom Lifts

• Multiple jointed arms can bend and maneuver around obstacles, enabling access to tight spaces
• The base of the arm rotates fully on a turntable for a 360-degree reach
• Reach heights of up to 100 feet to complete tasks above ground level
• Suitable for indoor and outdoor use through electric-powered or gas-powered models
• A variety of models are available for different capacity and height needs

Safety Considerations for Articulating Boom Lifts

• Only authorized personnel should operate the lift after proper training on its functions and safety procedures
• Inspect the lift thoroughly before each use and perform regular maintenance to check for any issues
• Do not exceed the lift or platform’s rated capacity, as it could cause instability
• Remain within the guardrails and wear fall protection gear like harnesses when working at height
• Be aware of overhead hazards and maintain safe distances from energized lines and structures
• Ground the lift on level surfaces and avoid driving it over uneven terrain or unsafe surfaces.

Scissor Lifts Explained

Scissor lifts are a versatile aerial work platform commonly used in construction and industrial settings. Their unique design that functions like a scissor provides a stable work area for tasks at various heights. Some key things to understand about scissor lifts are their operation, typical applications, and suitability for indoor versus outdoor use.

How Scissor Lifts Operate

Scissor lifts get their name from their scissor-like mechanism, enabling them to reach different heights. The platform is attached to two sets of crossing braces resembling an open scissors set. As the braces rise up and down, they cause the platform to move smoothly up and down in a straight line. This vertical movement allows scissor lifts to provide access at various heights, typically ranging from around 15 to 60 feet, depending on the specific model.

Common Applications of Scissor Lifts

Some common uses of scissor lifts include exterior building repairs and maintenance, window cleaning and installation, stocking warehouse shelves, and general construction tasks. Their stable, elevated work area makes scissor lifts well-suited for tasks like painting, cladding installation, and working on building facades. The larger platform size of scissor lifts also allows teams of workers to safely access the workspace at height simultaneously. This makes scissor lifts efficient for jobs requiring multiple people to work in the same area.

Indoor vs Outdoor Scissor Lifts

While scissor lifts are versatile, not all models can be used for indoor and outdoor applications. Electric scissor lifts are typically used indoors as their quiet electric motors make them suitable for enclosed spaces.

Outdoor scissor lifts, sometimes called rough terrain, have features like diesel power and increased tire stability that allow them to traverse varied outdoor terrain, including unfinished construction sites. Outdoor scissor lifts can better handle outdoor conditions and surfaces that may not be perfectly even. The environment and surface conditions must always be considered when selecting the appropriate type of scissor lift.

Choosing Between Boom Lifts and Scissor Lifts

Choosing the right lift is essential when renting equipment for construction and maintenance jobs. Boom lifts and scissor lifts are two popular options that serve different purposes. Understanding the differences between them will help in making an informed selection.

Factors to Consider for Boom Lifts vs. Scissor Lifts

• Movement Type: Boom lifts like telescopic boom lifts and articulating boom lifts allow vertical and horizontal movement, giving access to hard-to-reach areas. Scissor lifts only move vertically and must be placed directly under the work area.
• Space restrictions: Scissor lifts require less space for operation since the platform moves up and down. Boom lifts need clearance for arm movement.
• Access needs: Jobs requiring access to multiple elevated points may be better suited for boom lifts. Scissor lifts are ideal when workers need shared platform access at a single height.
• Terrain: Scissor lifts are available as electric models for indoor use and rough terrain models for outdoor and uneven surfaces. Boom lifts also come in electric, gas, and hybrid options for different terrain needs.
• Weight capacity: Larger scissor lift platforms can accommodate more workers and equipment. Some boom lifts with smaller baskets are designed for one-person use.
• Height requirement: Boom lifts typically can reach heights ranging from below 20 feet to over 100 feet. Most scissor lifts have a maximum height under 60 feet.

The choice depends on the specific job site conditions and access needs. Understanding these factors will help select the right telescopic boom lift, articulating boom lift, scissor lift, or rough terrain scissor lift for any construction or maintenance project. Proper evaluation ensures the lift equipment meets requirements safely and efficiently.

Choosing the Right Construction Lift for Your Project

Selecting the appropriate aerial or work platform for a construction project requires evaluating several important factors. Each job site will have unique needs to be considered carefully to ensure safety, efficiency, and project success.

Factors to Consider When Selecting an Aerial Work Platform

The first step required is to determine the type of lift needed based on the tasks that must be performed. Standard options include telescoping boom lifts, articulating boom lifts, telescopic boom lifts, scissor lifts, cherry pickers, and telehandlers. Each has advantages for different applications.

Required reach and height: You must choose a lift to reach the necessary working height safely. For example, telescopic boom lifts can extend to 100 feet, while scissor lifts typically get 60 feet.

• Load Capacity: The weight of workers, tools, and materials being lifted needs to fit within the lift’s rated capacity. Overloading can cause stability issues.
• Indoor or Outdoor Use: Electric scissor lifts are well-suited for indoor jobs, while boom lifts and telehandlers can handle rough outdoor conditions.
• Space Restrictions: Narrow indoor spaces require compact lifts like atrium and scissor lifts. More significant job sites allow more flexibility.
• Surface Conditions: Soft, rough, or uneven terrain demands lifts with high floatation tires versus inflated or solid tires.
• Mobility Needs: Self-propelled lifts offer more excellent maneuverability than towable or push-around models.
• Power Source: Battery power is best for indoor use to avoid emissions, but gas/diesel lifts have more torque for heavy-duty work.
• Platform Size: Consider crew size and if equipment will join workers in the basket.

Thoroughly evaluating these factors leads to choosing the right articulating boom lifts, telescopic booms, hydraulic crane lifts, scissor lifts, cherry pickers, telehandlers, and other aerial work platforms for any construction project. Doing so helps ensure efficient, safe, and compliant lift operations.