Can You Move a Towable Boom Lift By Hand

Can You Move a Towable Boom Lift By Hand

Meta Description: Learn about the risks and safety considerations of moving a hand-moving and a towable boom lift. Follow manufacturer guidelines and seek expert advice for safe repositioning.

This article examines safe practices for transporting towable boom lifts between worksites. Proper procedures are discussed for mechanically towing the heavy equipment and the risks associated with manually moving lifts by hand.

Adhering to manufacturer guidelines and technical expertise is emphasized to safely reposition these machines while protecting operator health and equipment integrity.

Key Takeaways

• Towable boom lifts must be adequately transported between job sites for safe and efficient operation.
• Manufacturers specify approved tow vehicles and hitching/securement methods to maintain stability.
• Manual movement risks equipment damage and injury due to extreme weight loads and tripping hazards.
• Proper lifting techniques and stability testing can help minimize risks if short repositioning by hand is the only option.
• Always consult operator manuals and experts for transport guidance tailored to your lift model and situation.

Assessing the Ability to Move Towable Lift by Hand

While towable boom lifts are designed for mechanical transport, it may be necessary in some cases to manually reposition them for maintenance or storage. A careful evaluation is required.

Evaluating Lifting and Transport Capacity

Moving a towable boom lift requires sufficient operator strength, stability, and control. Lifting or pulling the fully loaded equipment, which can exceed several thousand pounds in weight, is beyond the physical capacity of most individuals.

If attempting to transport even a short distance manually, the operator must realistically assess their lifting abilities, stability on uneven or sloped surfaces, and ability to safely guide and balance such a heavy load.

Factors like terrain, ground conditions, load weight, and distribution should be considered. It may be safer to wait for mechanical assistance rather than risk injury or damage from improperly handling the giant machine.

Ensuring Stable and Controlled Movement

• I am using proper lifting techniques to maintain the balance of the heavy load and prevent tipping when repositioning by hand.
• Testing the surface for stability by driving or walking the towable lift before attempting movement. Watch for soft or uneven ground, slopes, and drop-offs.
• Having at least two operators work together when manually transporting to share the physical load and ensure someone can apply brakes or change direction quickly if needed.
• Keep the boom fully retracted, and the platform lowered to minimize weight distribution issues or risks of the lift swinging or shifting angles unexpectedly during hand movement.
• If necessary, only lift or pull short distances of just a few feet rather than trying to tow between locations manually.

Understanding Towable Boom Lifts

Towable boom lifts, or mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs), are aerial lifts designed to be transported between job sites by towing behind a vehicle.

These machines consist of a powered lifting platform or “bucket” mounted on the end of a telescoping boom arm. This often allows workers to safely access elevated work areas from heights up to 100 feet or more.

What is a Towable Boom Lift?

A towable boom lift is a self-propelled or tow-behind aerial work platform equipped with a boom arm and basket or bucket for lifting personnel, tools, and equipment.

The boom can extend out and up, and the platform can rotate 360 degrees, making towable boom lifts highly versatile for trimming trees, changing light bulbs on power lines, and performing maintenance on tall buildings or construction equipment.

The lifting platform is powered by either a small gas engine or battery power and is designed to raise workers to the appropriate working height for their jobs. Towable boom lifts are also known as tow-behinds or tow-behind aerial lifts because they can be transported between job sites by pulling behind a truck or tractor.

Safety Considerations for Moving Towable Boom Lifts

Towable boom lifts provide valuable access for jobs like tree trimming and building maintenance, but their large size and significant weight present safety risks if not handled properly.

1. Weight and Size Challenges

The weight and dimensions of towable boom lifts pose challenges when transporting or repositioning the equipment. These machines can weigh thousands of pounds without occupants or equipment in the basket or bucket.

With a fully extended boom and lifted platform, towable lifts also have a large footprint that takes up significant space. Their weight and size mean they cannot be pulled or lifted by hand in most cases. Improper lifting or pulling techniques could also lead to instability issues if the lift is not correctly balanced during movement.

The ground surface is also critical – towable boom lifts must be moved only on level surfaces free of holes, drop-offs, or uneven terrain that could cause the machine or a pulling vehicle to lose stability or control.

2. Risk of Injury from Manual Transport

Manually transporting a towable boom lift poses significant risks of physical strain and injury due to the heavy weight of the equipment. The lifts can weigh several thousand pounds, which is far too heavy to pull or lift without mechanical assistance safely.

Attempting to do so single-handedly risks muscle strains and injuries from improperly lifting or losing control of the unstable load. It also puts the operator at risk of the lift losing balance or tipping over due to the uneven weight distribution.

These risks are compounded when moving the lift on uneven ground or unstable surfaces like slopes, where the machine could suddenly shift angles.

3. Potential Damage from Improper Handling

Manually moving a towable boom lift without proper procedures puts the expensive equipment at risk of damage. The lifts contain complex electrical and hydraulic systems that control boom extension, platform lifting, and other functions essential for safe operation at worksites.

Jerking, dropping, or improperly setting down the heavy load during hand transport could harm important components like hydraulic lines, electrical wiring, outriggers, and the rotating joint where the boom connects to the vehicle.

This could lead to issues like hydraulic leaks, faulty controls, or boom movement problems. Any resulting repair costs or downtime seriously impact productivity.

Manufacturer Guidelines for Moving Towable Boom Lifts

Equipment manufacturers design towable boom lifts to be safely transported between job sites when appropriately moved. Following their instructions is critical to protecting equipment and operator safety.

Recommended Tow Vehicles

Manufacturers specify appropriate tow vehicles, such as trucks or tractors, to move towable boom lifts. These self-propelled vehicles are rated to tow the lifts’ heavy weight over various terrains.

Proper truck or tractor size is essential to maintaining the stability of the towable unit and providing adequate braking power. The towing vehicle must also be in good working order with functioning systems like brakes, lights, and a tow hitch.

Towing the lift with an improperly rated or uninspected vehicle could jeopardize control and stability, especially when maneuvering in tight areas or on uneven ground, slopes, or rough conditions.

Proper Hitching and Securement Techniques

Properly attaching the towable boom lift to a tow vehicle using a heavy-duty hitch is vital for safe transport. The lift’s coupling must be securely attached to the truck or tractor hitch using a pin or locking mechanism to prevent it from accidentally disconnecting during the pull.

In addition, safety chains should be crossed under the lift’s frame and attached to the tow vehicle to provide redundancy in case of hitch failure. Proper securement helps balance and control the heavy load between job sites and locations.

Proper Handling and Lifting Techniques For Moving Towable Lifts

Careful movement of towable lifts is necessary to transport the heavy equipment between job sites safely.

Importance of Following Manufacturer Guidelines

Operators must review the guidance provided by lift manufacturers when repositioning towable boom lifts. Towing with an improperly rated vehicle risks losing stability or control, especially on uneven terrain.

Manufacturer instructions specify the correct truck or tractor classification and hitch attachment methods. Ignoring guidelines could lead to unintended disconnection or accidents. Guidelines also outline safe practices like proper weight distribution to prevent tipping when lifting or lowering the fully loaded machine.

This is important as the lifts can weigh thousands of pounds. Overall, strictly adhering to operator manuals minimizes risks to valuable equipment and worker safety.

Safety Considerations for Manual Movement

Manually transporting towable boom lifts requires caution due to safety risks. The heavy equipment weighing thousands of pounds can be complicated for one person to lift or pull safely on uneven or sloped surfaces like job sites.

Proper lifting techniques are essential to avoid strains or injuries from the load. Short, controlled movements are best. No other option exists, with at least two operators sharing the weight.

Understanding Lifting Capacity and Stability

Proper evaluation of an operator’s physical abilities is essential before attempting to lift or pull the fully loaded equipment, which often exceeds several thousand pounds in weight. This heavy load is beyond the safe lifting capacity of most individuals.

Factors like terrain inclines or declines must also be considered, as these can compromise stability. The surface needs to be level and firm to distribute the load evenly.

Outriggers may need to be engaged if lifting or lowering is necessary to keep the machine balanced. Moving the lift a short distance by hand is recommended. Otherwise, mechanical assistance is safer.

Seeking Guidance from Experts About Safely Moving Towable Boom Lift

Operators unsure about safely moving a towable boom lift should seek advice from qualified professionals. Equipment dealers and manufacturer representatives have extensive experience and training in transport procedures.

Consulting them allows operators to benefit from their expertise, ask questions, and evaluate their capacity and equipment before attempting manual movement. This helps ensure guidelines are followed to protect the expensive machinery and operator safety when exceptional circumstances require repositioning in the field.

Legal and Regulatory Compliance for Towable Boom Lift Transportation

Transporting towable boom lifts requires adherence to various safety laws and standards. Proper vehicle classification, weight distribution, load securement, lighting, and braking systems are all regulated to ensure safe roadway operation.

Towing the lift on public roads necessitates following relevant DOT standards for hitches, safety chains, rear markings, and trailer weight limits. Inspection of tow vehicles is essential to confirm they meet legal requirements for towing heavy equipment.

Compliance with transportation regulations is necessary to avoid accidents and protect operators from liability issues. It also helps fleets avoid fines and demonstrate a culture of responsibility.