What Is The History Of Boom Lifts

What Is The History Of Boom Lifts

Meta Description: Learn about the history of boom lifts, from early inventions to industrial adoption, and the evolution of boom lift technology and the development of articulating booms.

Boom lifts have revolutionized how we access work at heights. From their early beginnings to today’s advanced designs, the history of these aerial work platforms shows an ongoing evolution to meet new industrial demands.

This article provides a comprehensive look at the development of boom lifts, from early concepts to modern applications and innovations that have shaped this essential equipment.

Key Takeaways

• Boom lifts, also known as aerial lifts, revolutionized construction equipment and industrial maintenance.
• Early inventions like the “cherry pickers” and hydraulic cranes paved the way for power-operated boom structures.
• Developing an articulating and telescopic boom lift enhanced the versatility of aerial work platforms.
• A scissor lift and a man lift also contributed to the evolution of elevated work access.

Early Development of Boom Lifts

The early concepts for boom lifts can be traced back to the 1900s when simple mechanical devices like scaffolding and cranes were developed. These devices utilized railed aerial platforms for orchard workers and construction crews to access elevated work areas.

One of the first inventions was the self-powered giraffe, a tractor-pulled lifting apparatus patented by Canadian orchard worker Thornton Trump in 1905.

This early cherry picker had a double hydraulic arm attached to a wheeled platform and marked the beginning of powered lifting mechanisms for emergency access and elevated work.

Evolution of Boom Lift Technology

As the construction industry increased in the mid-1900s, there was a rising need for safer and more efficient aerial work platforms to access elevated work sites. Several innovations emerged, including hydraulic cranes with extendable arms and wheeled platforms.

A significant development was the introduction of hydraulic systems in the 1950s when American industrialist John L. Grove invented the first self-propelled boom lift. His lifting apparatus utilized hydraulics for smoother movement and revolutionized the industry.

Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, manufacturers focused on developing new boom types like articulating and telescopic boom lifts. These aerial devices featured guard rails, multiple boom sections connected by joints, and greater flexibility to service a variety of construction and utility tasks.

Industrial Adoption of Boom Lifts

As construction and infrastructure projects grew in scale and complexity throughout the 20th century, the demand for efficient, elevating work platforms rose significantly. Boom lifts became indispensable equipment for building maintenance, utilities, and manufacturing industries.

Their ability to provide stable and mobile access to elevated work areas allowed construction workers and electric line workers to complete tasks safely at heights. In particular, articulating boom lifts saw widespread use due to their maneuverability and versatility.

By the late 20th century, vehicle-mounted boom lifts equipped with guard rails, extendable telescopic booms, and enhanced safety features became common on job sites. Their adoption revolutionized workplace safety and productivity across many industries globally.

Development of Articulating Booms

One of the most significant innovations in aerial work platforms has been the development of articulating boom lifts. First introduced in the 1970s, articulating booms featured multiple sections connected by joints that allowed the lifting apparatus to bend and reach difficult areas.

This new design provided unmatched flexibility and maneuverability compared to earlier straight boom models. Construction companies quickly embraced these versatile pieces of equipment fitted with extendable arms and guard rails and powered by hydraulic systems.

By the 1980s, articulating booms became a common sight on job sites and other industries due to their ability to access complex workspaces. They remain widely used along with their cousins, telescopic boom lifts.