A Complete Guide To Different Types Of Boom Lifts

A Complete Guide To Different Types Of Boom Lifts

Meta Description: Learn about the various types of boom lifts, including articulating and telescopic models, and their applications in different industries.

Boom lifts, also known as aerial work platforms or cherry pickers, are essential lifting machines that access elevated work areas in various industries.

With their versatile designs and features, boom lifts come in different types: articulating, telescopic, straight, trailer-mounted, spider, towable, self-propelled, rough terrain, electric, and hybrid boom lifts. This article examines the different types of boom lifts, including their features and design.

Key Takeaways

• Aerial work platforms such as boom lifts, scissor lifts, bucket trucks, and spider lifts provide safe vertical access for workers.
• Boom lifts feature articulating, telescopic, or straight booms to position workers precisely.
• Scissor lifts use scissor-arm mechanisms for indoor applications.
• Hybrid, electric, and self-propelled models offer flexibility for indoor and outdoor use.
• Construction boom lifts are durable for job site conditions.
• Atrium boom lifts safely reach upper areas within large indoor spaces.

What Is a Boom Lift?

Boom lifts, also known as aerial work platforms or cherry pickers, are versatile lifting machines that access elevated work areas. There are various boom lift types, including articulating, telescopic, straight, trailer-mounted, spider, towable, self-propelled, rough terrain, electric, and hybrid boom lifts.

Boom lifts have aerial work platforms or buckets at their ends, and they carry workers, tools, and equipment to heights vertically or using a combination of vertical and horizontal movement.

They are commonly used in construction, building maintenance, utilities, tree trimming, window washing, and other industries to access hard-to-reach areas safely.

Different Boom Lift Types

Several boom lift types are available: articulating, telescopic, straight, trailer-mounted, spider, towable, self-propelled, rough terrain, electric, and hybrid boom lifts. Each type has a distinct design and features suited to various applications.

1. Articulating Boom Lift

Articulating boom lifts feature jointed sections that can bend and reach around obstacles with their aerial work platforms. They are well-suited for tasks like tree trimming, window washing, and building maintenance, where vertical and horizontal movement is required to access hard-to-reach areas.

Articulated boom lifts have tight turning radius for navigating confined job sites, and their lifting attachments can position workers safely near multiple surfaces like walls, ceilings, and beams.

2. Telescopic Boom Lift

Telescopic boom lifts feature a single extendable boom arm or section stretching up and out to reach tall heights. They are well-suited for applications requiring precise vertical movement and maximum height without extensive horizontal outreach.

Telescopic booms are commonly used in construction for tasks like installing exterior building repairs to facades and roofs. Their aerial work platforms can safely lift workers and materials to elevated positions for insulation installation and steel work.

Telescopic man lifts are available in both self-propelled and towable options with lifting capacities suitable for light to heavy loads.

3. Straight Boom Lifts

Straight boom lifts, or stick or straight stick booms, feature a singular vertical telescopic arm or boom to provide maximum height reach. Their aerial work platforms can lift workers precisely for tasks like utility work, exterior building repairs, and construction, where vertical access is prioritized above horizontal movement.

Straight booms are often used for high-rise projects in the construction industry to safely access tight spaces and hard-to-reach areas high above the ground. Towable straight boom lifts with heavy lifting capacities are suitable for lifting heavy tools and materials at height for jobs like steel erection and glazing installation.

4. Trailer-mounted boom Lifts

Trailer-mounted boom lifts are versatile aerial work platforms that are easily transportable thanks to being mounted on trailers. They can be towed behind trucks to job sites, allowing workers to quickly set up in outdoor areas for tasks like utility work, construction, and maintenance.

The portable trailer-mounted booms offer lifting capacities suitable for light to medium loads and feature outriggers or jacklegs for stabilizing on uneven terrain and rough terrain.

Their towable design makes them well-suited to industries like telecommunications, arboriculture, and facilities management, where jobs require mobility between varied outdoor locations.

5. Towable Boom Lifts

Towable boom lifts are a type of portable aerial work platform that can be easily transported to job sites. Similar to trailer-mounted boom lifts, they feature hydraulic booms and lifting platforms and can be pulled behind trucks using ball hitches.

Towable boom lifts are suitable for outdoor applications like construction, tree services, and facility maintenance where mobility is required. They can reach heights of 20-50 feet and have lifting capacities of 300-1000 pounds.

The towable design allows efficient movement between parks, roads, and buildings. Models exist with rough terrain packages incorporating extra-large tires for safely traversing uneven surfaces and soft ground.

6. Spider Boom Lifts

Spider boom lifts are specialized compact aerial work platforms that access tight spaces. Instead of a single boom, they feature multiple individual leg sections that can be independently adjusted for setting up in uneven or rough terrain environments.

This allows spider lifts to traverse soft or rocky ground safely. Their small footprint and tight turning radius through multiple articulating joints make them well-suited for indoor applications and navigating confined work areas like atriums, warehouses, and urban spaces.

Spider lifts provide height and reach of 15-35 feet and weight capacities of 300-600 pounds.

7. Self-Propelled Boom Lifts

Self-propelled boom lifts are aerial work platforms with electric or diesel power sources. They can move independently on job sites without needing towing, making them highly maneuverable for indoor and outdoor applications.

Self-propelled booms feature hydraulic booms, lifting platforms, and outriggers to stabilize on uneven terrain during operation. They provide 20-60 feet heights with lifting payloads from 500-1,000 pounds.

The self-powered mobility makes these lifts well-suited for construction, facility maintenance, and industrial projects requiring flexibility of movement between multiple indoor and outdoor locations.

8. Electric Boom Lifts

Electric boom lifts are zero-emission aerial work platforms well-suited for indoor applications where diesel or gas fumes must be avoided. Powered by rechargeable battery packs, electric booms provide a whisper-quiet operation ideal for use in occupied office buildings, schools, and healthcare facilities requiring working at heights.

They feature hydraulic lifting platforms and articulating or telescopic booms to position workers precisely for lighting installation, HVAC maintenance, and ceiling repairs.

Electric boom lifts can lift 300-1000 lbs and reach 20-50 feet on a single charge, making them a sustainable choice.

9. Hybrid Boom Lifts

Hybrid boom lifts feature electric battery power and a gas or diesel generator, allowing them to use both fuel sources. The hybrid design provides flexibility to work indoors, where emissions must be controlled outdoors and in rough terrain.

When the job requires mobility between indoor and outdoor areas, hybrid lifts can switch seamlessly between electric and gas power.

Models are available with telescopic, articulating, or straight booms and lifting platforms to position workers for facility maintenance, construction, and infrastructure projects. Their versatility makes hybrid lifts well-suited for indoor and outdoor applications.

10. Aerial Boom Lifts

An aerial lift, also known as an aerial work platform, is a hydraulic lifting device with extendable booms and attached platforms that raise personnel and equipment to elevated work heights.

They provide vertical access via articulating, telescopic, or straight-arm booms to reach hard-to-access areas for construction, maintenance, and repairs.

Aerial lifts offer heights ranging from 20 to 100 feet with lifting capacities from 300 to 1,500 pounds. Models include self-propelled, trailer-mounted, towable, and rough terrain options for indoor and outdoor applications requiring vertical access and positioning workers near buildings, structures, or equipment.

11. Scissor Boom Lifts

Scissor boom lifts are specialized aerial work platforms that combine boom and scissor lift functionality. They feature extendable articulating booms mounted on scissors or man lift mechanisms to provide vertical lift capabilities.

This allows rough terrain scissor lifts to efficiently access high interior areas that standard boom lifts cannot reach. Suitable for indoor applications in warehouses, factories, and other facilities, an electric scissor lift provides heights of up to 40 feet through its dual lifting system. Models are available with electric, diesel, or gas power sources for lifting payloads to 500 pounds.

12. Construction Boom Lifts

The Construction lift is a rugged aerial work platform designed for job site conditions. With heights up to 100 feet, these lifts provide the vertical reach needed for commercial construction, infrastructure projects, and heavy industrial work.

Models include self-propelled, towable, and rough terrain options with oversized tires and outriggers to stabilize on uneven and unpaved surfaces. Featuring telescopic, articulating, or straight booms, construction boom lifts safely position workers near structures with lifting payloads to 1500 pounds. Their durable design makes them well-suited to handle the demanding needs of lifting tools, materials, and personnel on job sites.

13. Atrium Boom Lifts

Atrium boom lifts are specialized aerial work platforms designed to access the large open interior spaces in atriums, malls, and airport concourses. With heights up to 60 feet, atrium boom lifts can reach the upper areas of tall indoor structures through telescopic or articulating booms.

Models feature compact designs with tight turning radii through multiple joint sections for maneuvering in congested indoor areas.

Their lifting platforms can accommodate up to 500 pounds for lighting installation, signage maintenance, and indoor construction work. Atrium lifts are self-propelled or electric-powered for mobility within confined indoor environments.

14. Compact Telescopic Boom Lift

Compact telescopic boom lifts are versatile aerial work platforms useful for applications with limited space. They feature a small chassis for easy maneuvering indoors and outdoors. The boom extends telescopically to provide working heights up to 50 or 60 feet and can reach over obstacles and structures.

Compared to scissor lifts, telescopic boom lifts have a smaller footprint but greater outreach. They are commonly used for maintenance, construction, and repairs where high access is needed without taking up much floor space.

15. Narrow Access Boom Lift

Narrow access boom lifts are designed for jobs requiring access in confined spaces. Their compact chassis can squeeze down aisles as narrow as 30 inches wide. The booms extend to provide working heights up to 50 or 60 feet high while maintaining a narrow profile.

This makes them well-suited for indoor applications like warehouses, factories, and commercial buildings with tight clearances. The articulating booms can reach over and around obstructions, allowing workers to access hard-to-reach areas.

Narrow access boom lifts are helpful when space is limited, but height is needed for maintenance and repairs.

16. Diesel Boom Lift

Diesel boom lifts are powered by a diesel engine rather than electric batteries, making them suitable for applications requiring extended run times without recharging. The diesel engine provides reliable lifting performance even in demanding conditions.

It allows diesel boom lifts to operate longer than electric scissors and boom lifts, whose batteries have a limited charge. Diesel power also provides more lifting capacity and outreach.

Common uses for diesel boom lifts include construction sites, mining operations, ports, and extensive facilities where heavy-duty work is frequent, and recharging electric lifts would slow down projects. The diesel engine gives these lifts versatility for tough, all-day jobs.

17. Lightweight Boom Lift

Lightweight boom lifts are designed for indoor and outdoor applications where weight is a concern. Weighing significantly less than standard boom lifts, they can access rooftops and elevated structures that may not support heavier equipment. Their compact size and reduced weight allow them to be transported in smaller service vehicles.

Lightweight boom lifts are well-suited for residential construction and maintenance jobs where access over sensitive surfaces like tile roofs is required without causing damage. Their maneuverability also makes them suitable for indoor work in sensitive areas.

Benefits Of Different Kinds Of Boom Lifts

• Versatility: Boom lifts, including telescoping and articulated types, offer versatility for various tasks and environments, such as construction sites, atriums, and confined spaces.
• Efficiency: Electric scissor lifts and other electric-powered aerial lifts provide efficient operation, reducing emissions and noise pollution in indoor and outdoor settings.
• Safety: Boom lifts equipped with hydraulic lift systems ensure safe lifting operations, lifting workers and materials to elevated areas with stability and control.
• Accessibility: Aerial lifts, such as personnel and knuckle lifts, provide access to hard-to-reach areas with telescopic extension arms and multiple joints.
• Maneuverability: Boom lifts with tighter turning radiuses, cross brace supports, and tail swings maneuver easily in tight spaces, enhancing productivity on construction sites and confined areas.
• Capacity: Construction lifts, including bucket trucks and rough terrain forklifts, offer high carrying capacities and weight capacities, suitable for lifting workers and materials of various sizes and weights.
• Options: Boom lifts come in various options, such as hydraulic platforms and stick booms, catering to different lifting needs and environments while ensuring safety and efficiency.