ARTICULATING BOOM LIFTS

Key Features of an Articulating Boom Lift

Boom lifts are used across different industries and can make difficult projects manageable. But, what is an articulating boom lift exactly? Short answer: It's machinery that lifts a work platform, ensuring workers, tools, and supplies can quickly and safely reach elevated spaces.

The platform (or basket) attaches to the end of an articulating arm. The arm has at least one joint to increase its range of motion. It's also mounted on a swivel that rotates 360 degrees. An articulating boom lift's maneuverability allows for flexibility and efficiency on a worksite.

Depending on the lift model, the boom can reach heights of over 100 feet. Safety features like sensors, outriggers, and platform weight limits help prevent human injuries and equipment damage, while ensuring safe operation.

Practical Applications for Articulating Boom Lifts

Thanks to its bendable joints, articulating boom lifts can be more compact than other lift options. This, along with maneuverability, makes them ideal for indoor use. In warehouses, for instance, articulating boom lifts can store and retrieve inventory in high-up storage locations. The equipment is also useful for ductwork maintenance, cleaning, roof repairs, and painting.

Professionals use boom lifts outside to fix and install electrical lines, trim trees, clean gutters, and perform building repairs. In the entertainment industry, articulating boom lifts are essential for moving cameras, allowing operators to capture unique angles. The aerial equipment is also useful for installing signage and lighting.

Articulating Boom Lift FAQ

What is an articulated boom lift used for?

Articulating boom lifts are used to reach workspaces that are difficult to access, including areas obstructed by obstacles. Articulated boom lifts have several joints to maneuver the work platform above and over obstacles, around corners, and to heights of 100 feet or more. This makes them ideal for tight indoor spaces, but they are also useful outdoors.

Industries that take advantage of this type of lift include construction for wiring and ductwork, telecommunications and utilities for reaching towers and electric lines, and maintenance for roof work and cleaning large buildings.

What are the key features of an articulated boom lift?

Articulated boom lift features vary by model; however, most include a swivel that rotates 360 degrees. Beyond maneuverability, safety should also be a top priority when evaluating an articulating boom lift for sale.

Look for aerial equipment with load sensors that detect when a load is too heavy for the platform. When this happens, the lift halts, reducing the risk of tipping over, damage, and injury. Emergency stop buttons and safety rails are additional features to keep on your radar.

What are the standard articulated boom lift sizes?

Boom lifts come in different sizes to meet different needs. Some models can reach a horizontal distance of over 70 feet and a height of over 140 feet. At the lower end, they can reach a horizontal distance of under 10 feet and a height of 20 to 30 feet.

The type of fuel used for a boom lift can affect the lift's size. For example, electric boom lifts typically have shorter maximum arm ranges and are smaller than their diesel-powered counterparts.

What is the difference between an articulating vs. telescopic boom lift?

Telescopic boom lifts extend in one direction to maximize their reach. This makes them simpler to operate. The lack of multiple joints also contributes to ease of operation. Choose this lift for electrical work, construction, and other outdoor projects that require long vertical or horizontal reach.

Articulating boom lifts use at least one pivot point to articulate above and around obstacles and walls. This type of lift is ideal for accessing narrow, confined spaces. They're also ideal if there are walls or obstacles to climb over, making them better suited for indoor use.

Are there other names for an articulated boom lift?

Articulating boom lifts are a type of aerial work platform (AWP). Other types of AWPs include scissor lifts. Articulating boom lifts go by various names, including knuckle booms (the "knuckle" refers to their multiple joints) and up-and-over lifts (due to their ability to reach over and above objects to access hard-to-reach places). A cherry picker and a man lift are also informal names for such a machine.