A boom lift is a specific type of aerial lift that has a bucket attached to it. Telescoping boom lifts, which work well in the construction industry, have extendable arms to reach objects outside the normal range of the lift.

When you consider the pricing and costs of telescoping boom lifts, it's important to weigh the factors that affect the cost of the machine. These factors include:

1. The amount of weight you need the telescopic boom lift to hold. Most boom lifts hold between 300 to 2,000 pounds with the price increasing with the weight capacity.

2. The height you need the machine to reach. The platform height determines how high in the air the platform will rise.

3. The environment where you will use the boom lift. Indoor aerial lifts use electricity and work best on flat surfaces where outdoor lifts use gas and can handle rough terrain.

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Determine a ballpark figure for boom lifts for sale

The budget you set will depend on whether you plan to purchase your equipment new or used or whether you plan to rent it. Before you determine your budget, find out what the average price should be for the type of equipment you plan to purchase.

I recommend: Aeriallift Comparison provides a basic price chart for new, used and rented aerial lifts, including boom lifts. Alexander Equipment offers wholesale prices to the public and maintains and inventory of new and used lifts, including scissor lifts. Use its prices to help you find the low end of the price range.

Use care in purchasing a used scissor lift

A scissor lift is another type of aerial lift. While you can find used equipment for 25% to 60% less than new prices, you need to consider all the factors involved in operating a used machine, including the cost of maintenance and repair. Be sure to include the cost of a mechanic to evaluate your equipment into the pricing and costs of telescoping boom lifts. You may find that it takes more money to keep the used boom lift operating than it would to purchase it new.

I recommend: Scissor Lift Area offers advice on how to purchase used aerial lifts. UsedIron by Point2 Technologies specializes in selling used telescoping lifts and other aerial machines. Search its inventory by manufacturer.

Consider your financing options for buying man lifts

Aerial lifts cost several thousand dollars, just like a car. Most business owners choose to finance the purchase or lease the equipment. Add the cost of any interest, fees or other financing costs to your budget, so you have an accurate portrayal of the final cost.

I recommend: Aerial Lift Service Company provides an article to help you determine whether leasing makes sense for your business. It also brokers leases for boom lifts and other aerial equipment. Miller's Equipment Sales works with Direct Capitol to lease boom lifts.

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• •  Many equipment auction companies have boom lifts for sale. If you know how to evaluate equipment, you may want to consider purchasing your aerial lifts this way.

Often called a cherry picker, the telescopic boom lift is useful in a wide range of applications. The most visible examples are the truck mounted telescopic booms that energy companies use to work on electrical grids. But booms lifts are also commonly used to reach up and over industrial equipment, repair buildings, rescue people trapped in high places and trim trees, in addition to an array of other situations that require working in high, otherwise inaccessible, places.

Telescoping lifts are also called aerial lifts or man lifts. Boom lifts have several strong advantages over ladders and scaffolding. For one, the platform usually comes with controls to adjust position any number of times with only negligible time and effort. Secondly, telescoping boom lifts (typically truck mounted) are self supporting and move easily from location to location.

Here are a few points to consider as you think about investing in a telescopic boom lift:

1. Telescoping boom lifts can be dangerous if not handled properly. Only allow properly trained personnel to operate them and make sure all railings and harnesses are in good condition.

2. Generally, a telescopic boom lift can only lift a limited load, usually not over a ton. Do not exceed the manufacturer's weight limit for any unit.

3. Most telescoping lifts can reach 30 feet, but some can go up to 100 feet.

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Find quality, safe boom lifts for sale

The surest route is to buy your telescopic boom lift new from a boom lift manufacturer or quality source. But when price is of the essence, then there are also lots of sources for used and reconditioned boom lifts.

I recommend: National Lift Equipment can get you just about anything you need in lift equipment, including a nice range of boom lifts for sale. If you're more interested in used boom lifts for sale, then you'll want to shop with care. Southwest Equipment is a good place to start.

Consider if a scissor lift is better for your application

Scissor lifts consist of a series of crossed arms that scissor to move a platform up or down. Many of them are stationary, but the type that compare to boom lifts are mobile. There are a couple of advantages when you compare a scissor lift to a telescopic boom lift. For one, the scissor lift can handle a much larger platform and a much heavier weight. The disadvantage is that the scissor lift typically only moves vertically, without the horizontal extension that makes telescopic boom lifts so useful.

I recommend: If a scissor lift seems like a better choice for your needs, then go to Tesco Hoist Systems. They have a several options to lift entire semi trailer beds. Or try Alexander Equipment, which has a huge stock of truck mounted boom and scissor aerial lifts.

Maintain and repair your aerial lift

Lifts are generally not too difficult to fix. But keep in mind how important safety is. Besides trauma to employees, faulty equipment can translate to compensation, lost hours, lawsuits and lost jobs.

I recommend: Stephenson Equipment, Inc. is a large, professional company that rents, sells and services a wide range of lifting and construction machines. If your company owns and operates a number of various heavy machines, then try Stephenson. If you are just looking for parts, head to Equipment Parts Wholesale, which has parts for a range of telescoping boom lifts and scissor lifts.

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• •  When comparing boom lifts to scaffolding or other lift methods, keep in mind that a single person can set up and operate a boom lift, usually in a matter of minutes.

Operating a telescopic boom lift, sometimes called a scissor lift, is something that falls under the safety requirements established by the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). While operating a boom lift may not seem like a job that should involve significant hazards, failure to operate a boom lift correctly has resulted in death.

In addition to OSHA, there are other agencies that oversee telescoping boom lifts education and training. Many states require crane operators to obtain and maintain certification in order to operate any type of crane. In some cases, certification may only cover a specific type of lift, so you need to determine which certifications best fit your career goals.

1. Understand OSHA's role in regulations and find training that fits its guidelines.

2. Work with industry associations to obtain telescoping boom lifts education and training.

3. Utilize video or online boom lift training for convenience.

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Find OSHA-approved telescopic boom lift training

OSHA has federal and state level divisions that oversee safety and health regulations in the construction business. Determining what requirements you need to meet can help you determine which training program to use.

I recommend: Find out your state's OSHA requirements to ensure you offer the appropriate safety and training for an aerial lift. OSTS provides an OSHA-approved training program for fixed cab and hydraulic telescoping lifts, including boom lifts and rugged terrain lifts. NEON Material Handling, which has boom lifts for sale, offers a safety training based on OSHA requirements. It provides an in depth description of the course and the material covered.

Get telescoping boom lift training from industry organizations

The National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) leads the way in training and resources for the construction industry, including the operation of man lifts. The organization certifies providers across the country to handle the assessment and testing for certification for boom lift operation.

I recommend: The website for the NCCER provides resources on written and practical assessments for aerial lifts and cranes and a list of NCCER-approved certification providers. The North American Crane Bureau (NACB), an NCCER approved provider, offers several training courses for telescopic booms.

Select the best method of aerial lift training

Employers in need of boom lift operators may find it beneficial to invest in a video training program. With this type of training program, a business owner can train multiple employees at a reduced cost. For some workers, an online program may be more beneficial than attending a seminar or training program. An online course allows the operator to work at his or her own pace.

I recommend: Complete Safety Concepts sells video training kits for use in business training. The complete kit includes a companion CD-ROM with 12 lessons, which a business owner can reuse to train new boom lift operators. Associated Training Systems (ATS) provides three levels of crane operator training and certification and has an online program.

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• •  Though a one-day, extensive telescoping boom lift training program may cost more than other training courses, it may be worth the investment to cover the required training while losing only one employee day.

Telescoping boom lifts are boom lifts with extension arms that reach longer than the average human arm. These lifts are used for many industrial jobs including power line work, landscaping, and any job that is elevated above normal reach. These boom lifts extend an average of 60 feet above the ground. When shopping for a boom lift you might come across words you are not familiar with. Review the telescoping boom lifts key terms so you can shop with confidence and ease.

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NCCCO

NCCCO is the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators. The NCCCO offers classes and certification for companies using telescoping boom lifts.

I recommend: The National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators website has general information and requirements for crane operators listed by state.

ANSI

ANSI, or American National Standards Institute, is a national committee that inspections all types of products and services. The ANSI coordinates with other government agencies to create standards and regulations.

I recommend: TechTarget provides information about ANSI. Visit IACET to read more information about the American National Standards Institute.

Jib

The jib is the telescoping arm on the boom or crane. Jibs are measured in working height, which is the total length the boom will extend for safe working conditions.

I recommend: Find out more about jib cranes from Dearborn Overhead Crane.

Power shift transmission

A power shift transmission is a manual transmission that does not require the driver to let off the accelerator in order to shift gears. With a power shift transmission, the time the wheels are not powered is reduced. This type of transmission often wears the clutch out sooner than a traditional, manual transmission.

I recommend: Visit the CarBuyersNoteBook for more information about power shift transmissions. Read how power shift transmissions work at eHow.

Hydrostatic drive

A hydrostatic drive is a system that uses pressurized hydraulic fluid to run the mechanics of the system. These systems use minimal gas. A hydrostatic drive is also called a hydraulic drive system.

I recommend: Indiacar supplies more information about hydrostatic drives. UAB "AT Hidraulic" also provides information about hydrostatic drives.

MGBP

Maximum ground bearing pressure, or MGBP, is the estimate of the load capacity of a telescoping boom lift. The measurement is available for all boom lifts. This is measured in PSI, or pounds per square inch.

I recommend: Cranes Today provides more information about maximum ground bearing pressure.