Industrial boom lifts (also known as cherry pickers) are a type of aerial work platform that typically has a bucket at the end of a hydraulic lifting system. The bucket is designed for a person to stand in and work from. The position of the bucket can be controlled by the person in the bucket, a person on the ground or both.
Boom lifts were originally designed for use in orchards (hence the name "cherry picker") to pick fruit high in the trees. Today's uses include servicing telephone, cable TV and electrical equipment on utility poles; cleaning windows on high-rise buildings; and various applications in mining and construction.
Aerial lift manufacturers primarily make three types of industrial boom lifts. Your choices include:
1. an aerial boom lift mounted on the back of a truck or other large vehicle,
2. an aerial boom mounted on a stand-alone trailer, or
3. a boom lift mounted on a towable trailer chassis.
Determine your need for an industrial boom lift
Boom lifts can be articulated or telescopic. Some boom lifts are electric, others run on gas or diesel fuel. Some only reach heights of around 20 feet, others extend as high as 80 feet or more. Some have horizontal reach, others only vertical. Some are on wheels and can be pushed around by a single person, others can only be moved by heavy-duty trucks. Your need will determine the type of industrial boom lift that's right for you.
Consider your options for buying used or renting an aerial boom lift
There's always a large inventory of used boom lifts, so there's a good chance you can easily find the aerial boom lift you're looking for on the used market. Many companies have boom lifts available for rent as well.
Research the availability of boom lift parts and service from boom lift manufacturers
Whether you buy new or used, there likely will come a time when your aerial boom lift needs replacement parts or service. It's a good idea to be aware of the availability of parts and the proximity of service for your particular boom lift before making the purchase.
- Many boom lift manufacturers have their parts, service and operator's manuals available online for easy reference.
- It's important that your boom lift operators participate in safety training. Larger aerial boom lift manufacturers such as Genie offer safety training courses online.
