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.
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.
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.
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.
- 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.
