Boom lifts (also known as Mobile Elevated Work Platforms, MEWPs or “cherry pickers”) utilize boom sections to position workers and tools to an elevated position for temporary, flexible access work, such as maintenance and construction tasks. This type of equipment comes in different configurations that vary depending on how these machines reach overhead work areas.
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The two most common configurations of boom lifts are: Articulated (articulating, knuckle) and Straight (telescopic, telescoping).
Both articulated and straight boom lifts can tackle tough jobs and come in a range of options:
Indoor and outdoor
Engine- (diesel, gas, LP), electric- or hybrid-powered
Tracks versus tires
High-capacity versions
Each have their own unique attributes that make them better suited for different types of work. For example, a JLG® telescopic boom lets you reach farther, with more capacity, which puts you right where you need to be as simply and efficiently as possible. While JLG articulating boom lifts are ideal for jobs that require you to get “up and over” objects.
So, how do you know which type of boom lift is right for your job site? Here is more information to help you make the choice between articulated and straight…
Articulating booms
The most easily recognizable type boom lift is articulated due to the boom’s distinctive shape. This type of lift uses multiple pivot points (referred to as joints or knuckles) on the boom sections to give you length and reach, allowing you up-and-over access, as well as vertical reach. The main advantage of this design is that it lets you achieve difficult positioning around obstacles at height.
Articulating boom lifts have less horizontal outreach than telescopic booms, but because they can reach high and far, these machines provide greater versatility to:
Work in space-restricted, tight or narrow access and/or confined work areas
Reach up, over and/or out to access work areas
Telescoping booms
The mast on a telescopic boom lift extends out in a straight line, by utilizing one or more telescoping boom sections, to give you enough vertical reach to directly access overhead job sites. This design allows you to take full advantage of the boom’s entire range of horizontal reach.
Because of their design, telescoping models do not offer up-and-over ability to access work at height. And, this type of boom lift requires more space to operate within than articulating booms, including plenty of room around the machine’s chassis to make turns and other movements.
But straight boom lifts can typically reach higher than articulating boom lifts, which means these models provide both maximum height and maximum outreach to:
Access work from a distance, especially where the terrain or obstacles prevent close access
Get into working position quickly
Tips for choosing one versus the other
It’s important to understand the specific work-at-height requirements on a particular project before you specify the machines to do the work.
Here are three things to consider when choosing the right boom lift to match your application:
1. Agility versus versatility
a. An articulating boom would be the preferred choice for applications that require agility to reach over or around objects, such as chimneys, ceiling joists or roof trusses, HVAC or electrical fixtures, the floors of a building under construction or warehouse shelves
b. A telescopic boom lift would be the best choice for applications that require the versatility to reach high, like multi-story buildings, or to reach far out at a lower level, like under bridges.
2. Job site conditions
a. An articulating boom lift generally offers you a more compact footprint and narrow operating profile, especially zero tail swing models, ideal for space-restricted job sites.
b. A telescopic model is more productive on job sites with plenty of room to turn and space to reach.
3. Outreach
a. An articulated model can offer you multiple angles and reach to access overhead work.
b. A telescoping boom lift often can reach higher than an articulating boom lift (depending on specific model and design differences).
The best way to distinguish between these two types is this: Telescopic models are better for getting people and materials into place and holding them there, and articulating versions are better suited for moving people and materials around obstacles and into different positions with agility.
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Boom lifts, also called aerial lifts, man lifts or cherry pickers, are a valuable resource for construction workers, electrical linemen, warehouse employees and many others. They are a crucial component of completing many types of work projects.
Boom lifts are heavy pieces of equipment, and there are many techniques and safety elements that you should understand before renting a lift. If you’re not familiar with the aerial equipment family, here’s what you need to know before renting a boom lift.
Boom lifts are a type of aerial lift that provides workers with access to otherwise unreachable areas. They are specifically designed to lift you up and out rather than just lifting you straight up like a scissor lift, giving you clearer access to work on your target area.
These lifts are optimal for reaching power lines, tall trees, windows, lighting fixtures and other elevated elements. They are also used at some sporting events to help with lighting, and people will sometimes even rent boom lifts for their events to help with decorating or tearing down.
Whatever you need a boom lift for, make sure you have the proper training before renting one.
Different kinds of boom lifts specialize in certain movements and are designed for specific terrains and job sites. Consider the type of work you will be using the lift for and the job site’s landscape when choosing the right boom lift to rent for your project.
There are three primary types of boom lifts to choose from when renting:
There are several key safety measures to follow at all times while using a boom lift. Many of these may seem like common sense, but reviewing simple safety tips before operating heavy equipment will help you successfully complete the task at hand.
Taking basic precautions such as these is an easy way to ensure safety while operating a boom lift:
Yes, there are aerial lift training requirements you need to meet before operating boom lifts or other aerial equipment. You should fulfill these requirements before renting a boom lift for your project.
Anyone using a boom lift must get a license and have proper training beforehand. You can become certified to operate all aerial lifts by going through a brief certification process required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
The certification process is not long and can even be completed online for your convenience. After you complete the training, you receive a Certified Operator card, enabling you to drive any aerial lift, including boom lifts.
For convenient boom lift rentals in Houston, choose Mustang Cat. We are a family-owned Cat® dealer serving Houston and the surrounding area. Find a Mustang Cat location nearest to you. The company has been in the same family since 1952, and together we’ve accumulated over 60 years of experience in the industry.
Our knowledgeable staff can get you the equipment you need for a successful project. We offer a wide selection of boom lift rentals from trusted brands such as JLG. You can trust our top-notch service and quality products to get the job done right.
Contact Mustang Cat online for more information or give us a call us at 800-256-1001. You can also visit a Mustang Cat dealership near you to discuss your next boom lift rental.
The company is the world’s best platform scissor lift for sale supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.