What You Need to Know First Before Renting Boom Lift
Boom lifts are best used when something higher than a forklift is needed. They can be fitted with tires, treads or track and have two-wheel or four-wheel drive. They can also be used outside or inside and fueled by either diesel, gas, electricity or a mix with hybrid power.
Boom lifts also come in a variety of sizes, platform heights and boom capabilities. There are straight and articulating boom lifts in a wide range of platform heights. Many lifts have self-levelling capabilities so that operators can set them up and start using them in a short amount of time.
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What Questions Should You Ask Before Renting a Boom Lift?
Asking a variety of questions can help you find the best lift for the job. A few examples of questions to ask and things to consider are:
- What type of movement do you need?
- How high do you need to go?
- How many people and how much material do you need to move?
- What are the jobsite conditions?
- What kind of power source capability do you have on site?
- What are the space restrictions of the jobsite and work area?
The answer to these questions will point at the platform height, boom type, whether it should be tracked or wheeled with two or four-wheel drive. This helps contractors to determine whether a boom or scissor lift is the better option to rent.
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What Are the Two Types of Boom Lifts?
A boom refers to the arm-like piece that connects from the platform to the grounded base. It is an extensible crane-like arm that uses hydraulics to extend and contract to achieve the desired height. There are two distinct types of boom that a boom lift can have: A telescopic boom or articulating boom.
A Telescopic Boom Lift
Also called a straight or stick boom lift, a telescopic boom lift features a single hinged extendable arm that can stretch out across the distance. A telescopic boom lift is best used for work in open spaces or on rectangular structures.
An Articulating Boom Lift
Also called a knuckle boom lift, an articulating boom lift features a variety of “arms” which can move the platform into tight spaces or around obstacles. An articulating boom lift is best used for complex structures or in tight and crowded spaces.
Current Manufacturers Of Boom Lifts
Many companies have joined Ted and JLG to start manufacturing their own lifts. Skyjack and Genie are among the two most popular but there are other brands as well.
JLG was founded by John L. Grove and since selling their first boom lift in the 1970s, the company has taken charge of lift innovation. Since then the company has expanded into scissor lifts, telehandlers and trailers.
Their lifts are not limited to construction and labour industries but are also used in airports, convention centers, fire halls and military bases among others. From 20-feet to the massive 185-feet lift there is a JLG lift for any project.
Skyjack
Founded in 1985, Skyjack entered the lift industry with scissor lifts. The company was acquired by Linamar Corp in 2002. In 2007 and 2008 the company got two telehandler lines from Carelift Equipment and Volvo respectively.
The company now holds over 30% of the global boom lift market and is the most popular scissor lift manufacturer in the world. Skyjack now produces both articulating and telescopic boom lifts as well as telehandlers and scissor lifts.
A brand under the Terex family, Genie was first founded in 1966. Bud Bushnell purchased the rights to a lift that used compressed air to raise and lower the platform. Customers were impressed by the “magic” of the machine and the Genie was born.
During the economic downturn of the early 2000s, Genie started seeking a partner with shared values to help grow the business. This is when Genie Industries became a brand under Terex. Today Genie manufactures all kinds of aerial lifts including man-lifts, stick boom and articulated boom lifts, light towers, scissor lifts and telehandlers.
Snorkel
With the mission to achieve world-class products, safety, service and value, Snorkel was founded by a man named Art Moore in 1959. The very first Snorkel lift was used by firefighters and allowed them to reach heights up to 85 feet with their hoses. Now Snorkel lifts are sold and serviced across the globe. They have five manufacturing plants and over 200 distribution locations in over 50 countries worldwide.
The Snorkel A46JRT came in third for the Roads & Bridges Contractor’s Choice Award in both 2017 and 2018 and proudly participates in the aerial lift industry in a number of associations.
A lift takes the operator and worker high off the ground. Falls are one of the fatal four accidents recognized by OSAH in construction. Working at heights should be taken seriously and a worker should never become too comfortable working off the ground.
The boom machine itself poses potential hazardous situations and, like with any kind of heavy equipment, should be handled with care. Never operate a boom lift if it is not safe to do so and always wear a safety harness.
There are few common hazards that are associated with boom lifts aside from falling. They are tipping, pinning, dropped objects and electricity.
Dangers of Tipping a Boom Lift
As soon as a machine raises material – or in this case people – up into the air, the center of gravity is thrown off. Boom lifts are made to reach out and lift up materials and people and are incredible stable machines. However this does not mean that they are immune to tipping.
To avoid tipping a boom lift, always survey the jobsite before beginning to work and test to ensure the terrain is solid especially after rain or a storm. Wheels can become stuck or sink which poses the threat of tipping the machine or knocking off the operator. Never exceed the maximum weight and range of a boom lift and always use personal protective equipment (PPE).
Source: https://dozr.com/blog/boom-lift/
