Boom lifts are a form of aerial work platform or man lift that are extremely versatile. You can identify a boom lift by the personnel basket attached to a long boom that extends down to a counterweight. The boom often has the ability to scope and there are articulating boom configurations.
An articulating boom is a configuration in which the boom jackknifes or hinges in the middle, folding down and allowing for more reach as well as the ability to go over and in behind obstacles.
The counterweight that, as the name would suggest counters the weight of the boom and is typically made out of a large piece of steel or concrete. This counterweight is mounted on a chassis.
Boom lifts typically have a number of safety systems built in including things like an auxiliary set of controls that is on the side of the counterweight/engine. This allows for the operator to be rescued from the ground should they become incapacitated for any reason.
The chassis of the boom lift is usually specially designed to sense the degree of pitch that the machine is on. This sensor system will control how high up or out the operator is allowed to take.
Boom lifts have very large tires that are usually foam or pneumatic. They have thick deep treads that allow them to traverse fairly rough terrain.
What kind of work do they do?
Put simply, they are used to lift people up high, but there is more to it than that. On any construction site higher than 3-4 stories, you will likely find at least one boom lift. Building exteriors are often extremely difficult placers for personnel to safely access. Boom lifts are a cost-effective solution to scaffolding. They allow the job to stay open, leaving access for cranes and other equipment.
Another industry that loves their boom lifts is film. Riggers on set routinely use multiple boom lifts to set up lighting and set decorations and various things. The ability to make any worksite 3 dimensional is what makes these machines so advantageous.
They come in a huge variety of sizes and configurations and can be outfitted with useful extras such as waterlines and electrical utilities that run all the way up to the basket.
While these are typically outdoor-based machines, you will sometimes see them in large warehouses and arenas. Again, riggers and arena technicians love the convenience of being able to simply drive themselves up to where they are working rather than climbing.
Ironworkers, concrete workers, carpenters, glaziers, roofers, siders, technicians – you name it. They all make good use of one of the best solutions available for working at height. Safety training is required to operate these. Depending on the complexity of the configuration (IE the articulated boom) there can be a bit of a learning curve. Most people tend to pick It up without a problem.
At MAK Industries we are proud to offer a wide variety of boom lifts from industry-leading brand name manufacturers such as JLG, Skyjack, Genie, and more. We have construction equipment to suit all of your access needs, so don’t hesitate to get in touch with one of our dedicated and knowledgeable sales team members today.
