Boom Lift Buying Tips

Boom lifts are useful construction tools that enable excellent horizontal and vertical reach. While these “cherry pickers” did actually originate in an orchard, they are now widely depended upon by utility crews, arborists, and construction contractors.

A boom lift can last for 30 years if you care for it properly, so choosing the right boom that will serve you for three decades is a tall order, pun intended! 

Here’s some information about these machines to help make you a more informed buyer. Please bring your questions to Adcock Equipment Inc. in Edmonton, Alberta, serving Calgary, Red Deer, and all of Canada. Our experienced team will be happy to talk you through your options. 

What Is a Boom Lift?

A boom lift has two main components: a platform, basket, or bucket for the worker and a long arm that attaches to a base. A hydraulic lift system controls the arm, raising, lowering, and controlling its direction.

The arms raise and lower in two ways: articulating boom lifts and telescopic boom lifts. Telescopic boom lifts have straight arms that extend by telescoping. These have higher weight capacities and can reach heights approaching 200 ft.

Articulating boom lifts have arms that extend by straightening and retract by bending. They make it easier to maneuver the bucket around objects.

The scissor lift is a close cousin. A scissor lift can only get taller in place, so it doesn’t allow for any extended reach. However, it’s very sturdy and offers a larger platform for workers, somewhat akin to scaffolding. The largest one on the market raises to an astonishing 120 feet. 

Towable vs Self-Driving Booms

Self-driving booms require an operator to pilot the vehicle from the basket. Nope, they’re not self-driving in the Tesla sense. They are driven, as opposed to being pulled like a trailer.

Towable boom lifts are lightweight and relatively affordable since they lack a drive engine or chassis.

Outriggers are the extending legs that help to stabilize boom and scissor lifts. 

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Boom Lift

Now that you have a clear understanding of the types of boom lifts available, here are some other factors to consider when you are making your decision.

• Height: While more reach sounds better, you pay for all that reach, and it’s more to store and transport. Figure out a reasonable height that you need to accommodate. 
• Terrain: Some are designed for uneven terrain, while others are intended for mostly indoor use. 
• Load/Lifting Requirements: Think about whether you need a basket to carry one worker with light equipment, or to carry a big load.

When you’re ready to get a boom lift, please keep us in mind. It’s our goal to offer a superior, hassle-free, transparent equipment buying and service experience for all of our clients, Canada-wide. Adcock Equipment Inc. is in Edmonton, Alberta, near Calgary and Red Deer.