A boom lift is equipment that is used in many industries and construction sites. This machine offers to reach elevated areas, ensuring safety. It helps reduce the need for ladders that are unsafe and makes the tasks of maintenance and repairs easier.
Boom lift is also called cherry picker and it is meant to be a crucial part of the construction industry and offer high efficiency and flexibility. If you want to learn more about these lifts, the guide below can help you. So, let’s read.
What is the Working Mechanism of Boom Lift?
A boom lift is designed to generate force by the fluid in its hydraulic system that produces power for the extendable arm of the boom lift after it is pressurized. The operators of this lift control it with the panel consisting of joysticks helping with horizontal reach, vertical reach and even rotation so that it can navigate across the area.
The arm of the boom lift is mounted with a base and has tracks that help with mobility. The end of the arm comprises a bucket or a platform, ensuring the safety of the working area consisting of guardrails. The hydraulic system and precision controls of the boom lift ensure a versatile working mechanism.
Types of Boom Lifts
The two main types of boom lifts are discussed below; they differ based on their usability and capabilities and are discussed in detail.
Articulated Boom Lifts
Articulated boom lifts comprise multiple sections hinged together and let the arm articulate and bend. They are highly flexible and can easily navigate around the barriers and obstacles. These lifts are usable for such applications where hard-to-reach areas and tight spaces exist.
Telescopic Boom Lifts
The telescopic boom lifts have an extendable arm that offers horizontal and vertical reach. However, they are suitable for such environments that have open spaces and are mostly opted for outdoor repairs and maintenance reaching distant points.
Uses of Boom Lifts
Boom lifts are highly versatile and are used in many applications ranging from industrial to construction. They offer ease of accessibility to areas that are elevated or hard to reach. Some of its uses are discussed below.
Boom Lifts for Houses and Trees
Boom lifts are used widely for the maintenance task of trees like getting rid of the branches that are dead and trimming the leaves. These lifts are used to reach dense trees with safety as the ladders are highly risky.
Moreover, many contractors and homeowners also make use of boom lifts for maintenance-related tasks. Maintenance and repairs like painting the exterior side of the houses, repairing roofs, and installing outdoor lights are safer as precise positioning and control are attained with these lifts.
Industrial and Construction Applications
In industrial applications and construction projects, the boom lifts are very important for tasks requiring elevation accessibility. They are widely used for electric wiring, windows installation and plumbing tasks at a height. These lifts also cater to such projects that need repairs in the areas that have tight spaces, ensuring ease of navigation.
Special Uses
These aerial lifts are even used in specialized applications like in film production they can be used as camera platforms and capture overhead shots. They have been used for the maintenance of structures like bridges and monuments.
Choosing the Right Boom Lift for Your Project
Choosing the right boom lift starts by assessing your project requirements. The major consideration is the horizontal outreach and height you need to access and the surroundings. If your projects are undertaken in tight spaces with obstacles, you can choose articulated boom lifts that are suitable for indoor applications.
In the case of outdoor projects on rough terrains, opting for diesel-powered boom lifts can be a good idea as that offers the required efficiency. When your project needs a maximum horizontal reach and height, you can opt for a telescopic boom lift; it has a straight arm that offers maximum reach.
Choosing the right brand also plays a vital role, and the Everstar Machinery offers innovative boom lifts that cater to a wide range of projects. You can have varied sizes of boom lifts small as well as large, also you can choose between electric boom lifts and diesel drive boom lifts.
Boom Lift Features and Specifications
Boom lifts are equipped with multiple specifications and features so that diverse project requirements can be catered. The capacity of the platform of these lifts is around 500 pounds in usual cases, but some models have excessive platform capacity and can even hold a load of 1000 pounds. It helps to cater multiple operators and more tools and materials.
The weight varies between the type of boom lift and the models and manufacturers. Hence, it is important to assess the requirements before choosing the boom lift.
The power source of boom lifts is also an important factor. Electric boom lifts are ideal for indoor applications as they have zero emissions and even operate quietly offering a safe environment for working. Conversely, the diesel powered models are meant for outdoor use and rough terrains. These boom lifts are equipped with improved stability and consist of durable tires.
Boom Lift Maintenance and Repair
Regular maintenance of the boom lift is crucial for its long-term life and reliable operation. It ensures that the potential issues are timely identified and even saves from expensive repairs. The core maintenance task of the boom lift consists of keeping a check on the hydraulic systems and left arm. The wear and tear of the platform also needs assessment and tires should be in a good condition.
Before the boom lift is operated the operator should conduct an inspection, keep a check on the lift mechanism, testing controls and assessing safety features. By taking these measures, the risk associated with the use of these lifts is mitigated.
How to Operate a Boom Lift
The process of operating the aerial lift consists of having proper preparation and controls must be understood well. Some of the steps involved in operating the boom lifts are as follows:
Pre-Operation Safety Checks
Before starting to use the boom lift make sure to conduct an inspection beforehand so that any potential issues can be identified. This consists of checking fluid levels, like coolants, hydraulic and engine oil, etc. Make sure to check the tires, ensuring they have sufficient pressure and have no signs of damage. The safety features must be assessed, like harness attachments, guardrails, and buttons for emergency stopping.
Understanding Controls
The operator must be familiar with the control system for the boom lift beforehand, understanding the joystick controls and its movement, followed by adjustment of the platform is crucial. Understanding how the controls rotate, extend, and retract the boom lift is important.
Operating the Boom Lift
To operate the aerial lift, first position it and lift on a stable surface, when extending the boom lift arm ensure that there are no obstructions and adjust the angle to the required height and reach. Carefully move the lift here and there to avoid any abrupt movements, and adhere to the platform’s weight limits.
Safety Practices
Follow the safety protocols while operating the aerial lift, and ensure wearing a safety harness, protective clothing, and a hard hat. The tools and materials should be secured properly to prevent falling. Also, do not operate the lift in weather conditions that are not favorable and close to power lines.
Benefits of Using a Boom Lift
There are multiple benefits of using boom lifts for job sites to make the tasks convenient. Some of these benefits are as follows:
Enhanced Reach and Accessibility
Boom lifts offer access to elevated areas in such a way that even the traditional ladders fail. They have extendable arms and platforms that are adjustable helping to access higher areas with safety.
Versatility for Various Tasks
The major benefit of boom lifts is that they are versatile and can be used in different projects related to construction, maintenance and even industrial tasks. They are available in models that are suitable for different setups, and hence, the efficiency of the tasks increases. They can be used in outdoor tasks and also for the indoor projects.
Improved Safety
Boom lifts offer enhanced safety and minimize risks that are associated with the tasks conducted on heights. Scaffolding and ladders are risky and do not offer sufficient height accessibility. Opting for boom lifts ensures safety as they are stable on the ground and lift with a stable platform; moreover, they have proper guardrails that protect from hazards.
Conclusion
Boom lifts offer to be a great alternative to traditional ladders in all sorts of applications, be it maintenance, construction, repairs, or managing trees. However, choosing the right type of boom lift is crucial, as you have read the guide above you must have understood about the different kinds of boom lifts and their suitability.
At Everstar Machinery, you can have hands-on versatile models that are focused on safety as well as productivity during the tasks. You have the liberty to choose between curved arm or straight arm boom lifts.
Choose Everstar’s Boom Lifts to Make Heights Seamlessly Accessible!
So, are you ready to add ease and convenience to your projects with a boom lift? Get in touch with Everstar Machinery to explore a wide range of models and choose the one that suits your tasks.
