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When a job requires you to reach great heights, you need an articulating boom lift. These machines feature aerial work platforms and have two or more boom sections that hinge. The lifts allow you to easily tackle all types of tasks. Since these lifts are small, they’ll fit almost anywhere, and they can reach over obstacles. Find out how an articulating boom lift works, learn key safety tips, and discover why you need one of these machines for your next job.
Articulating boom lifts allow for up-and-over functionality.
Articulating boom lifts go by a few different names. Some manufacturers call them “articulating booms” or “up-and-over booms.” Likewise, some contractors call them “cherry pickers” or “knuckle booms.” No matter what you call them, these versatile machines get the job done.
Articulating booms are aerial lifts that rely on hydraulics to move up and down. While they come in different sizes, all models have great reach capabilities. They can lift workers dozens of feet in the air. Thanks to their hinges, or articulations, they can extend over walls, wires, and other barriers.
Many models come with a jib, which makes accessing distant heights easier. This projecting arm gives the platform up to an extra 6 feet of reach so that you don’t have to move the lift every time you need to change positions slightly.
Since all models feature wheels, these lifts can also move forward, backward, and side to side. Many articulating booms have a tight turning radius. This feature allows them to change directions and turn around easily, even in limited spaces.
The tight turning radius also allows for more exact movements, which is helpful for navigating around tree branches or power lines. These jib lifts can run on gas or diesel (also called dual fuel), or electricity, and you can easily find a model that works for your job site.
The articulating boom lifts of today are relatively advanced. However, these machines have come a long way since they first entered the construction scene. The first boom lifts date to 1951, when inventor Walter E. Thornton-Trump used his boom lift to pick fruit in his orchard.
Thornton-Trump patented his invention in 1952, and boom lifts quickly took off. These machines became popular with firefighters and utility workers, all of whom need to reach heights safely. Today, you can find boom lifts with a range of capacities, sizes, and features.
Articulating boom lifts offer a list of benefits. Depending on where and how you need to use one of these machines, you can easily find one that works for you.
Many construction sites feature confined workspaces that can make your job tough. When larger machines won’t fit and ladders don’t reach high enough, boom lifts offer the ideal solution. For limited spaces and a tight turning radius, look for smaller articulating boom lifts. These machines can’t reach as high as some larger models, but they can reach heights of several dozen feet in confined areas.
When the job demands height but also presents many obstacles, a standard aerial lift can’t always do the job. For example, some contractors think about using telescopic boom lifts for added height. However, these lifts can only lift work platforms upward in a straight line. In contrast, articulating boom lifts can lift workers up, over, and above barriers. Ultimately, these boom lifts give contractors more navigation options and added features over standard lifts.
One of the largest benefits of articulating boom lifts is that many offer a little extra reach. Look for models that have a jib boom extension. This feature gives the lift one extra hinge to let it move up, down, or sideways a few extra feet. A jib can help your crew save time since it allows for slight movements without having to reposition the lift completely.
No matter where you need to get added working height, you can find an articulating boom lift to do the job. Many models are designed for working indoors. If you plan to use your boom lift inside, look for one equipped with non-marking tires. This feature ensures that you can get the job done without damaging the surface of the floor. For indoor use, also be sure to choose a model that runs on electricity or hybrid fuel that won’t release fumes.
Need an articulating boom lift for an outdoor job instead? Look for a model with four-wheel drive and enhanced traction to tackle many types of surfaces. For outdoor use, you’ll want an articulating boom lift that uses a gas or a diesel engine for optimal performance.
You can also find models with added features for safe use on uneven ground. Look for boom lifts made for rough terrain, especially if your crew needs to navigate steep grades or rocky ground.
Articulating boom lifts can reach staggering heights (such as lighting and telecom towers), even within tight spaces.
Perhaps the largest benefit of articulating boom lifts is that these machines can do countless jobs on a construction site. Since they’re good for more than one task only, you can get your money’s worth when you rent a boom lift.
Whether you’re building a single-story residential home or a multi-story commercial structure, construction jobs require height. Articulating boom lifts give you the power to access tough-to-reach spots from the ground up. Since boom lifts feature work platforms, they can help your crew move materials, supplies, and equipment, too.
Space is at a premium on many construction sites. When you need to access heights in a restricted space without running into tail swing, articulating boom lifts are up to the task. Check the turn radius before you rent to confirm that your lift of choice can fit in the space and do the job you need.
Installing key components of a structure can be challenging if you can’t reach the area safely. Fortunately, articulating boom lifts are ideal for installing struts and erecting steel frames. These machines work especially well when you need added height or extra horizontal reach to do the job.
The last items on your job site to-do list are often the toughest to tackle, especially when you need to get around obstacles or deal with challenging surfaces. Boom lifts are ideal for electrical work and maintenance, as they can lift your crew up and over beams, walls, and wires.
These lifts also work well for cleaning, window washing, and painting, no matter whether you’re tackling the interior or the exterior. Look for models with non-marking tires for interior work and rough terrain tires for exterior jobs.
While you’re outdoors, you can also use articulating boom lifts for tree trimming. Since these machines can easily move workers up and over limbs, they’re ideal for tackling trimming and pruning safely.
JLG 400S
Whether you need a small articulating boom lift or a larger model, you’ll find the right one at BigRentz. Take a closer look at the standard dimensions for these machines and find out how high they can reach and how large of a load they can support:
Genie Z-3422
Several manufacturers make articulating boom lifts. When you’re browsing for the right machine for your job site, consider the following brands:
Articulating boom lifts can help your crew tackle tough jobs safely and easily. Before you use this type of equipment, you need to know how to operate it safely. Like other heavy-duty machines, boom lifts require training. All crew members who plan to operate the boom lift should complete training.
It is extremely important to follow saftey protocol when operating an articulatingboom lift.
As you get ready to use your rented articulating boom lift, you should also make sure your crew knows about common hazards. Understanding the dangers that your crew members could encounter will help them stay safe.
Since many boom lifts can reach up to 150 feet in the air, falls can happen. Your crew members can prevent falls by always standing firmly on the work platform. They should never sit or stand on the safety rails. They should refrain from using ladders or scaffolding on the platform. When elevated, make sure your crew members always wear a body harness. Ensure the harness is tethered to the lift for added protection.
If your job site features overhead wires or other electrical equipment, your crew may come into contact with these dangerous objects. To stay safe, your crew should always assume that wires and equipment are live. Instruct your crew to maintain a safe distance of 10 feet from all wires and conductors. If a gas leak happens on your job site, evacuate your crew right away and don’t use a boom lift in the area.
Although electrical wires pose serious dangers, articulating boom lifts can run into many obstacles. When operating a boom lift, make sure your crew members can see in every direction. Make every attempt to avoid obstacles such as tree limbs, walls, and barriers.
While electric and hybrid boom lifts don’t produce fumes, gas-powered models do. If you’re working in an indoor space or a confined area, note that fumes may not ventilate properly. Poor ventilation can make your crew sick and could make them unable to operate the lift correctly. Always use equipment designed for the space, and don’t use fume-producing lifts indoors.
Along with choosing the right type of articulating boom lift for your job site, you’ll need to decide whether you should rent or buy. At BigRentz, the choice is clear. Find out some of the biggest benefits of renting equipment and learn why you should choose BigRentz.
For many contractors, the decision comes down to cost. In many cases, renting equipment is more affordable than buying it. After all, buying new equipment requires a major capital spend. The average price for a new boom lift is between $75,000 and $100,000. If you don’t have that type of capital available, you may have to take out a loan. That loan can cost you more in interest charges, and a loan ties up your company’s available credit.
In contrast, renting an articulating boom lift costs only a few hundred dollars a day or a few thousand dollars per month. Whether you need to use the lift for a day, a week, or for a few months, renting offers substantial savings.
Some contractors consider purchasing used equipment to save money. While that choice can save you money initially, you’ll end up with an older model that doesn’t have the latest technology. Relying on older tech can make jobs take longer, which can cost you money. When you want the newest features, but you want to keep your project costs low, renting can be your best bet.
You can easily forget that the price tag on the machine is far from the only costs you’ll pay if you own a boom lift. Storage alone can cost you hundreds of dollars every month, especially if you aren’t actively using the lift. Maintenance and repairs can add up when you use the lift constantly. When you own equipment, you’ll also have to pay insurance and transportation costs every time you need to move the lift.
When you rent, all of these factors are included in the cost of the rental. From maintenance to delivery, BigRentz handles it all to make renting an articulating boom lift more affordable and more convenient.
Articulating boom lifts come in all shapes and sizes. You may not always easily find the model you need in your area, but BigRentz always has what you want available for rent. With more than 7,500 local delivery locations, BigRentz is ready to help. From smaller indoor boom lifts to outdoor models equipped for rough terrain, BigRentz has what you need.
In many cases, you won’t have to wait long for delivery either. BigRentz offers next-day or same-day delivery for most equipment. As a result, you can get to work right away without waiting weeks or months for delivery. If your project plan is subject to change quickly, you can rest assured that you’ll always have an articulating boom lift when and where you need it.
As you prepare to rent an articulating boom lift, you’re bound to have at least a few questions. Explore some of our most frequently asked questions to get all the information you need.
With the many jobs they do and the many benefits they offer, it’s no wonder articulating boom lifts are essential for contractors. Whether you need added height or extra reach, these heavy-duty machines are up to the task. Why wait to get the job done? Call BigRentz at (888) 325-5172 today. Rent the right articulating boom lift for your job site and arrange delivery on a schedule that works for your crew.
