Boom lifts provide the construction industry with a safe working platform that helps reduce accidents and liability concerns. In fact, boom lifts offer so many benefits that other industries such as utilities and telecommunication field workers leverage these aerial lifts. Additionally, there are articulating and telescopic boom lifts.
What are Telescopic Boom Lifts?
Ultimately, telescopic lifts provide field workers with the ability to move horizontally or vertically in order to move the platform exactly where it is needed.
Telescopic boom lifts (also known as a straight boom lift) extends straight out of the base. As the name implies, telescopic boom lifts work like a telescope. This means that the lifts are made of multiple sections that fold together like a telescope. During use, the sections expand, which allows the lift to elevate diagonally or vertically to take advantage of the complete boom length.
As a result, telescopic boom lifts offer the greatest amount of horizontal reach than other types of aerial lifts. The extended horizontal reach means these lifts work wonders for sites with difficult angles because they provide the maximum amount of horizontal, along with vertical reach. The extended reach makes telescopic lifts great for construction sites that require the need to get into position quickly (and ideally helps boost productivity).
What are the Differences Between Telescopic vs Articulating Boom Lifts
Telescopic boom lifts extend sections that create the horizontal and vertical reach. Conversely, articulating boom lifts extend via a series of jointed segments. As a result, telescopic lifts extend in a straight line. Whereas articulating lifts extend up-and-over.
In general, telescopic boom lifts work well in the following conditions:
- Performing work over a large distance.
- Performing multiple tasks.
- Traversing rough terrain.
In general, articulating boom lifts work well in the following conditions:
- Performing work in a difficult position.
- Performing work that requires side-to-side movement.
- Traversing tight work spaces.
Ultimately, the required use helps operators determine whether a telescopic or articulating boom lifts works the best. For example, telescopic lifts provide superior strength, height and reach. Conversely, articulating lifts provide a more compact, agile and nimble maneuvering.
How to Operate & Maintain Telescopic Boom Lifts
As with all aerial lifts, operators must follow the necessary precautions and avoid unnecessary risks while working with telescopic boom lifts. For example, due to working at the highest heights, fall risk inherently remains a primary concern and danger.
As a result, remember to create a stable work zone. In particular, stand firmly on the floor of the lift bucket or platform and never climb or lean over the rails, along with always wearing a safety harness or restraining belt and never belt-off adjacent structures or poles while working on the platform or bucket.
Additionally, be sure to operate telescopic (and any boom) lift, within the manufacturer’s guidelines, along with following OSHA regulations, such as:
- Do not exceed the load-capacity limits (and take the combined weight of the worker(s), tools and materials into account when calculating the load).
- Do not carry objects larger than the platform.
- Do not drive with the lift platform raised (unless the manufacturer’s instructions allow this).
- Do not operate lower level controls unless permission is obtained from the worker(s) in the lift (except in emergencies).
- Do not exceed vertical or horizontal reach limits.
- Do not operate an aerial lift in high winds above those recommended by the manufacturer.
- Do not override hydraulic, mechanical, or electrical safety devices.
Finally, proper maintenance helps with the operations. For example, pre-use inspections ensure no damage or issues exist with the lift prior to use. In a pre-use inspection, check the fluid levels, tire pressure and personal safety equipment. Plus, following any job, remember to complete a post-work inspection as well. In a post job examination conduct a concise inspection that includes a detailed record of inspections, maintenance and repairs.
For more information on maintaining your aerial lift equipment, Aerial Equipment Parts maintains a vast inventory of replacement parts. We are an equipment parts wholesaler and understand it is important to speak with sales representatives that know the aerial lift industry when looking to maintain your equipment and ensure its longevity. Rest assured, when you call AEP you will speak with someone who knows parts, which we believe sets us apart from the competition. Plus, we know when you need a part, you need it fast to ensure your operations don’t slow down. As a result, we maintain stocked warehouses throughout the US and ship Monday through Friday 7:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. CST.
Shop our pages for quality new, aftermarket products from the most trusted names in the industry. Products are available at the most competitive prices and are shipped fast! For any aerial lift equipment questions, contact us today at 303-704-7000 or contact@aerialequipmentparts.com.
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