Boom lifts help many different types of industries because they provide access to hard to reach areas. Part of the flexibility and versatility of boom lifts relate to portability. As a result, towable boom lifts offer a tremendous amount of options for operators.
What differentiates a towable boom lift?
As the name implies, towable boom lifts differ from other aerial lifts because they are capable of being towed to work sites. In most cases towable boom lifts utilize an open bucket as the aerial lift platform, which provides some additional safety features because workers do not need to get in and out of the machine while working.
Are there unique safety features for towable boom lifts?
Generally, towable boom lifts include the standard safety features as other aerial devices. However, there are a few different features, such as the bucket platform, which provides a little more fall protection as the worker is in a bucket vs open platform. Additionally, towable boom lifts sit on tires, which means the rubber provides some added insulation against electricity. Finally, most towable boom lifts include controls within the bucket, which provides the operator and worker with more control of the platform.
Although there are some subtle differences that towable boom lifts offer, it is extremely important for operators to follow all standard operating procedures and general safety requirements. As a reminder, OSHA offers some basic operating safety tips, which certainly apply to towable boom lifts.
- Do not exceed the load-capacity limits (and take the combined weight of the operator, 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.
- Do not operate lower level controls.
- Do not operate an aerial lift in high winds (as recommended by the manufacturer).
- Do not override hydraulic, mechanical, or electrical safety devices.
What are the most common uses for towable boom lifts?
There are numerous types of aerial lifts and in particular, boom lifts. As a result, determining the right boom lift for your needs can become a little confusing. For example, articulating boom lifts move up and over, which makes them great to access hard to reach or awkward places. This helps with general building maintenance because the lift articulating nature allows operators to maneuver around large spaces. Conversely, scissor lifts feature a large working platform, but only elevate vertically, which makes them ideal for large construction projects above the ground.
Towable boom lifts, which are commonly uses as “cherry pickers” work very well in agriculture. For example, attaching a towable boom lift to a truck and driving around a large farm helps improve the efficiency of picking fruits and vegetables. Additionally, the telecommunications industry relies on towable boom lifts to easily move around neighborhoods or throughout towns to fix multiple power line issues.
Ultimately, towable boom lifts enable easier portability, but maintain slightly smaller work platforms. As a result, they work well for out of the way job sites (due to simply towing the boom lift to a truck and driving to the site) and for smaller jobs that don’t require a lot of workers (because the platform is a little smaller than other aerial lifts).
Any other boom lift information to know?
Safety, safety, safety.
First and foremost, prior to operating any type of aerial lift, new operators must learn from experienced professionals and remember safety first. As a result, workers should start building their workplace inspection habit. Importantly, this means more than just the warehouse that holds the lift, but the actual work site.
For example, electrocutions remain one of the most common dangers (particularly with towable boom lifts). Therefore, prior to operating any aerial device, look around the site for overhead wires (this also includes any exposed wires in the ceiling if you are working inside). Additionally, some other common workplace safety hazards include tip-overs and collapses. Generally, these hazards are preventable, so the safety first mentality remains adhering to the manufacturer’s safety guidelines, particularly as it relates to weight and other common safety hazards, such as:
- Objects falling from lifts.
- Ejections from the lift platform.
- Entanglement hazards.
- Contact with objects/ceilings.
Additionally, proper safety steps include machine maintenance, which starts during pre-use inspections. For example, during an inspection, if you notice any damage, then remove the lift from field work at that time and address the damage. Finally, create a checklist and remember to routinely complete the following aerial lift maintenance checks.
- Fluid Levels
- Tire Pressure
- Personal Safety Equipment
- Post Job Lift Examination
- Take Notes & Records
Finally, where do you find replacement parts for your towable boom lift?
Aerial Equipment Parts is your answer because we provide a large selection of aerial lift replacement parts, including all of the leading brands. From JLG and Genie to SkyJack and Snorkel lifts, if you need any replacement parts for your towable boom lift, then search our inventory or call/e-mail with any questions! To help keep your operations up and running, we maintain stocked warehouses throughout the US and ship Monday through Friday 7:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. CST.
Plus, our team is filled with industry professionals with years of experience. As a result, if you have any questions or concerns, our customer service team is fully knowledgeable on all products. For any aerial lift equipment questions, contact us today at 303-704-7000 or contact@aerialequipmentparts.com.
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